If you have yet to discover the magic of the Grilled Halloumi with Lemon and Herbs Recipe, prepare to fall in love with a dish that is simple, vibrant, and packed with flavor. Halloumi cheese grills beautifully, developing a crisp, golden crust while staying deliciously soft inside. When paired with a bright squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs, it transforms into a show-stopping appetizer or snack that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe celebrates the incredible combination of salty, smoky, and zesty notes that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of essential ingredients, this recipe focuses on quality and freshness to create flavors that truly sing. Each component plays a vital role in balancing the rich, salty halloumi with bright citrus and fragrant herbs, making every bite a taste sensation.
- Halloumi cheese (8 ounces): The star of the dish, halloumi is perfect for grilling thanks to its high melting point and firm texture.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a light coating to prevent sticking and lends a subtle fruity note when grilled.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Provides a fresh, zesty brightness that cuts through the cheese’s saltiness.
- Fresh herbs, optional (chopped mint or oregano): Sprinkle these on top for an aromatic finish that complements the grilled halloumi beautifully.
How to Make Grilled Halloumi with Lemon and Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill or Grill Pan
Begin by heating a grill pan over medium-high heat or preparing an outdoor grill to medium heat. This ensures the halloumi gets those signature grill marks and a nice crust without melting too quickly.
Step 2: Slice the Halloumi
Cut the halloumi cheese into 1/4 inch thick strips. This thickness is just right to allow the cheese to crisp on the outside while remaining tender inside once grilled.
Step 3: Brush Cheese with Olive Oil
Lightly brush both sides of each halloumi slice with olive oil. This step is crucial as it keeps the cheese from sticking to the grill and adds a subtle richness as it cooks.
Step 4: Grill the Halloumi
Place the halloumi strips on the preheated grill or grill pan. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until you see beautiful grill lines and the cheese softens slightly. The aroma at this stage is hard to resist!
Step 5: Add Lemon Juice
After removing the halloumi from the heat, immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the warm slices. This injection of citrus flavor enhances the cheese’s natural saltiness and brings a refreshing tang.
Step 6: Garnish with Fresh Herbs (Optional)
Sprinkle chopped mint or oregano over the halloumi while it’s still warm. These herbs provide a wonderful herbal note that elevates this already delightful dish even further.
How to Serve Grilled Halloumi with Lemon and Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper truly make the flavors pop. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few chili flakes can also add exciting layers to your grilled halloumi.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp salads, grilled vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the melted cheese and lemon juices. For a Mediterranean spin, serve alongside olives, roasted tomatoes, or a vibrant tabbouleh salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, stack grilled halloumi slices on skewers with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for easy finger food. Alternatively, serve on a bed of arugula drizzled with balsamic glaze. The Grilled Halloumi with Lemon and Herbs Recipe is as versatile as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover grilled halloumi in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the cheese dry will help it maintain texture, so avoid storing with wet ingredients directly.
Freezing
While you can freeze halloumi, it’s not recommended after grilling as the texture may change. For best results, freeze uncooked halloumi and grill fresh when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat leftover halloumi gently in a non-stick pan over low heat to retain its lovely texture. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the cheese to become rubbery or too soft.
FAQs
Can I use regular cheese instead of halloumi for this recipe?
Halloumi is unique because it can withstand high heat without melting completely, which regular cheeses cannot. For that signature texture and grill marks, halloumi is definitely the way to go.
What types of herbs work best with this recipe?
Fresh mint and oregano are classic options in this recipe, but you can also experiment with thyme, rosemary, or basil depending on your flavor preference.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! Halloumi is a vegetarian-friendly cheese made without animal rennet, making it perfect for vegetarians craving something savory and protein-packed.
Can I prepare this grilled halloumi without a grill?
Yes, a grill pan or even a regular non-stick skillet works great to achieve those beautiful sear marks and that irresistible smoky flavor.
How quickly can I prepare this dish?
This recipe is perfect for when you want something fast and flavorful — it takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time.
Final Thoughts
The Grilled Halloumi with Lemon and Herbs Recipe is a quick and incredibly satisfying way to enjoy bold flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, this dish offers a taste of sunshine with every bite. Give it a try—you may just find your new favorite summer staple!
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Grilled Halloumi with Lemon and Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 9 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This simple and delicious Grilled Halloumi recipe features slices of salty, firm halloumi cheese grilled to perfection until golden grill marks appear and the cheese softens slightly. Served with a drizzle of lemon juice and optional fresh herbs, it’s a perfect appetizer or snack with a Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 ounces halloumi cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Optional: chopped mint or oregano for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the grill: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat to prepare for cooking.
- Slice the cheese: Cut the halloumi into 1/4 inch thick strips to ensure even grilling and a perfect texture.
- Brush with olive oil: Lightly coat both sides of each halloumi slice with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Grill the halloumi: Place the slices on the heated grill or grill pan. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until grill marks appear and the cheese softens but does not fully melt.
- Add lemon juice: Remove the cheese from the grill and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the hot slices to brighten the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh mint or oregano over the grilled halloumi for an added herbal aroma and serve immediately.
Notes
- Be careful not to cook halloumi too long, as it can melt and lose shape.
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor impact.
- Optional herbs add a refreshing touch but are not required.
- Halloumi cheese is naturally gluten-free and suitable for vegetarian diets.
