Hellimli

🍞Hellimli Recipe: Traditional Halloumi Bread from North Cyprus

If you’ve ever travelled to North Cyprus, you’ve likely come across the irresistible aroma of freshly baked Hellimli wafting from local bakeries. This traditional Cypriot bread, made with hellim (halloumi cheese), fresh herbs, and warm spices, is a staple in many Turkish Cypriot households.

Whether you enjoy it with a cup of strong black tea, as part of a mezze spread, or simply as a snack on its own, Hellimli bread is one of the most beloved recipes from the island. Today, we’ll show you how to make an authentic Hellimli recipe from North Cyprus at home.
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❓What is Hellimli?

Hellimli (pronounced heh-leem-lee) is a savory Cypriot bread that incorporates grated or cubed hellim cheese—internationally known as halloumi. Traditionally, it’s combined with fresh mint, parsley, onions, and sometimes a hint of cinnamon for a subtle sweetness. The result is a golden, soft bread with pockets of melted cheese and herbs in every bite.
Hellimli is:

• A traditional bread from North Cyprus
• Packed with halloumi cheese and herbs
• Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack
• Easy to bake at home
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🥗Ingredients for Hellimli Bread (Serves 6–8)

• 500g strong bread flour
• 7g instant yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 300ml warm water (approx.)
• 200g grated or cubed hellim (halloumi cheese)
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp fresh mint (chopped) or 1 tsp dried mint
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional, for a traditional Cypriot touch)
• Sesame seeds (for topping, optional)
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👨‍🍳Step-by-Step Hellimli Recipe

1. Prepare the Dough
• In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
• Gradually add warm water and olive oil, kneading until you have a soft, elastic dough.
• This should take about 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer.

2. First Rise
• Cover dough with a clean tea towel and leave it in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

3. Mix the Filling
• In a separate bowl, combine the grated hellim cheese, onion, mint, parsley, and cinnamon.
• This aromatic filling gives Hellimli its unique North Cypriot flavour.

4. Shape the Bread
• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and knead in the cheese mixture until evenly distributed.
• Shape into a round loaf, or divide into smaller rolls for individual servings.

5. Second Rise
• Place the shaped dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
• Cover and leave to rise for another 30 minutes.

6. Bake
• Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
• Sprinkle the loaf with sesame seeds if desired
• Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.

7. Serve
• Allow to cool slightly before slicing.
• Enjoy your Hellimli bread warm, paired with olives, tomatoes, and strong black tea for a truly North Cypriot breakfast experience.
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📝Tips for the Best Hellimli

• Use authentic halloumi (hellim) if possible – Cypriot brands are saltier and hold their shape better than supermarket halloumi.
• Add fresh herbs like mint and parsley for maximum flavour.
• Make ahead – Hellimli keeps well for 2–3 days in an airtight container and can be gently reheated.
• Try variations – Some families add black olives or even a touch of chili flakes for extra spice.
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😋Why You’ll Love This Cypriot Hellimli Recipe

This bread isn’t just about taste—it’s about tradition and culture. In North Cyprus, Hellimli is often baked on weekends, during holidays, or shared with guests as a symbol of hospitality. By making it at home, you’re not only baking bread—you’re bringing a piece of North Cypriot heritage into your kitchen.
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❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I freeze Hellimli bread?
Yes! Bake, cool, slice, and freeze. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Dried mint is actually very traditional in Cypriot cooking.
Q: Is Hellimli the same as halloumi bread?
Yes—“hellim” is the Turkish word for halloumi, so Hellimli literally means with halloumi.
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🌸Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy yet authentic taste of North Cyprus cuisine, this Hellimli recipe is the perfect place to start. With its chewy texture, cheesy filling, and fragrant herbs, it’s no wonder Hellimli is loved by locals and visitors alike.

Why not bake it this weekend and enjoy a slice of Cyprus at home?