Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Lemon and Thyme
These skewers highlight halloumi cheese’s unique ability to hold its shape on the grill, turning crispy and golden on the outside while staying tender within. Marinated in lemon, olive oil, and fresh thyme, the cheese becomes infused with citrusy-herb flavor. Serve these with a simple salad, tzatziki, or warm flatbread.
Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marination Time (Optional): 15–30 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
Total Time: 20–40 minutes
Servings: 2–3 (as appetizer)
Ingredients:
225g (8 oz) halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 lemon (zest + juice)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
Freshly ground black pepper
Optional: cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or red onion for skewering
Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions:
1. Prep Halloumi:
Cut halloumi into cubes (about 1-inch). Pat dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
2. Marinate (Optional but Flavorful):
In a bowl, whisk lemon zest, juice, olive oil, thyme, and black pepper.
Gently toss halloumi cubes in the marinade. Let sit for 15–30 minutes.
3. Skewer:
Thread halloumi onto skewers. Optionally alternate with cherry tomatoes, red onion, or zucchini chunks.
4. Grill:
Preheat grill, grill pan, or broiler over medium-high heat.
Grill skewers 2–4 minutes per side until grill marks appear and cheese is golden.
5. Serve:
Drizzle with remaining marinade or an extra squeeze of lemon. Serve hot with herbs, greens, or tzatziki.
Notes & Tips:
No grill? Use a cast iron pan or oven broiler.
Avoid overcooking: Halloumi can become rubbery if overdone — grill just until golden and crisp.
Pairing ideas: Serve over couscous, with pita bread, or alongside roasted veggies.
Add sweetness: Drizzle with honey or pomegranate molasses for a sweet-savory finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can marinate and skewer in advance, but grill just before serving for the best texture.
Q: What if I don’t have thyme?
A: Use oregano, rosemary, or basil instead.
Q: Can I use other cheeses?
A: Only use firm grilling cheeses (like paneer) — soft cheeses will melt.
Nutritional Information
Calories ~250–280 kcal
Protein 14–16 g
Carbohydrates 2–4 g
Fat 20–22 g
Saturated Fat 12–14 g
Sodium ~600–800 mg
Calcium 30–35% DV