Kitchn Love Letters

The $4 Aldi Grocery I’ll Be Grilling All Summer Long

updated Nov 14, 2022
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image

During the summer, there is no place I’d rather eat than my own backyard. Seriously! With just a few great groceries and my grill, I can deliver dinners that are infinitely more interesting (and less expensive!) than anything I can order. Shrimp and steak, and even Rice Krispies Treats are staples on my grill, and this summer there’s a new ingredient that will be making a repeat appearance all season long: halloumi cheese. More specifically, the halloumi cheese from Aldi!

Credit: Patty Catalano

Emporium Selection Halloumi Grilling Cheese $3.49 for 7 ounces

While I’m a relatively new member of the Halloumi Appreciation Association, Kitchn’s been singing this squeaky cheese’s praises for well over a decade. The cheese is cooked before being shaped and brined and, as a result, it tastes even better heated than it does cold. The best part is that it won’t melt into a puddle of goo like some other cheeses will.

For me, there’s no better place to start cooking with halloumi than a summery salad. When former Kitchn staffer Grace Elkus shared this halloumi salad with peaches, cherries, and arugula, I made it four times in one week. I could not stop eating it. Sure, a salad with peppery arugula and sweet summer fruit might be delightful on its own, but add warm bites of crispy, salty, cheesy halloumi and it’s a showstopper.

Halloumi isn’t just a low-carb crouton sub — it can also be a satiating option for plant-based patio partygoers. Slide the slice of cheese onto the grill and use it to top eggplant or veggie burgers, or go over-the-top and include it in a big-time mixed grill.

Once you’ve tried halloumi on salad and as a part of a dinner spread, why not serve it for dessert? Hunks of halloumi skewered with juicy fruit and brushed with a zesty honey-lime glaze is a refreshing twist on the fruit and cheese platter. Warning: You may end up making it multiple times a week.

Do you have a favorite cheese? Share your favorite way to serve it in the comments.