Name: Halloumi with Honey and Thyme Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 11 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 oz halloumi cheese (sliced into ½-inch pieces); 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying); 2 tbsp honey (warmed); 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves; Optional garnish: lemon zest; Optional garnish: pomegranate seeds; Optional garnish: toasted nuts

Introduction

Halloumi with honey and thyme is a delightful combination of salty, sweet, and herbal flavors. This simple yet elegant dish comes together quickly and makes a perfect appetizer or light snack. Enjoy the crispy, golden cheese paired with fragrant honey and fresh thyme.

A stack of six golden brown, grilled cheese rounds arranged in a small pile on a white plate, each piece showing a slightly crispy, caramelized surface and soft, smooth edges. The cheese rounds have a creamy white inside visible on the sides. Fresh green thyme sprigs are scattered over and around the cheese for a touch of color. A woman's hand is dripping thick, shiny honey from a honey dipper directly onto the top cheese round, with honey softly flowing down the sides. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred light gray background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz halloumi cheese (sliced into ½-inch pieces)
1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
2 tbsp honey (warmed)
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Optional garnish: lemon zest, pomegranate seeds, toasted nuts

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the halloumi into thick ½-inch pieces to prevent breaking during cooking.
Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
Step 3: Fry the halloumi slices for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and develop a crisp crust.
Step 4: Warm the honey slightly to make it easier to drizzle over the cheese.
Step 5: Arrange the fried halloumi on a serving platter, drizzle with the warmed honey, and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top.
Step 6: Garnish with lemon zest, pomegranate seeds, or toasted nuts if desired. Serve hot, accompanied by bread, olives, or a fresh salad.

Tips & Variations

Use a non-stick or well-seasoned pan to prevent the halloumi from sticking while frying.
For a smoky twist, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika before frying.
Substitute fresh thyme with rosemary or oregano for a different herbal note.
Serve alongside fresh figs or a simple arugula salad to balance the richness.

Storage

Halloumi with honey is best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the crisp texture, then drizzle with fresh honey before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows several golden-brown, pan-fried halloumi cheese slices arranged on a white plate with a few green herb sprigs on top. The cheese has a crispy, textured surface with reddish-brown char marks and is garnished with small red chili flakes. A wooden honey dipper held by a woman's hand drizzles thick, shiny golden honey over the cheese, creating a glossy layer that catches the light. In the background, there are blurred green and dark olives adding a touch of contrast. The dish is placed on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?

Fresh thyme is preferred for its bright flavor, but you can substitute with ¼ tsp dried thyme. Sprinkle it on after cooking to retain aroma.

Is halloumi suitable for grilling instead of frying?

Yes, halloumi grills beautifully. Brush slices with olive oil and grill for 2–3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and cheese is golden.

Halloumi with Honey and Thyme Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 600 reviews

A simple and delicious recipe featuring fried halloumi cheese drizzled with warm honey and sprinkled with fresh thyme, creating a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors. Ideal as an appetizer or a light snack, garnished with optional lemon zest, pomegranate seeds, and toasted nuts for added texture and brightness.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 11 minutes
Yield: Serves 2–3 as an appetizer 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese

8 oz halloumi cheese (sliced into ½-inch pieces)

Cooking

1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

Toppings & Garnish

2 tbsp honey (warmed)
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Optional garnish: lemon zest
Optional garnish: pomegranate seeds
Optional garnish: toasted nuts

Instructions

Slice Halloumi: Cut the halloumi cheese into thick ½-inch slices to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.
Heat Pan: Warm a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
Cook Halloumi: Fry the halloumi slices for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown, crisp crust.
Prepare Honey: Slightly warm the honey to make it easier to drizzle over the hot cheese.
Assemble Dish: Arrange the fried halloumi on a serving platter, drizzle it evenly with the warm honey, and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top.
Serve: Garnish with optional lemon zest, pomegranate seeds, or toasted nuts for added flavor and texture. Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by bread, olives, or a fresh salad.

Notes

Slicing the halloumi thick prevents it from crumbling while frying.
Use fresh thyme for the best aromatic flavor; dried thyme can be substituted if necessary.
Warming the honey enhances its flow and allows it to coat the cheese evenly.
Optional garnishes like lemon zest and pomegranate seeds add a fresh and vibrant contrast to the rich cheese.
Serve immediately as halloumi can become rubbery if left to cool for too long.

Keywords: halloumi, honey, thyme, fried cheese, Mediterranean appetizer, easy snack, vegetarian