Description
Spicy Honey Garlic Grilled Halloumi
This recipe brings the flavors of Cyprus straight to your plate! Halloumi, a cheese with a high melting point, is ideal for grilling, creating that delicious golden crust and a distinctive squeaky texture. Topped with a spicy garlic honey sauce, it’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Great as an appetizer, snack, or even breakfast, this dish is sure to impress with its mix of traditional Mediterranean ingredients. Enjoy it hot off the grill with friends and family!
8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced into 6 pieces
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp garlic chili oil
1 tbsp spicy honey
1 tbsp scallions, chopped
Directions:
1. Preheat grill to high (375-425°F).
2. Coat halloumi slices with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Grill for 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Drizzle with garlic chili oil and honey. Garnish with scallions.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Kcal: 401 kcal per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect grilled halloumi every time. First, ensure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Slice the 8 oz block of halloumi into six even pieces, roughly 1/2-inch thick. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Brush this mixture lightly over both sides of each halloumi slice. Preheat your grill to a high, consistent heat (375-425°F). Place the halloumi slices directly on the grates. Grill for 3-4 minutes without moving them to achieve a deep golden-brown crust. Carefully flip using a thin spatula and grill for another 3-4 minutes. While the cheese grills, prepare the sauce by gently warming 2 tbsp butter (or olive oil) in a small pan with 1 tbsp garlic chili oil. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp spicy honey. Transfer the grilled halloumi to a plate, immediately drizzle with the warm spicy honey garlic sauce, and garnish with chopped scallions.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish can be adapted for any meal. Serve it as a stunning appetizer on a platter with lemon wedges and crusty bread for dipping into the extra sauce. For a light lunch or dinner, place the grilled halloumi over a bed of fresh greens like arugula, add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a drizzle of the sauce as a warm dressing. It also makes a fantastic breakfast or brunch item alongside poached eggs, avocado, and sourdough toast. For a heartier meal, incorporate it into grain bowls with quinoa or couscous, roasted vegetables, and a dollop of tzatziki.
How-to Summary
Quickly grill halloumi cheese slices for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Top with a simple, warm sauce made by combining melted butter, garlic chili oil, and spicy honey. Finish with a garnish of fresh scallions for a perfect sweet, savory, and spicy bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe without a grill? Absolutely. Use a grill pan, cast-iron skillet, or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. The key is to get the surface very hot before adding the cheese to achieve a good sear.
My halloumi is sticking to the pan. What did I do wrong? Sticking usually means the pan wasn’t hot enough or wasn’t properly oiled. Ensure your cooking surface is preheated and lightly coated with a high-smoke-point oil before adding the cheese slices.
Is there a substitute for spicy honey? Yes. You can use regular honey and add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the warm butter mixture to achieve the desired spice level.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time? You can mix the sauce ingredients ahead, but it’s best warmed. Gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before drizzling over the hot halloumi for the best texture and flavor meld.
Why is my grilled halloumi tough or rubbery? Overcooking is the likely culprit. Halloumi firms up as it cooks. Remove it from the heat as soon as you have a pronounced golden crust on both sides to maintain a slightly tender interior.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best results. Do not move the halloumi slices immediately after placing them on the grill; let them sear undisturbed to form a crust. Do not slice the cheese too thin, or it may dry out or fall through the grates. Do not skip preheating your cooking surface. Do not pour cold sauce over the grilled cheese, as it won’t cling properly. Finally, do not overcrowd the grill or pan, which lowers the temperature and leads to steaming instead of grilling.
Conclusion
This Spicy Honey Garlic Grilled Halloumi is a remarkably simple yet impressive dish that showcases the unique, grillable quality of halloumi cheese. The combination of a crispy, salty exterior with a warm, sweet, and spicy sauce creates an unforgettable flavor experience. Whether served as a quick snack, a party appetizer, or the star of a meal, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table in just minutes.