Can You Freeze Halloumi? (Correct Method)

Halloumi is one of the most favorite cheeses of youngsters and adults, it’s hard, chewy, and has a mild salty flavor that melts in the mouth but doesn’t melt when heated, and halloumi can be cooked in a thousand ways, with a bunch of various flavors.

It is not entirely a cheese; instead, it is semi-cheese from Cyprus that is grilled or fried without melting. This cheese can also be used in salads, pasta, and any dish you want.

But can it freeze? This question has baffled many because even though halloumi is different from other cheeses, but is it different enough to freeze well? If you want to learn about freezing halloumi, this guide is for you.

So, let’s get started on how to freeze halloumi.

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Can You Freeze Halloumi?

Yes, you can freeze halloumi. Since it is semi-hard (it is very much similar to mozzarella except for its strong taste), it quickly freezes without having an alteration in taste or texture.

Freezing halloumi is as easy as ABC. You can freeze them either as a block or as slices. But, if you are thinking about cooking it and then freezing it, you should freeze it asap after cooking and not leave it at room temperature because it can go bad because of bacteria growth. 

But, halloumi can freeze quickly in any form.

Does Freezing Affect Halloumi?

Yes and no. If you freeze cooked halloumi, its texture and taste will drastically change; the cheese will become dry and rubbery without any moisture and will also start crumbling.

However, if you freeze your halloumi fresh (without cooking or grilling), the taste, texture, and scent will stay intact, just like fresh halloumi. 

However, there is one thing you should remember about freezing halloumi: no air should get inside the bag or container you freeze it in because crystals can form, and your cheese can dry.

5 Tips for Freezing Halloumi

Now that you know halloumi can freeze and that it is a sensitive cheese that can lose its texture when mistreated, it is crucial that you know some tips about freezing it.

I strongly recommend following these tips, so you don’t have to deal with spoiled cheese once it defrosts.

Try to freeze the cheese without breaking its packaging. Usually, when we buy cheese, it is packed in plastic; now, if you don’t want the headache of ensuring that no air gets in the packaging, the best way is to freeze it as it is. Just write the freezing date on the package and pop it in the freezer.

Don’t cook it beforehand unless absolutely necessary because cooking and then freezing halloumi can spoil its texture and taste. Instead, try to freeze it raw, and once you defrost it, you can do whatever you want with it.

Keep it airtight because if the air gets in the packaging, it can make the cheese dry. If you are not freezing your cheese in its original packaging, try to freeze it in an airtight bag or container so no air gets in and forms crystals.

Try to freeze your cheese in slices instead of the whole block because when you want it later, you will have to thaw the entire block and refreeze the rest; this can alter the texture and taste of halloumi. If you freeze the slices, you can take out as many as you want without defrosting the other slices.

Don’t thaw and refreeze halloumi repeatedly, as it can seriously affect its texture and taste. If you do so, your cheese will become dry and lose its shape; basically, it will become a sad mess.

Can You Freeze Opened Halloumi?

Yes, you can store opened halloumi, but you will have to pack it in an airtight container or bag to keep it safe.

If you opened your halloumi cheese for use and then want to freeze the rest of it, then you shouldn’t put the open bag for freezing, instead, try to wrap it properly in plastic wrap (ensuring that no air can pass through) and then freeze it. This will keep your cheese fresh and its texture intact.

How to Freeze Halloumi in a Block

If you bought a halloumi block and want to freeze it as a whole, this is the method I recommend.

If you bought the halloumi block in a sealed plastic bag, don’t open the bag because the seal will help keep the cheese fresh. However, if it is not sealed, then you should either place it in an airtight bag or an airtight container or wrap it in the cling film to keep the moisture and texture locked (if you are unsure that cling film will not protect the cheese block then double wrap it or put it in an airtight bag after wrapping with the film).

Once your cheese is all wrapped up, it is time to freeze it. Put the bag or container in the freezer to freeze. But, don’t forget to mention the date of freezing on it.

How to Freeze Sliced Halloumi?

Are you are slice person more than you are a block person? If yes, then you should know how to freeze your halloumi cheese as slices; plus, it is also the most common way to cook halloumi. So, just follow the steps to freeze your halloumi as slices.

Slice your halloumi in any way you want, but I suggest you keep the slices as even-sized as possible.

Now cut parchment paper a bit larger than your halloumi slice rectangularly, and then place one parchment paper and one halloumi slice alternatively on top of one another. This way, the slices will stay separate from each other.

Wrap your little stack into cling film properly so that the cheese is airtight, and put the stack in an airtight bag or container with the date of freezing on it.

Finally, put your bag or container in the freezer and let the cheese freeze completely.

How To Thaw Frozen Halloumi?

Just like any cheese, you should thaw halloumi in a way that allows it to stay in its natural state rather than becoming all watery and rubbery. Keep your cheese fresh and intact, you should melt it very slowly.

Take out your halloumi and put it on a plate and then in your fridge for a few hours (or 1 day) before you need it. And then, take it out of the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before you want to use it. This will make it melt slowly while keeping it fresh.

image of Halloumi cheese sliced in pieces

Obviously, you can quickly thaw your cheese by putting it on your kitchen counter or in warm water, but that doesn’t keep your halloumi like you would want it to taste and feel. 

Suppose you rush the process of defrosting halloumi. In that case, it will lose its moisture, become rubbery and dry simultaneously, and basically become torture to eat instead of the delight it is supposed to be. So defrost it with patience.

How Long Can You Freeze Halloumi?     

If you freeze your halloumi cheese correctly, it can last up to six months in the freezer. The cheese will stay in its original condition and taste once frozen and will be good to use the next time you want to use it. 

However, the trick to keeping halloumi fresh and intact is to freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag with a label. You should use your halloumi before 6 months are over. Otherwise, the cheese can go bad or lose its fantastic texture.

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Can You Refreeze Halloumi?

You can refreeze halloumi but shouldn’t because it is basically like a death sentence for the cheese. Refreezing it will wreak havoc on it.

The taste will be spoiled, the texture will become rubbery and dry, and the scent will become sour. You might even have to throw it away because it will become uneatable.

If you are thinking about freezing the whole block of halloumi but can’t consume it whole at once, then freeze your cheese in slices to save yourself the handwork and the cheese from ruining.

Final Verdict

Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese from Cyprus, similar to mozzarella and feta cheese. But, it is drier and firm compared to other cheese. This cheese is famous for not melting easily.

It is a very versatile cheese and tastes excellent grilled or raw. But, if you have a lot of halloumi on your hands, or want to save some for later, then the best way to do so is to freeze them.

We hope this guide helps you freeze your halloumi cheese perfectly to enjoy it later. Happy freezing!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does halloumi last in the fridge?

Halloumi can stay in the fridge until its expiry date if it is unopened. However, once you open it, you can reseal it in an airtight container with salt water to keep it moist and fresh; this way, your cheese will last up to 2 weeks.

Apart from this, you can also wrap it in wax paper tightly if it is opened and then rewrap it in the new paper every time you unwrap it to use.

How long halloumi lasts in the fridge depends on how you store it.

Can you freeze and reheat halloumi?

You can do it, but doing so will spoil it. If you freeze and heat halloumi to defrost it quickly, the cheese will turn rubbery and dry.

That is why I recommend that you let the cheese defrost at its own pace. Take out as much cheese as you want 12 hours before using it, and then put it in the refrigerator.

Then take it out 20 minutes before using it and put it on the kitchen counter to thaw it completely, correctly, and safely.

Can you cook halloumi from frozen?

Yes, you can cook halloumi while frozen, but it will not get the same crunch and feel like an adequately thawed cheese.

Instead, it will be watery with all the frozen juices. So, it is recommended that you thaw it before cooking or eating.

How long does halloumi last out of the fridge?

If your halloumi is sealed, it can last one to two days out of the fridge; however, if it is opened, it will last only a few hours.

Because cheeses are made with milk and bacteria, a block of cheese that has been sitting at room temperature for too long can have bacteria growth, leading the cheese to go bad.
So, don’t leave your cheese out for too long.