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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
