Grilled Halloumi with Honey, Thyme, and Olive Oil Recipe

Introduction

Grilled Halloumi is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect as an appetizer or a light snack. This salty, semi-firm cheese grills beautifully, developing a crispy exterior while staying soft inside. Drizzled with honey and fresh thyme, it offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet.

Ingredients

• 1 (8-oz.) block halloumi cheese
• 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 tsp. honey
• 1 sprig thyme, leaves stripped
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a grill to medium-high and clean the grates well. Pat the halloumi dry with a paper towel, then slice crosswise into ¼-inch-thick pieces. Pat each slice dry to remove excess moisture.
2. Step 2: Drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the sliced cheese, flipping them once or twice to coat evenly in oil.
3. Step 3: Place the cheese slices on the hot grill. Cook until the cheese no longer sticks to the grill grates and has clear grill marks, about 3 to 5 minutes. Flip and grill the other side for the same amount of time.
4. Step 4: Transfer the grilled halloumi to a serving platter. Drizzle with honey and the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Sprinkle the thyme leaves on top and season with freshly ground black pepper.

Tips & Variations

• Patting the halloumi dry before grilling helps prevent sticking and promotes better browning.
• Try serving with fresh lemon wedges or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of brightness or heat.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

Storage

Store any leftover grilled halloumi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or enjoy cold; reheating too long may cause the cheese to become rubbery.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I grill halloumi without a grill?

Yes, you can use a grill pan or a non-stick skillet on the stove. Just make sure it’s heated to medium-high before adding the cheese slices.

What can I serve with grilled halloumi?

Grilled halloumi pairs well with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or as part of a mezze platter. It also works great with crusty bread and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Grilled Halloumi with Honey, Thyme, and Olive Oil Recipe

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This Grilled Halloumi recipe features salty and slightly tangy halloumi cheese, grilled to perfection with crispy grill marks. Drizzled with honey, olive oil, fresh thyme, and black pepper, this dish makes for a delightful appetizer or snack with a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Ingredients

• 1 (8-oz.) block halloumi cheese
• 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 tsp. honey
• 1 sprig thyme, leaves stripped
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Grill and Cheese: Heat the grill to medium high and clean the grates well. Pat the block of halloumi cheese dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then slice it crosswise into ¼-inch thick pieces. Pat each slice dry with a paper towel to ensure good grilling.
2. Oil the Cheese: Drizzle 1 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil evenly over the sliced halloumi. Flip the slices once or twice to coat all sides in oil, which helps prevent sticking and enhances grilling.
3. Grill the Halloumi: Place the cheese slices on the hot grill. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese no longer sticks to the grates and clear grill marks appear. Carefully flip each piece and repeat the grilling on the other side for even cooking and grill marks.
4. Finish and Serve: Transfer the grilled halloumi to a serving platter. Drizzle the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil and 2 teaspoons of honey over the cheese. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

• Patting the halloumi dry before grilling helps achieve crisp grill marks and prevents sticking.
• Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, but dried thyme can be substituted if necessary.
• Honey adds a pleasant sweetness that balances the saltiness of the cheese; adjust the quantity to taste.
• Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
• Halloumi is a firm cheese suitable for grilling, but avoid overcooking to prevent it from becoming rubbery.

Keywords: grilled halloumi, halloumi cheese recipe, Mediterranean appetizer, grilled cheese, easy grilling recipes, vegetarian appetizer