Golden Halloumi with Honey and Thyme Recipe

Introduction

Golden Halloumi with Honey and Thyme is a simple yet flavorful dish that transforms salty, squeaky cheese into a crispy, sweet-savory treat. Perfect as an appetizer or a snack, it combines the rich texture of halloumi with the natural sweetness of honey and the freshness of thyme.

Ingredients

• 225-250g (8oz) halloumi (block, Cyprus made PDO stamped recommended)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tbsp honey (or substitute with maple syrup)
• 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves and tiny sprigs
• 2 – 3 pinches chilli flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the halloumi into 1 to 1.25 cm (0.4 to 0.5 inch) thick slices. Place them on a paper towel and pat the surface dry to remove excess moisture.
2. Step 2: Warm a serving plate so the halloumi stays hot after cooking.
3. Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
4. Step 4: Carefully place the halloumi slices in the pan. Cook for about 1 1/2 minutes until the underside turns golden. Move slices gently if needed to cook evenly.
5. Step 5: Flip the slices gently using a spatula and a butter knife to guide them. Cook the other side for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until golden.
6. Step 6: Transfer the golden halloumi slices onto the warmed serving plate.
7. Step 7: While still hot, drizzle the halloumi with honey, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and chilli flakes if using. Some slices can be fully covered in honey, others just lightly drizzled.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, while the surface remains crisp and the inside soft.

Tips & Variations

• Patting the halloumi dry before frying helps achieve a crispier golden crust.
• Use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking and make flipping easier.
• Substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice after cooking for a fresh contrast to the honey’s sweetness.
• Serve with warm crusty bread to mop up any extra honey on the plate.

Storage

Halloumi is best served fresh straight from the pan. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a non-stick pan over low heat to retain texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cheese rubbery.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-sliced halloumi for this recipe?

Yes, pre-sliced halloumi can be used, but make sure to pat the slices dry before cooking for the best golden crust.

Is it necessary to warm the serving plate?

Warming the plate helps keep the halloumi hot longer, preserving its crispness and soft inside, but it’s not mandatory.

Golden Halloumi with Honey and Thyme Recipe

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4.7 from 90 reviews

Golden Halloumi with Honey and Thyme is a simple yet elegant dish featuring pan-fried halloumi cheese slices caramelized to a golden brown and garnished with fragrant fresh thyme, sweet honey, and a touch of optional chili flakes for a mild heat. This quick recipe enhances halloumi’s unique texture and salty flavor, perfect as an appetizer or snack, served warm with a crispy exterior and soft inside.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

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Halloumi and Seasoning

• 225–250g (8oz) halloumi cheese block (Cyprus made PDO stamped recommended)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup as a substitute)
• 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves and tiny sprigs
• 2–3 pinches chili flakes (red pepper flakes), optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the Halloumi: Cut the halloumi block into slices approximately 1 to 1.25 cm (0.4 to 0.5 inches) thick. Place the slices on paper towels and pat them dry to remove excess moisture for optimal frying.
2. Warm Serving Plate: Warm your serving plate to help keep the halloumi warm after frying.
3. Heat the Pan: Place a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to heat thoroughly.
4. Fry the Halloumi (Side One): Carefully add the halloumi slices to the hot pan using your hands. Fry for about 1 1/2 minutes or until the underside becomes golden brown. Shuffle the slices as needed to cook evenly.
5. Fry the Halloumi (Side Two): Gently turn the halloumi slices using a spatula and a butter knife for control, cooking the other side for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until golden as well.
6. Transfer to Plate: Remove the halloumi from the pan and transfer the slices onto the pre-warmed serving plate.
7. Add Finishing Touches: Quickly drizzle honey over the hot halloumi slices, some fully covered and others lightly drizzled. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and optional chili flakes over the cheese.
8. Serve Immediately: Serve right away for the best experience when the halloumi surface remains crisp and the inside soft and squeaky, though the slight squeak is optional in preference. Optionally, serve extra honey on the side for bread dipping.

Notes

• Use halloumi stamped with PDO from Cyprus for authentic flavor and texture.
• Patting the halloumi dry before frying helps achieve a better golden crust and less splatter.
• Warming the plate ensures the cheese stays warm longer once served.
• Honey can be substituted with maple syrup for a vegan alternative, though traditional halloumi is not vegan.
• Chili flakes add a subtle heat but are completely optional depending on your spice preference.

Keywords: halloumi, honey, thyme, pan-fried cheese, Mediterranean appetizer, quick cheese recipe, spicy halloumi, olive oil fried cheese