These Grilled Halloumi Skewers are a tasty treat! The halloumi cheese gets nice and golden as it grills, while lemon and thyme add a fresh kick to each bite.
Honestly, they’re super easy to whip up! I love serving them at parties. Everyone always asks for more, and I just smile and say, “Who can resist cheesy goodness?” 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Halloumi Cheese: This cheese is firm and grillable, making it perfect for skewers! If you can’t find halloumi, try using paneer. It’ll give you a similar texture. Just remember that halloumi has a distinct salty flavor, and paneer is milder.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten up the dish. If you’re short on lemons, try lime juice or a splash of vinegar mixed with water. You won’t get the same taste, but it’ll still add some acidity!
Thyme: Fresh thyme is my favorite, but if you have dried thyme, use that instead—just remember you’ll need less (1 teaspoon instead of a tablespoon). Oregano or rosemary also works well if you’re looking for a change!
Olive Oil: Olive oil gives a rich flavor, but feel free to swap in canola or avocado oil. They have a higher smoke point if you’re grilling at high temperatures.
How Do You Get Perfectly Grilled Halloumi Without It Sticking?
Grilling halloumi can be tricky since it’s prone to sticking. Here’s how to make sure it comes out perfectly:
- Always preheat your grill or grill pan. A hot surface helps avoid sticking.
- Use olive oil in the marinade and also brush a bit on the grill surface before placing the skewers down.
- Don’t move the skewers around too much; let them sit and develop those nice grill marks before flipping.
Following these tips will help you create beautifully grilled halloumi skewers every time!
Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Lemon and Thyme
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 250g halloumi cheese
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Optional: cherry tomatoes, bell pepper pieces, or zucchini slices for skewering
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 15 minutes for marinating. You’ll need about 5-6 minutes on the grill, so in total, you should be ready to enjoy your skewers in about 35-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Soak the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal ones, you can skip this step!
2. Prepare the Halloumi:
Cut the halloumi cheese into thick cubes, about 1-inch pieces. This size is perfect for grilling and makes for easy skewering.
3. Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This fragrant marinade will add fantastic flavor to your cheese!
4. Marinate the Halloumi:
Gently toss the halloumi cubes in the marinade until they’re well coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have time, you can let them soak up the flavors for longer!
5. Preheat the Grill:
While the halloumi is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. A hot grill is essential for getting those beautiful grill marks.
6. Assemble the Skewers:
Thread the marinated halloumi cubes onto the skewers. If you like, you can alternate halloumi with pieces of cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini for some colorful and tasty flair!
7. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the halloumi is golden brown and has nice grill marks. Keep an eye on them, as they can cook quickly!
8. Drizzle and Serve:
Once they’re done grilling, remove the skewers from the grill and drizzle any remaining marinade over them for extra flavor. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh thyme and lemon wedges on the side for a beautiful presentation.
Enjoy your delicious Grilled Halloumi Skewers infused with fresh lemon and thyme! They’re perfect for a BBQ or a light meal anytime.
FAQ for Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Lemon and Thyme
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
While halloumi is the ideal choice because of its grilling properties, you can also use paneer or queso blanco as substitutes. Just keep in mind that they may have slightly different flavors and textures compared to halloumi!
How Can I Customize the Skewers?
You can add a variety of vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms for extra flavor and color. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences or seasonal produce!
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the halloumi beforehand and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before grilling. Just keep in mind that prolonged marinating may result in a saltier flavor due to the cheese’s natural saltiness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can warm them gently on a grill or in a pan, but they’re best enjoyed fresh!
