If you’re on the hunt for a delightful dish that captures the essence of summer, look no further than Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Lemon and Thyme! These skewers are not only vibrant and flavorful but also incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues. Did you know that Halloumi cheese, traditionally made in Cyprus, has a unique ability to hold its shape when grilled? This means you can get beautifully charred, golden-brown edges without worrying about a gooey mess.
This dish is special—it’s a quick, vegetarian option that appeals to everyone, from kids to adults. If you love the smoky flavors of grilled vegetables, you’ll find these skewers just as satisfying. They serve up a refreshing burst of flavor thanks to the zesty lemon and aromatic thyme. If you enjoy light recipes like our Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, Grilled Halloumi Skewers are sure to become a family favorite! So, grab your skewers, and let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe that promises to brighten up any meal!
What are Grilled Halloumi Skewers?
Let’s dive into the intriguing name of this dish! Grilled Halloumi Skewers are essentially bite-sized chunks of Halloumi cheese (that’s the star of the show, by the way!) skewered and grilled with flavorsome herbs. Now, haven’t you ever wondered how Halloumi got its name? Legend has it that ‘Halloumi’ comes from the Arabic word ‘helum,’ meaning cheese. And isn’t it true that the way to a person’s heart is through their cheese—especially when it’s grilled and juicy? Imagine biting into these delightful skewers, the cheese squeaking ever so slightly with that perfect charred crust. Now that’s love at first bite! So, don your apron and get ready to impress your guests with this fantastic recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Halloumi Skewers Recipe
This recipe is a culinary masterpiece that tickles your taste buds in three fantastic ways! First, the highlight is undoubtedly the Halloumi—the unique cheese that grills beautifully while retaining its satisfying texture; it’s like a mini treasure trove of cheesy goodness on a stick. Secondly, making these skewers at home is incredibly budget-friendly. Cheeses can be pricey, but when grilled with a few simple ingredients, they turn into a gourmet experience that won’t break the bank! Finally, the zesty toppings made with lemon and fragrant thyme elevate these skewers to a whole new level, adding freshness that dances on your palate.
If you’ve enjoyed our Grilled Vegetable Salad, you’ll love these Halloumi skewers as an excellent twist on flavor and texture. So what are you waiting for? Fire up that grill and dive into this delectable recipe!
How to Make Grilled Halloumi Skewers
- Quick Overview: With just a handful of ingredients and a cooking time of about 20 minutes, these Grilled Halloumi Skewers are a fast yet flavorful dish. The combination of tangy lemon and aromatic thyme really makes this dish shine, while the grilled Halloumi provides a delightful chewiness.
- Key Ingredients for Grilled Halloumi Skewers:
- 8 ounces Halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh vegetables for skewering (like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes)
- Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. This marinade will elevate the flavors of your skewers!
- Marinate the Halloumi: Add the Halloumi cubes to the bowl and gently toss them in the marinade. Allow them to soak for about 10 minutes to absorb the delicious flavors.
- Assemble the Skewers: Alternate skewering Halloumi and your chosen vegetables on wooden or metal skewers. This not only adds color but also flavors each bite.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the cheese is golden and the veggies are tender.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them cool for a minute. Serve these tantalizing skewers with a sprinkle of extra thyme or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top!
What to Serve Grilled Halloumi Skewers With
To balance the delightful richness of Halloumi, consider serving these skewers with a bright and refreshing side. A simple mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette pairs wonderfully! You could also enjoy them with tzatziki sauce or hummus for an added layer of flavor. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside couscous or quinoa salad to create a complete Mediterranean feast.
Top Tips for Perfecting Grilled Halloumi Skewers
- Choose Quality Halloumi: Not all Halloumi is created equal! Look for brands that use high-quality ingredients for optimal flavor and texture.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to use any veggies you love or have on hand. Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and zucchini all work beautifully.
- Don’t Rush the Grill: Let the grill reach the right temperature for that gorgeous char—around medium-high heat is perfect!
- Experiment with Herbs: Although thyme pairs beautifully with lemon, don’t hesitate to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store your Grilled Halloumi Skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, quickly warm them on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes. This will help maintain the Halloumi’s delightful texture while warming everything through. Alternatively, if you want to prepare these skewers ahead of time, you can marinate the Halloumi and veggies and assemble them, ready for grilling later.
With these ideas and delicious flavors, you’ll surely impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Happy grilling!
Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Lemon and Thyme
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon zest and juice of
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the skewers
- 8 ounces Halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes Quality Halloumi is recommended.
- Fresh vegetables for skewering (like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes) Use any preferred vegetables.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Add the Halloumi cubes to the bowl and gently toss them in the marinade. Let them soak for about 10 minutes.
Assembly and Grilling
- Alternate skewering Halloumi and your chosen vegetables on wooden or metal skewers.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill the skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the cheese is golden and the vegetables are tender.
Serving
- Remove the skewers from the grill and let them cool for a minute. Serve with extra thyme or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Leave a Reply