Grilled Halloumi with Honey and Thyme Recipe

Introduction

Grilled halloumi is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this salty, squeaky cheese. Perfect for a quick appetizer or a flavorful addition to salads and sandwiches, it pairs beautifully with honey and fresh herbs. This recipe shows you how to get those perfect grill marks and a tasty finish.

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. Slice the cheese crosswise into ¼-inch-thick pieces and pat each piece dry.
2. Step 2: Drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil evenly over the sliced cheese, flipping them once or twice to coat all sides in oil.
3. Step 3: Place the cheese on the hot grill. Cook until the cheese no longer sticks to the grates and grill marks appear, about 3 to 5 minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side.
4. Step 4: Transfer the grilled halloumi to a serving platter. Drizzle with honey and the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Sprinkle with thyme leaves and season with freshly ground black pepper.

Tips & Variations

• Use a grill pan if you don’t have an outdoor grill to get similar sear marks indoors.
• Swap thyme with fresh rosemary or oregano for a different herb flavor.
• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili flakes over the honey before serving.

Storage

Store leftover grilled halloumi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave just until warm to keep its texture tender and slightly firm.

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 to achieve similar results. Heat the pan over medium-high heat and cook the cheese slices as you would on a grill.

Why does halloumi not melt when grilled?

Halloumi has a high melting point due to its unique preparation and protein structure, so it softens but holds its shape when heated, making it ideal for grilling or frying.

Grilled Halloumi with Honey and Thyme Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 79 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 16-20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Grilled Halloumi recipe features a delightfully salty and firm cheese grilled to perfection, enhanced with a subtle drizzle of honey, fresh thyme, and olive oil. Crisp grill marks and a slightly smoky flavor make it an ideal appetizer or side dish, perfect for summer barbecues or elegant gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Cheese

• 1 (8-oz.) block halloumi cheese

For Grilling and Topping

• 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 tsp. honey
• 1 sprig thyme, leaves stripped
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Grill and Cheese: Heat a grill to medium-high heat and clean the grates well. Pat the halloumi dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture. Slice the cheese crosswise into ¼-inch thick pieces, and pat each slice dry to ensure proper 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 both sides with the oil, which helps prevent sticking and promotes browning.
3. Grill the Halloumi: Place the cheese slices directly on the hot grill grates. Cook until the cheese no longer sticks and distinct grill marks appear, about 3 to 5 minutes. Carefully flip the slices and grill the other side for the same amount of time.
4. Finish and Serve: Transfer the grilled halloumi to a serving platter. Drizzle with the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil and 2 teaspoons of honey. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Patting the halloumi dry before grilling is essential to prevent sticking and achieve good grill marks.
• Use a clean, well-oiled grill grate for best results.
• Halloumi doesn’t melt like other cheeses; it grills to a crispy exterior and soft interior.
• Experiment with different herbs like oregano or mint for varied flavors.
• Serve as an appetizer, salad topping, or alongside grilled vegetables.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: Grilled Halloumi, Mediterranean Cheese, Appetizer, Grilled Cheese, Halloumi Recipe, Summer Grilling, Vegetarian Cheese Dish