Halloumi with Honey and Thyme Recipe
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
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
- 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