Mediterranean Crispy Halloumi & Roasted Veggie Board with Hot Honey
This Mediterranean Crispy Halloumi & Roasted Veggie Board is a feast for the eyes and the palate. The combination of golden, squeaky halloumi and colorful roasted vegetables creates a satisfying contrast of textures. Drizzled with sweet and spicy hot honey, each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and lightly smoky flavors. This dish works beautifully as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a centerpiece for a mezze-style spread. Quick to assemble but impressive to serve, it’s perfect for entertaining or a casual weeknight meal that feels special. Fresh herbs, optional grains, and crunchy toppings make this board versatile and customizable.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 to 30 minutes
Total time: 40 to 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Crispy Halloumi
2 blocks (about 8 oz each) halloumi cheese, sliced into 1 cm thick pieces
1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Optional: flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness
For the Roasted Vegetables
1 zucchini, sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red onion, cut into wedges
2 tbsp olive oil (for roasting)
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Hot Honey Drizzle
3 tbsp honey
½–1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)
Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice
For Serving & Garnish
Fresh parsley or mint, chopped
Optional: cooked quinoa or couscous as a base
Optional: toasted nuts or pomegranate seeds for crunch
Instructions
Preheat and Roast Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange zucchini, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat evenly. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
Prepare Halloumi
While the vegetables roast, slice halloumi into 1 cm thick pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry halloumi slices for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Optional: for extra crunch, coat halloumi slices in flour, dip in beaten egg, then press into panko breadcrumbs before frying.
Make Hot Honey Drizzle
In a small saucepan, gently warm honey over low heat. Stir in chili flakes and simmer for 1–2 minutes. Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Board
Arrange roasted vegetables and crispy halloumi on a large serving platter or wooden board. Drizzle the hot honey over the halloumi and some of the vegetables.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or mint. Optionally, add toasted nuts or pomegranate seeds for texture and a pop of color. If desired, serve on a bed of cooked quinoa or couscous to make it more filling.
Tips for Best Results
Use firm, high-quality halloumi for the best texture.
Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying halloumi; fry in batches if necessary.
Roast vegetables in a single layer for even cooking and caramelization.
Adjust the chili flakes in the hot honey to suit your heat preference.
Serve immediately for maximum crispiness; halloumi can lose its crunch as it cools.
Variations
Vegan Alternative: Use fried or baked tofu instead of halloumi, seasoned with smoked paprika.
Vegetable Swap: Add eggplant, asparagus, or mushrooms for seasonal variation.
Sweet and Tangy: Add a drizzle of balsamic reduction along with the hot honey.
Nutty Crunch: Include almonds, pine nuts, or pistachios for extra texture.
Mediterranean Mezze Board: Add olives, roasted red peppers, hummus, and pita bread to transform it into a full platter.
Q/A
Q: What kind of dish is this?
A: A Mediterranean style platter featuring crispy halloumi, roasted vegetables, and a sweet spicy hot honey drizzle.
Q: How long does it take to make?
A: About 40 to 45 minutes from start to finish.
Q: How many people does it serve?
A: It serves 4 as an appetizer or light meal.
Q: Is the halloumi fried or baked?
A: The halloumi is pan fried for a crispy golden exterior.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: The vegetables and hot honey can be prepared ahead, but halloumi is best cooked fresh and served immediately.
Q: How spicy is the hot honey?
A: It is mildly spicy and sweet. You can adjust the chili flakes to your heat preference.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
A: It is vegetarian as written. For a vegan option, replace halloumi with baked or fried tofu.
Q: What can I serve it with?
A: Serve with quinoa, couscous, hummus, pita bread, or as part of a mezze spread.
Q: Any tips for best results?
A: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying halloumi and serve right away for the best texture.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 320–360
Protein: 18–20 grams
Fat: 22–24 grams
Carbohydrates: 18–20 grams
Fiber: 4–5 grams
Sugar: 10–12 grams (mostly from honey and vegetables)
Values will vary depending on halloumi brand, honey amount, and optional toppings.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Crispy Halloumi & Roasted Veggie Board with Hot Honey is both visually striking and deeply flavorful. The combination of golden halloumi, roasted vegetables, and spicy-sweet honey creates a dish that satisfies multiple taste sensations at once. It is flexible enough to serve as a snack, appetizer, or light meal, and easy to customize with different vegetables, grains, or garnishes. Fresh herbs, crunchy nuts, and a drizzle of honey elevate it to a centerpiece-worthy dish. With minimal effort, it brings bold Mediterranean flavors to your table, perfect for casual gatherings or a colorful, nourishing weeknight dinner.