Golden Halloumi with Honey and Thyme Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- Warm Serving Plate: Warm your serving plate to help keep the halloumi warm after frying.
- Heat the Pan: Place a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to heat thoroughly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer to Plate: Remove the halloumi from the pan and transfer the slices onto the pre-warmed serving plate.
- 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.
- 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
