Name: Golden Halloumi with Honey and Thyme Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 225-250g (8oz) halloumi block (Cyprus made PDO stamped recommended); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 1/2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup as substitute); 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves and tiny sprigs; 2-3 pinches chili flakes (red pepper flakes, optional)

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Introduction

Golden Halloumi with Honey and Thyme is a simple yet elegant dish that combines the salty, squeaky texture of halloumi cheese with the sweetness of honey and the earthiness of fresh thyme. Perfect as a starter or a snack, this recipe is quick to prepare and sure to impress.

The image shows eight rectangular pieces of golden-brown fried halloumi cheese placed close together on a white plate. Each piece has a slightly crispy texture with darker browned spots, and they are drizzled with a thin layer of light amber honey. Small green herb leaves, likely thyme, are scattered on top along with tiny red chili flakes, adding pops of green and red against the warm colors of the cheese. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

225-250g (8oz) halloumi 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 chilli flakes (red pepper flakes, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the halloumi into 1 to 1.25 cm (0.4 to 0.5 inch) thick slices. Place the slices on a paper towel and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Warm a serving plate to keep the halloumi hot after cooking.
Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
Step 4: Carefully place the halloumi slices in the pan using your hands. Cook for about 1 1/2 minutes until the underside is golden brown. Move the slices as needed to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Gently turn the slices over using a spatula and a butter knife to guide them, and cook the other side for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until golden.
Step 6: Transfer the cooked halloumi onto the warmed serving plate.
Step 7: While still hot, quickly drizzle the halloumi with honey, sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, and add chilli flakes if using. For variety, cover some slices fully with honey and just drizzle others.
Step 8: Serve immediately for the best texture—crispy outside and soft inside, with honey on the side ideal for mopping up with bread.

Tips & Variations

If you prefer a vegan option, substitute halloumi with a firm tofu and use maple syrup instead of honey.
For an extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika along with the chilli flakes.
Use fresh thyme rather than dried for a brighter, more aromatic finish.
Serve with crusty bread or fresh salad to balance the richness of the cheese and honey.

Storage

Golden Halloumi with Honey and Thyme is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a non-stick pan over low heat to preserve texture. Avoid microwaving as it may make the cheese rubbery.

How to Serve

The image shows seven pieces of fried cheese in a black pan with oil drops glistening around them. Each piece is rectangular with golden-brown crispy edges and slightly white, soft-looking centers that show a nice contrast in texture. The pieces are arranged randomly, filling most of the pan's surface, with some overlapping slightly. The cheese pieces have a bubbly and crunchy surface on their browned sides, indicating they are well-cooked with a firm outside and a softer inside. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-sliced halloumi for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-sliced halloumi, but be sure to pat the slices dry before frying to avoid splattering and to achieve a golden crust.

Is it necessary to warm the serving plate?

Warming the plate helps keep the halloumi hot and crispy as you serve. If you prefer, you can skip this step, but the cheese may cool and lose some of its appeal faster.