Mushroom Haloumi Burger Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because the combination of savory grilled portobello mushrooms, creamy avocado, and perfectly golden halloumi cheese makes every bite an explosion of delicious textures and flavors. Plus, the ease of throwing this together on a grill makes it my go-to for impressing friends at BBQs while keeping it vegetarian-friendly and super satisfying.

I enjoy making a scrumptious Mushroom Halloumi Burger that pairs portobello mushrooms and halloumi, two magnificent meaty morsels, for an out-of-this-world veggie burger. I sauté the mushrooms with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and oregano, creating a warm and smooth mixture to beckon the satisfying, juicy riff off a traditional burger.

The toasty brioche, the ripe avocado, and the unfettered fresh arugula take this burger to another level. Enjoy!

Ingredients

Portobello Mushrooms:
Antioxidants are plentiful; a meaty texture is provided; a low-calorie count exists.

Halloumi Cheese:
Rich in protein; delivers a briny, chewy taste; excellent for barbecuing.

Brioche Burger Buns:
Gentle and subtly sweet; contributes sugars; balances hearty stuffings.

Olive Oil:
Fats that are good for heart health; useful for sautéing; boosts taste.

Avocado:
Smooth consistency; plentiful in beneficial omega-3 fats; imparts a delicate taste.

Tomato:
Contains vitamin C; brings freshness and color; is unctuous and winsome.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
• 200g halloumi cheese, sliced into 1 cm thick pieces
• 4 brioche burger buns, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• Handful of fresh arugula or rocket leaves
• 4 tablespoons hummus or mayonnaise (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat your grill or griddle pan to medium-high before cooking.

2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a marinade.

3. Both sides of the portobello mushrooms should be brushed with the marinade. They should then be set aside for at least 10 minutes to take in the flavors.

4. Position the marinated mushrooms on the grill, gill side down, and grill them for approximately 5-7 minutes on either side until they are tender and juicy.

5. As you grill the mushrooms, add the halloumi cheese slices to the grill or pan and cook them for around 2-3 minutes on each side, making sure they achieve a golden brown color.

6. Toast the brioche buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster.

7. If you’re going to use it, spread a tablespoon of either hummus or mayonnaise on the bottom half of each brioche bun.

8. Begin to construct the burger by putting a grilled mushroom onto the lower bun. On top of that, stack some slices of avocado, then a slice or two of tomato, and finally some grilled halloumi cheese.

9. Place a few fresh arugula leaves atop the halloumi.

10. Put the upper half of the brioche bun over the arugula, press it gently, and serve the burgers right away while they’re warm.

Equipment Needed

1. Grill or griddle pan
2. Small bowl
3. Basting brush
4. Tongs
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Plate or serving tray
8. Toaster (optional)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of mushroom? Yes, while portobello mushrooms are ideal for their size and texture, you can use large cremini or field mushrooms as an alternative.
• What can I substitute for halloumi cheese?A substitute can be made with paneer or a firm tofu, but they will have different flavors and textures.
• Is there a gluten-free option for the burger buns?Certainly, gluten-free burger buns or lettuce wraps can be used as substitutes.
• How do I cook the mushrooms?What you need to know:

  Brush them with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, season with oregano, salt, and pepper, and grill them until tender.

• Can the burgers be prepared in advance?The components can be prepared ahead of time, like slicing the vegetables and marinating the mushrooms, but it’s best to grill the mushrooms and halloumi just before serving.
• What condiment pairs well with these burgers?Pesto or spicy aioli can be used for added flavor instead of hummus or mayonnaise, but they should NOT be omitted altogether because creamy texture is essential.
• Can I add other toppings?Certainly! You can also enhance flavor and texture by adding grilled onions, roasted peppers, or sliced cucumbers.

Substitutions and Variations

Portobello mushrooms: Replace with large field mushrooms or slices of eggplant.
Halloumi cheese. If you seek a substitute for this cheese, try using paneer or a firm tofu for an option that is non-dairy and will yield similar results.
Brioche burger buns: Change to whole wheat buns or gluten-free buns.
Olive oil: Use avocado oil or vegetable oil as a substitute.
Rocket or arugula leaves: Substitute with spinach or assorted salad greens.

Pro Tips

1. Marinade Enhancement Consider adding a touch of garlic powder or minced fresh garlic to the marinade for an extra depth of flavor. This will complement the earthiness of the mushrooms and the saltiness of the halloumi.

2. Mushroom Prep Tip Before marinating, gently scrape out the gills of the portobello mushrooms with a spoon. This reduces the potential for them to become soggy during grilling and helps them absorb the marinade more effectively.

3. Halloumi Moisture Control Pat the halloumi slices dry with a paper towel before grilling. This helps achieve a perfect golden brown crust by reducing excess moisture that could lead to steaming rather than grilling.

4. Avocado Preservation To prevent the avocado slices from browning, brush them lightly with lemon or lime juice. This not only keeps them fresh-looking but also adds a hint of citrus that pairs well with the other flavors.

5. Additional Texture and Flavor Consider adding a thin slice of red onion or pickled onions to the burger build for an extra crunch and a hint of sharpness that complements the creamy avocado and savory halloumi.