Ackawi Cheese vs Halloumi Cheese

Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Halloumi Cheese is semihard and made from cow, goat, and sheep milk, originating in Cyprus.

What Is Ackawi Cheese?

Akkawi is a white brine cheese from the Levant, named after the port city of Acre. It is usually made from pasteurized cow's milk, cured two days in salted whey brine, and eaten with soft flatbread or on its own as a table cheese.

What Is Halloumi Cheese?

Halloumi is a brined cheese from Cyprus, traditionally made from goat and sheep milk, though most modern halloumi also contains cow's milk. It has a high melting point, so it browns on the grill or in a pan without melting, and it squeaks when you chew it.

What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Halloumi Cheese?

• Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Halloumi Cheese (Cyprus)
• Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Halloumi Cheese (cow's, goat's and sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: Ackawi Cheese (pasteurized), Halloumi Cheese (traditionally raw, pasteurized commercially)
• Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Halloumi Cheese (Semihard)
• Rind: Ackawi Cheese (natural), Halloumi Cheese (No rind)
• Aging: Ackawi Cheese (2 days in brine), Halloumi Cheese (40 days)
• Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Halloumi Cheese (Mild, salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Halloumi Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Halloumi Cheese brings mild, salty character. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Halloumi Cheese's strong. Aging plays into this as well. Ackawi Cheese at 2 days in brine develops a different profile than Halloumi Cheese at 40 days.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Halloumi Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Halloumi Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, brined bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Halloumi Cheese brings mild, salty notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Halloumi Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, brined cheese, go with Ackawi Cheese. For a semihard profile, Halloumi Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Halloumi Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, salty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Halloumi Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Halloumi Cheese comes from Cyprus. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Halloumi Cheese uses cow, goat, and sheep. Aging also differs: Ackawi Cheese is typically aged 2 days in brine, Halloumi Cheese 40 days.

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Halloumi Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Halloumi Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Halloumi Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Halloumi Cheese is mild, salty. Aromas also diverge. Ackawi Cheese leans mild, milky, and Halloumi Cheese is closer to strong.

What is Ackawi Cheese made of?

Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 2 days in brine. It originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria.

What is Halloumi Cheese made of?

Halloumi Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk (traditionally raw, pasteurized commercially), using mostly vegetable or microbial rennet. It's typically aged 40 days. It originates in Cyprus.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Halloumi Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Halloumi Cheese is semihard.