This low carb grilled halloumi makes a great side dish for your next cookout. Plus some great ideas for hosting the perfect backyard get together.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, I am not talking about Christmas, I’m talking about grilling season. The weather is warming up, Memorial Day is just around the corner and it’s time to invite a few friends over, and fired up that grill that’s been hiding all winter long. I swear it almost doesn’t matter what you put on it, it’s bound to come out tasting like summer…that charcoal grilled taste brings out the best flavours in everything from veggies to meats to cake. Yup, I said cake. Grilled pound cake is delicious!
Since we put some serious effort into our backyard this year, I’ve been chomping at the bit to host a backyard bbq. So this Memorial Day, we are hosting quite a number of friends and neighbours. The guest list grew rather quickly so I suspect we may have to borrow an extra grill or two to feed all the hungry tummies. We will be burning the charcoal at both ends, quite literally. I know it will be chaos but I also know it will be a total blast! Let’s just hope the Portland weather cooperates.
My best tips on hosting a big cookout:
– Be sure to stock up on supplies early. Don’t be that person who has to run out in the middle of the party to get more charcoal (or plates, or drinks, or ice, or whatever!). I have several bags of Kingsford Match Light in our shed, at the ready for party time. Because it lights so quickly with one match, we can get our food cooking in 10 minutes easily.
– Let your guests bring their favourite side dishes and drinks while you supply the main course. It takes a lot of stress off your hands and keeps your preparations simple and straightforward.
– Be considerate of people who might have special dietary needs, whether they are gluten intolerant, vegetarian, or low carb. As someone who is on a specialized diet, I can tell you it’s always appreciated. Encourage them to bring a special dish and make sure you have a few options that fit everyone’s needs.
– There is no such thing as too much food and the leftovers can feed your family for the next few days. I keep Glad Press’n Seal around to wrap up things up right on the plate or serving dish so I don’t have to transfer them to another container (less washing up!). I find it far more useful than cling wrap, since it will stick to any surface, including plastic, wood, and even paper. It also clings to itself so you can make custom-szed bags for funny little leftover bits.
– Keep it simple by doing one-stop shopping wherever possible. Walmart has everything you need for hosting the perfect backyard bbq this grilling season. Grills, charcoal, plates, cups, ingredients, and storage for the yummy leftovers.
– Dessert IS required at my cookouts. I always make something fun and easy for the kids, and something a little more sophisticated for the adults. Guests can bring these too, of course!
And now for a delicious side dish that fits my dietary needs but that everyone will love. If you’ve never tried Halloumi grilling cheese (yes, cheese you can put right on the grill), you’re in for a treat.
Grilled Halloumi Bruschetta
Ingredients
- 2 medium tomatoes chopped
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 7- ounce packages Halloumi cheese (Cyprus grilling cheese)
Instructions
- In a large, combine tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate (the flavours meld together well, so you can make this a few hours ahead).
- Cut each piece of halloumi once crosswise and then cut into even ½ inch to ½-inch thin slices. You will get about 12 slices of cheese. Grill over medium heat until grill marks appear on the cheese, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You will need to loosen the cheese with a metal spatula to turn.
- Transfer to a serving platter and top with tomato basil mixture.
Notes
Total fat: 11.24g
Calories from fat: 101
Cholesterol: 25mg
Carbohydrate: 0.96g
Total dietary fiber: 0.26g
Protein: 7.24g
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Kingsford Charcoal and Glad . The opinions and text are all mine.
Sherry says
How would this dish be for making ahead but keeping the topping separate. Invited to a pool party and bring a snack to share. Would you suggest this dish for a snack travel dish Carolyn?
Angie | Big Bears Wife says
Grilling season is amazing, isn’t it! I’m sad that we don’t have a grill this year but I know I”m going to be spending a ton of time grilling at my parents house this year! Everyone is going to love this bruschetta! Hope the weather cooperates!
Nutmeg Nanny says
Grilling season is my favorite season! I think if I showed up and saw grilled cheese bruschetta my heart would explode with happiness! I also love the tip about being considerate to allergies/specialized diets. My best friend is GF and I’m always making sure to have sides and desserts for her.
Mary S. says
Like many others, I would actually prefer cheese to bread as a bruschetta base! I’m not a fan of crunchy hunks of toast.
Halloumi is fairly dense and dry, but would you recommend a thorough oiling of the grill and/or the cheese itself in order to prevent a sticky mess on the grill?
Carolyn says
I can put it on my grill as is but if your grill tends to stick, oiling the grill might not be a bad idea.
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
I love this idea! It seems like people always bring halloumi to BBQs around here but they never do anything creative with it like this. We’ll have to try it. 🙂 And I do love my Press’n Seal! It’s so handy.
Alyssa | EverydayMaven says
Your memorial BBQ sounds awesome – wish I was a couple of hours closer! This is a great dish – I love Halloumi cheese – especially with grilled watermelon and Tajin. So good!
brenda@sugarfreemom says
Oh I wish I could find that cheese where I live!!! Sounds so good and this looks fantastic for grilling season! I love Glad Press and Seal!!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Ummm, I totally would rather load my bruschetta topping onto cheese than bread!! Great tips for a fun summer party! Wish I were close enough to come to yours!
Kirsten / Comfortably Domestic says
Grilled halloumi cheese is just about one of my most favorite things on the planet. I usually top salads with it, but I love the idea of tomato bruschetta topping.
christine says
Oh wow, this sounds fantastic. I have yet to try halloumi. I know. I know. I need to get with it.
Lauren KELLY Nutrition says
I need to try this cheese! I agree, I love grilling season! You have great tips here, just in time because we are entertaining this weekend. And I don’t know what I’d do without my Glad Press n Seal! I use it all the time!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
I have never seen this variety of cheese before, but I know this would be a huge hit at my house! Never would have thought to put it on the grill either, bu I can’t wait to try.
Christine says
This looks so good! I love Halloumi and always thing it’s so cool that you can cook it and it doesn’t drip. Yum!
Tracy says
I just bought some of this cheese that is also called bread cheese. I cubed it and browned in a saute pan. Topped it with low carb blackberry jam and I am now hooked. I found it at Hyvee. I really had a hard time not eating it all at once being an absolute cheese fanatic. It’s genetic in my family.?
Carolyn says
That sounds delicious!
Mary Jo says
Where does one find Halloumi cheese? I haven’t seen it anywhere!
Carolyn says
Well, a lot of stores are now carrying it in the specialty cheese section. Trader Joe’s always has it, as does Whole Foods, but even regular grocery stores are catching on!