Sizzling Golden Halloumi with Honey & Thyme Recipe

Crispy golden halloumi dancing with aromatic thyme captures the essence of Mediterranean comfort.

Salty cheese meets sweet nectar in a delightful culinary embrace.

Every bite promises a symphony of contrasting flavors that spark pure joy.

Cyprus’ beloved cheese transforms into a sensational appetizer with minimal effort.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly to create a mouthwatering experience.

Fresh thyme adds an herbal whisper that complements the rich, golden cheese.

You won’t be able to resist this irresistible combination of sweet and savory.

Drizzle honey generously and watch magic unfold on your plate.

Golden Halloumi Recipe Standouts

• Transform an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience with the perfect balance of crispy, golden halloumi and sweet, aromatic honey glaze.
• Ideal for appetizers, quick lunches, or elegant party snacks that will impress guests and satisfy different taste preferences with its irresistible combination of flavors.
• Easily adapt the recipe by adding crushed nuts, experimenting with different herbs, or adjusting the honey glaze to suit your personal taste and dietary needs.

What’s in Golden Halloumi with Honey and Thyme

• Halloumi Cheese: A firm, salty cheese with a high melting point that becomes golden and crispy when pan-fried.
• Honey: A sweet natural syrup that creates a delicious glaze for the halloumi.
• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking surface and adds a subtle flavor to the cheese.

• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy note to balance the sweetness of the honey.
• Fresh Thyme: Introduces an aromatic herb flavor that complements the rich cheese.
• Water: Helps to thin and smooth out the honey glaze.

• Crushed Nuts: Provides a crunchy texture and additional nutty flavor to the dish.

Cooking Golden Halloumi with Honey and Thyme

Step 1: Slice the Cheese

Cut halloumi into neat rectangular slices about half an inch thick.

Ensure the slices are uniform to guarantee even cooking and a beautiful presentation.

Step 2: Prepare the Skillet

Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Make sure the pan is evenly warmed before adding the cheese slices.

Step 3: Create Golden Crust

Place halloumi slices into the hot skillet.

Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior and crispy edges.

Gently flip using a spatula to prevent breaking.

Step 4: Craft Honey Thyme Glaze

• Honey
• Fresh lemon juice
• Water
• Fresh thyme leaves

Warm the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously until ingredients blend smoothly and become slightly runny.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer golden halloumi to a serving platter.

Generously drizzle the warm honey thyme glaze over the cheese.

Sprinkle additional fresh thyme leaves and optional crushed nuts for extra texture and visual appeal.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Enjoy the halloumi while it’s hot and crispy, with the glaze still warm and fragrant.

Handy Tips for Golden Halloumi with Honey

• Choose fresh, firm halloumi cheese with minimal moisture to achieve the perfect golden-brown crust when frying.
• Use medium heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure each halloumi slice develops a crispy, even golden exterior without burning.
• Infuse the honey glaze with fresh thyme during warming to create a deeper, more complex taste profile that complements the salty cheese.
• Present the halloumi right after cooking to maintain its crispy texture and enjoy the warm, gooey interior before it cools and becomes rubbery.
• Swap regular honey with maple syrup for a vegan alternative or use gluten-free halloumi for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Store Golden Halloumi with Honey & Thyme

• Store leftover halloumi in an airtight container for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Warm slices in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes per side, restoring crispy texture without burning.
• Place halloumi on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain moisture and crispness.
• Skip microwaving as it makes halloumi rubbery and loses its delightful golden crunch.

Pairing Ideas for Golden Halloumi with Honey

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the salty halloumi and sweet honey glaze with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, which cuts through the richness and enhances the herb notes.
• Match with Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Create a light side dish with mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the warm, golden halloumi and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Rustic Bread: Add crusty sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the honey thyme glaze, creating a delightful textural experience that bridges the cheese's crispy exterior and soft interior.
• Enhance with Citrus Mocktail: Mix sparkling water with fresh lemon juice, mint leaves, and a touch of honey to mirror the recipe's flavor profile and offer a bright, non-alcoholic beverage option.

Creative Spins on Golden Halloumi with Honey

• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Replace halloumi with firm tofu or plant-based cheese, using nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor and golden crust.
• Gluten-Free Version: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, using tamari instead of soy sauce if needed and checking honey sourcing.
• Low-Sugar Option: Swap honey with sugar-free maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining glazed texture.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano instead of thyme, creating regional flavor variations that complement the cheese's saltiness.

FAQs

• What is halloumi cheese?

Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened cheese from Cyprus made from a mix of goat’s and sheep’s milk. It has a high melting point, making it perfect for grilling or frying without losing its shape.

• Why does halloumi squeak when you bite it?

The unique protein structure of halloumi creates a squeaky texture against your teeth when it’s fresh and at room temperature. This characteristic is part of its charm and distinguishes it from other cheeses.

• Is halloumi healthy?

Halloumi is high in protein and calcium but also contains significant fat and salt. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Choosing lower-fat cooking methods like grilling can make it a healthier option.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian since halloumi is a cheese. Simply ensure the honey you use is from a vegetarian source, and you’ll have a completely vegetarian dish that’s delicious and satisfying.

Golden Halloumi with Honey & Thyme Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean magic unfolds as golden halloumi with honey & thyme delivers a perfect balance of salty cheese and sweet nectar. Crisp thyme-infused edges and luxurious honey drizzle create an irresistible dish you’ll crave with every savory bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) halloumi cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon water
• Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)

Optional Garnish:

• Crushed walnuts or pecans

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Instructions

1. Carefully cut halloumi into uniform 1/2-inch thick rectangular slices, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
2. Warm olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat (around 350°F) until shimmering and slightly fragrant.
3. Gently place halloumi slices into the heated skillet, allowing each side to transform into a rich golden-brown color with crispy edges, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
4. While halloumi cooks, prepare the honey glaze by combining honey, fresh lemon juice, and water in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until ingredients blend smoothly.
5. Infuse the glaze with fresh thyme leaves, allowing their aromatic essence to permeate the liquid for enhanced flavor complexity.
6. Transfer golden-brown halloumi slices onto a serving platter, creating an elegant presentation.
7. Generously drizzle the warm thyme-infused honey glaze over the halloumi, ensuring each slice is lightly coated.
8. Garnish with additional fresh thyme sprigs and optional crushed nuts for textural contrast and visual appeal.

Notes

• Drain halloumi thoroughly before frying to ensure a perfect golden crispy exterior without excess moisture.
• Use a non-stick pan or well-seasoned cast iron skillet to prevent halloumi from sticking and breaking during cooking.
• Choose high-quality honey with floral or herbal notes to complement the salty cheese and enhance overall flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free and low-carb option, serve halloumi over fresh salad greens or roasted vegetables instead of traditional bread.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 303
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 739 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 49 mg