If you’re looking for a dish that’s a perfect balance of savory and sweet, full of vibrant flavors and the delightful squeak of grilled cheese, let me introduce you to the *Honey Glazed Halloumi*. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is an exciting adventure for your taste buds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Savory Harmony: The combination of honey’s sweetness with halloumi’s saltiness creates a beautiful contrast that will captivate your taste buds.
- Quick and Easy: With just under 20 minutes, you can whip up a gourmet dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious.
- Impressive Presentation: The golden-brown sear and glossy glaze make it a show-stopper on any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s dive into the core of this delicious dish. The ingredients are as simple as they are crucial, each playing a key role in delivering the taste and aroma that make Honey Glazed Halloumi truly shine.
- Halloumi Cheese: The star of the show, known for its high melting point, perfect for grilling.
- Honey: Provides that irresistible glaze and sweetness that balances the salty cheese.
- Lemon: Adds zesty freshness and pairs beautifully with honey.
- Thyme: Offers an earthy aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
- Olive Oil: A classic choice for frying, bringing a subtle richness to the dish.
Variations
Feel free to tweak this recipe to suit your personal taste or dietary requirements. It’s remarkably versatile and can easily adapt to what you have on hand.
- Spicy Twist: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes to the honey mixture for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Herb Substitution: If thyme isn’t your favorite, basil or mint can offer a fresh alternative.
- Vegan Option: Substitute halloumi with a vegan grilling cheese and replace honey with agave syrup.
How to Make Honey Glazed Halloumi
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese
Begin by slicing the halloumi into 1-centimeter thick pieces. This thickness ensures the perfect sear while keeping the cheese delightfully soft inside.
Step 2: Create the Marinade
In a small bowl, mix together the honey, lemon juice, and thyme leaves. This fragrant concoction will infuse the cheese with a balanced, aromatic sweetness.
Step 3: Marinate the Cheese
Layer the halloumi in an air-tight container, ensuring each piece is generously coated in the marinade. Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour, or if possible, overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the halloumi in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Sear each side until golden before glazing with additional marinade.
Pro Tips for Making Honey Glazed Halloumi
- Perfect Searing: Ensure your pan is hot before adding halloumi to achieve a perfect crust.
- Marinating Magic: For a deeper flavor, let the halloumi marinate overnight.
- Batch Cooking: Cook in batches to avoid steaming the cheese instead of searing it.
- Marinade Drizzle: Drizzle the additional marinade just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
How to Serve Honey Glazed Halloumi
Garnishes
Top the halloumi with fresh thyme leaves or a hint of lemon zest for added color and fragrance, elevating the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a warm couscous, balancing the rich flavors with fresh and simple accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the golden slices on a rustic wooden platter and drizzle with honey and thyme; for a charming touch, add edible flowers or nuts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining halloumi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cool before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
While halloumi can be frozen, it’s best enjoyed fresh. If needed, freeze slices between parchment paper to prevent sticking, then sear straight from frozen.
Reheating
Reheat in a non-stick pan over medium heat to refresh the crisp exterior, taking care not to overcook to retain moisture and texture.
FAQs
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Can I use another type of cheese?
While halloumi is ideal for grilling, you might try paneer as an alternative; note that flavors will differ.
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How can I make it less salty?
Soak the halloumi slices in cold water for an hour before marinating to draw out some of the salt.
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What’s the best way to marinate halloumi overnight?
Seal the marinated halloumi in an airtight container, flipping the pieces occasionally to ensure even coating.
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Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and marinate the halloumi the day before. Cook just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Give this *Honey Glazed Halloumi* recipe a try, and transform a simple meal into a culinary delight bursting with flavor and charm. It’s perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a treat by yourself. Enjoy every sweet and savory bite!
Print
Honey Glazed Halloumi Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
Honey Glazed Halloumi is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main dish featuring crispy, seared halloumi cheese coated in a sweet and tangy honey lemon marinade. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful appetizer, this recipe combines the squeaky texture of halloumi with the rich sweetness of honey, enhanced by fresh lemon juice and fragrant thyme. The cheese is marinated to absorb the flavors and then gently pan-fried to achieve a beautiful golden crust. Serve with extra honey glaze for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Halloumi
- 600 g halloumi cheese
Honey Lemon Marinade
- 5 tablespoon honey
- 1 medium lemon (juice only)
- 4 sprigs thyme (leaves only)
Additional
- 2-3 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Slice the halloumi: Cut the halloumi cheese into 1 centimeter thick slices to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice sear.
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, combine the honey, freshly squeezed juice of the lemon, and thyme leaves. Mix well until smooth.
- Marinate the cheese: Layer the halloumi slices in an airtight container, spoon over some of the honey lemon dressing, then add another layer of cheese and repeating until all slices are layered. Pour any remaining dressing on top. Refrigerate for at least one hour, preferably overnight, turning the container occasionally for even marination.
- Cook the halloumi: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place some of the marinated halloumi slices in the pan without overcrowding. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then turn to the other side. During the last minute of cooking each batch, spoon some of the marinade over the cheese to glaze it. Remove from the pan and place on a serving plate. Repeat until all cheese is cooked.
- Finish and serve: Once all the halloumi is seared, drizzle with extra honey if desired and serve immediately while warm. Enjoy the sweet, savory, and crispy goodness!
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the cheese overnight, but a minimum of one hour works well.
- Ensure the pan is not overcrowded to allow even searing and to prevent steaming.
- Use fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Halloumi can be served as an appetizer, on a salad, or in wraps.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (~75g)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
