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“Golden grilled halloumi cheese drizzled with honey and sprinkled with fresh thyme leaves.”

Halloumi with Honey and Thyme – Easy Mediterranean Appetizer Recipe

This Halloumi with Honey and Thyme Recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that brings Mediterranean flavors to your table. Salty, golden grilled halloumi is perfectly balanced with a drizzle of sweet honey and a sprinkle of fresh thyme, creating a combination that’s both savory and indulgent. Ideal for mezze platters, dinner parties, or a quick appetizer, this recipe is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Serve warm for the ultimate flavor experience.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, mezze, Side Dish
Cuisine Cypriot, Greek-Inspired, Mediterranean
Servings 4 portions (as appetizer or side)
Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

  • Non-stick skillet or grill pan
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Serving platter
  • Small bowl for honey

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g halloumi cheese
  • 2 tbsp runny honey
  • 1–2 sprigs fresh thyme (leaves only)
  • 1 tsp olive oil (optional, for grilling)
  • Optional garnishes: chili flakes, lemon zest, pomegranate seeds

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Halloumi: Slice halloumi into 1 cm thick slabs. Pat dry with paper towels.
  • Cook Cheese: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add halloumi slices and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. For grilling, brush lightly with olive oil and grill until charred lines appear.
  • Add Honey & Thyme: Transfer halloumi to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with runny honey and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves.
  • Optional Garnishes: Add chili flakes for heat, lemon zest for brightness, or pomegranate seeds for tang and color.
  • Serve Immediately: Enjoy hot as part of a mezze spread or elegant appetizer.

Notes

  • Pro Tip: Always add honey after cooking to avoid burning and bitterness.
  • Variations: Try chili-infused honey, swap thyme for rosemary, or drizzle balsamic glaze instead of honey.
  • Storage: Best eaten fresh. Cooked halloumi can be refrigerated for 1–2 days but loses crispness. Reheat gently in a skillet.
  • Serving Idea: Pair with olives, pita bread, and dips for a rustic mezze board, or plate elegantly with microgreens for a refined starter.
Keyword halloumi, honey thyme halloumi, Mediterranean appetizer, mezze platter, salty-sweet cheese dish