No, bread cheese and halloumi are not the same thing. While they share some similarities, they are different types of cheese with distinct origins, ingredients, textures, and uses.
What is bread cheese?
Bread cheese, also known as leipäjuusto or juustoleipa, is a fresh cheese that originated in Finland. It gets its name from its bread-like shape and texture. Bread cheese is made by curdling and heating cow’s milk, usually with rennet. The curds are pressed together into a round loaf shape, resulting in a mild, semi-soft cheese. Traditional bread cheeses are baked or grilled before serving, developing a distinct browned outer crust.
What is halloumi?
Halloumi is a semi-hard, brined cheese that originated in Cyprus. It’s traditionally made from a mixture of goat and sheep milk, although today cow’s milk is also used. After curdling the milk with rennet, the curds are washed to reduce lactose content, helping halloumi keep its shape when cooked. Halloumi has a high melting point due to its high salt content, allowing it to retain its shape when fried or grilled.
Differences Between Bread Cheese and Halloumi
While bread cheese and halloumi share some common traits like their ability to be fried or grilled, they have several key differences:
Ingredients
- Bread cheese is made solely from cow’s milk.
- Halloumi is traditionally made from a blend of goat and sheep milk.
Texture
- Bread cheese has a soft, smooth interior similar to mozzarella with a crunchy browned exterior.
- Halloumi has a springy, chewy texture more similar to a firm mozzarella.
Salt Content
- Bread cheese has a mild, lightly salted flavor.
- Halloumi has a much higher salt content, resulting in a salty, briny flavor.
Melting
- Bread cheese will melt with high heat.
- Halloumi’s high salt content prevents it from fully melting when cooked.
Production
Bread cheese and halloumi also differ in their traditional production:
Bread Cheese
- Made from fresh cow’s milk
- Rennet added to curdle milk
- Curds pressed into loaf shape
- Baked or grilled before serving
Halloumi
- Made from goat and sheep milk
- Curdled with rennet, then washed to reduce lactose
- Shaped into flat slices
- Brined in saltwater solution
Uses
Due to their unique textures, bread cheese and halloumi are used differently:
Bread Cheese Uses
- Eaten as a snack
- Sandwich filling
- Pizza topping
- Addition to salads
Halloumi Uses
- Grilled or fried
- In skewers and kebabs
- Addition to Mediterranean dishes
Availability
- Bread cheese is easiest to find in Scandinavian countries like Finland and Sweden.
- Halloumi is readily available in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean markets.
- Outside their regions of origin, both may require a trip to a specialty grocer.
Nutrition
Nutritionally, bread cheese and halloumi have some differences:
| Nutrition Facts Per 100g | Bread Cheese | Halloumi |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 252 | 265 |
| Fat | 13g | 21g |
| Protein | 19g | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 3.0g | 3.0g |
| Sodium | 468mg | 712mg |
As shown, halloumi contains more fat and sodium compared to bread cheese, while both provide protein.
Price
Bread cheese is generally more affordable than halloumi. Pricing can vary based on the retailer, but halloumi averages $15-20 per pound compared to $7-12 per pound for bread cheese.
Flavor
- Bread cheese has a mild, lightly salty flavor.
- Halloumi has a stronger, saltier flavor from the brining process.
Conclusion
While bread cheese and halloumi share the trait of holding their shape when cooked, they are distinctly different cheeses. Key differences include their ingredients, texture, salt content, production methods, and typical uses. Bread cheese provides a mild flavor and affordable option compared to the salty intensity and higher price of halloumi. When in doubt, a taste test is the best way to determine which cheese suits your preferences!