Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Lemon and Thyme

Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Lemon and Thyme is a delightful dish that brings summer flavors to your table, no matter the season. This recipe celebrates the unique texture and taste of halloumi cheese, a semi-hard cheese from Cyprus that becomes wonderfully crispy when grilled. Combined with refreshing lemon, aromatic thyme, and colorful vegetables, these skewers are an excellent choice for both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

As a versatile dish, Grilled Halloumi Skewers can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even a side dish. They’re perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, or casual dinners. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Lemon and Thyme

1. Quick and Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and quick, taking about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.

2. Healthy and Flavorful: Featuring fresh ingredients like lemon and thyme, these skewers are not only delicious but also healthy. Halloumi cheese provides a good source of protein and calcium.

3. Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Add more vegetables, use different herbs, or spice things up with your favorite seasonings.

4. Great for Entertaining: Their attractive presentation makes grilled halloumi skewers a crowd-pleaser. Guests will appreciate the vibrant colors and aroma, making them a hit at parties.

5. Perfect for Grilling Season: While you can enjoy these skewers anytime, they’re especially delightful when grilled outdoors, filling the air with tantalizing smells.

Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Lemon and Thyme

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Lemon and Thyme are a vibrant and flavorful vegetarian dish, perfect for summer BBQs or weeknight meals. The halloumi cheese holds its shape beautifully when grilled and pairs wonderfully with zesty lemon, garlic, thyme, and juicy vegetables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 block (8–10 ounces) Halloumi Cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 Lemon, sliced into thin wedges
• 1 medium Red Onion, cut into chunks (optional)
• 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved or whole
• 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Honey (optional)
• Salt and Pepper, to taste
• Fresh Thyme Sprigs, for garnish
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• Optional Add-Ons:
• Bell Peppers, cut into chunks
• Zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
• Mushrooms, whole or halved

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Instructions

1. Soak wooden skewers in water for 20–30 minutes if using wooden skewers to prevent burning.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, honey (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Thread the halloumi, cherry tomatoes, lemon slices, red onion, and any optional vegetables onto skewers.
4. Brush the skewers generously with the prepared marinade.
5. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
6. Grill the skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the cheese is golden and the vegetables are slightly charred and tender.
7. Remove from grill, garnish with thyme sprigs and crushed red pepper flakes if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

• Halloumi is naturally salty, so season lightly with salt.
• These skewers can be prepped ahead and refrigerated until ready to grill.
• Pairs well with couscous, flatbread, or a fresh salad.
• Use metal skewers for easy grilling and reuse.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 skewer
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 530mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: grilled halloumi skewers, vegetarian grill recipe, lemon thyme halloumi, summer BBQ skewers, Mediterranean cheese skewers

Ingredients You’ll Need for Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Lemon and Thyme

Essential Ingredients

• 1 block (8-10 ounces) Halloumi Cheese: Cut into 1-inch cubes. This cheese has a strong flavor that holds up well on the grill.
• 1 Lemon: Cut into thin slices or wedges. The brightness of the lemon enhances the skewers with its zesty flavor.
• 1 medium Red Onion: Cut into chunks (optional). This adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes: These can be halved or left whole. They bring a juicy freshness to the skewers.
• 3 tablespoons Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil will enhance the flavor and help prevent sticking on the grill.
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the marinade.
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme: Finely chopped or 1 teaspoon dried thyme. This herb complements the other flavors beautifully.
• 2 cloves Garlic: Minced. Garlic adds a lovely aroma and taste.
• 1 teaspoon Honey: Optional, but it adds a slight sweetness to balance the acidity.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Simple seasonings that elevate the dish.
• Fresh Thyme Sprigs: For garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For a spicy kick (optional).

Optional Add-Ons

• Bell Peppers: Choose red, yellow, or green peppers, cut into chunks for sweetness.
• Zucchini: Sliced into thick rounds can add a nice texture.
• Mushrooms: Whole button or halved cremini mushrooms for an earthy flavor.

How to Make Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Lemon and Thyme: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Halloumi: Begin by cutting the halloumi into uniform cubes, about 1 inch in size. This ensures even cooking. Then, pat the pieces dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps in browning during grilling.

2. Make the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped thyme, minced garlic, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk the mixture until it’s well blended. The marinade will help infuse the halloumi with flavor.

3. Marinate the Halloumi: Add the halloumi cubes to the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss them to ensure each piece is well coated. Allow the halloumi to marinate for at least 10 minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows the flavors to penetrate the cheese.

4. Prepare Skewers: While the halloumi is marinating, you can prepare your skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes to prevent burning. Then, thread the marinated halloumi cubes, lemon slices, optional red onion chunks, and cherry tomatoes onto the skewers. Feel free to alternate between halloumi and the vegetables for a colorful presentation.

5. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. If you’re using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn down until they are covered with white ash. For a gas grill, allow it to preheat with the lid closed for about 10 minutes.

6. Oil the Grates: Lightly oil the grates with a paper towel dipped in olive oil to prevent sticking. This will help achieve those beautiful grill marks.

7. Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill, being careful not to overcrowd them. Grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side, rotating them until the halloumi is golden brown and charred, and the vegetables are tender.

8. Serve: Once grilled to perfection, transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and optional crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a side of tzatziki or yogurt sauce for dipping.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Lemon and Thyme

When serving your grilled halloumi skewers, consider pairing them with additional sides and flavors to elevate the meal:

• With a Fresh Salad: A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the skewers beautifully.
• Serve with Bread: Warm pita or flatbreads are great for soaking up any leftover marinade or tzatziki.
• Accompany with Grains: Quinoa or couscous can make a lovely base for the skewers, adding heartiness to your dish.
• Pair with Wine: A chilled white wine or a light rosé can be refreshing alongside these skewers.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Grilled Halloumi Skewers

1. Don’t Overcook the Halloumi: Keep an eye on the skewers while grilling. Halloumi cooks quickly, and if left too long on the grill, it can become rubbery. A minute or two on each side is usually sufficient.

2. Experiment with Marinades: Feel free to play with the marinade ingredients. Adding some smoked paprika can bring an intriguing flavor without overwhelming the dish.

3. Mix Up the Vegetables: While the recipe includes red onion and cherry tomatoes, try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or even asparagus to make it your own.

4. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs truly enhance the dish’s flavor. If you have them available, consider adding herbs like oregano or basil alongside the thyme for extra depth.

5. Serve Hot: These skewers taste best served immediately after grilling. The contrast of the warm cheese and fresh vegetables makes for a delightful experience.

Easy Variations for Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Lemon and Thyme

• Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate olives and artichoke hearts onto the skewers for a Mediterranean flair.
• Spicy Kick: Marinade with chili flakes or use spicy halloumi for an extra kick.
• Sweet and Savory: Include chunks of pineapple or peaches alongside halloumi for a sweet twist.
• Herbed Halloumi: Mix different herbs into the marinade, such as rosemary or dill, for unique flavor profiles.

Storage Tips to Store Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Lemon and Thyme

If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence!), here are some tips for storing and reheating:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 2-3 days.

2. Freezing: While it’s best to eat grilled halloumi fresh, you can freeze cooked skewers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month.

3. Reheating: To reheat, place the skewers on a grill or in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help maintain the texture of the cheese.

Conclusion

Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Lemon and Thyme are a fantastic dish that brings refreshing summer flavors and a fun presentation to your meals. Whether you’re grilling for friends or enjoying a cozy night in, these skewers will undoubtedly impress. With straightforward preparation, endless variations, and delectable flavors, you’ll find this recipe becoming a repeat favorite in your cooking repertoire. So grab your ingredients and get grilling!

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