Grilled Halloumi with Chilli Glaze is a dish that never fails to impress. The moment you take a bite, the crispy, golden exterior gives way to the soft, salty cheese, perfectly complemented by a sweet and spicy glaze. This delightful combination not only tantalizes the taste buds but also brings a touch of Mediterranean flair to any meal. Halloumi, a traditional cheese from Cyprus, has been enjoyed for centuries, often grilled or fried due to its high melting point. People love Grilled Halloumi with Chilli Glaze for its unique texture and the way it effortlessly elevates simple gatherings into memorable feasts. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, this recipe is both convenient and satisfying, making it a favorite among cheese lovers and culinary adventurers alike.

Ingredients:

250g halloumi cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1 clove garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Preparing the Halloumi

First things first, let’s get our halloumi ready. Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese that has a high melting point, making it perfect for grilling. Here’s how I prepare it:

Start by slicing the halloumi into 1 cm thick slices. This thickness is ideal for grilling, as it allows the cheese to develop a nice crust while remaining soft and gooey inside.
Once sliced, place the halloumi in a shallow dish. This will be where we marinate it later.

Making the Chilli Glaze

Now, let’s whip up that delicious chili glaze that will elevate our grilled halloumi to the next level. It’s super simple and packed with flavor!

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, soy sauce, red chili flakes, minced garlic, and lemon juice. This combination will give us a sweet, spicy, and tangy glaze.
Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined. You want the honey to dissolve completely into the mixture.
Once mixed, pour about half of the glaze over the halloumi slices in the shallow dish. Make sure each slice is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, letting it sit for 30 minutes will enhance the flavors even more.

Grilling the Halloumi

Now that our halloumi is marinated and ready to go, it’s time to fire up the grill! Here’s how to grill the halloumi to perfection:

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, you can lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
Once the grill is hot, carefully place the marinated halloumi slices on the grill. Make sure to leave some space between each slice to allow for even cooking.
Grill the halloumi for about 2-3 minutes on one side. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when you see nice grill marks and the cheese starts to soften.
Using tongs, flip the halloumi slices over and grill for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Keep an eye on it, as halloumi can go from perfectly grilled to overcooked quite quickly.
While the halloumi is grilling, you can brush the remaining chili glaze over the top of the cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Assembling the Dish

Once your halloumi is beautifully grilled, it’s time to assemble the dish. This is where you can get creative!

Carefully remove the grilled halloumi from the grill and place it on a serving platter.
Drizzle any remaining chili glaze over the top of the grilled halloumi. This will add a lovely shine and extra flavor.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. The parsley not only looks great but also adds a nice herbal note that complements the cheese.
Finally, season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. This adds a little kick and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your grilled halloumi with chili glaze is ready, it’s time to serve it up! Here are a few ideas on how to enjoy this delicious dish:

Serve it as an appetizer with some crusty bread or pita on the side. The bread is perfect for soaking up any extra glaze!
Pair it with a fresh salad. A simple arugula salad with cherry

Conclusion:

In summary, this Grilled Halloumi with Chilli Glaze recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their culinary repertoire. The combination of the salty, creamy halloumi paired with the sweet and spicy chilli glaze creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a main course alongside a fresh salad or grilled vegetables, this dish is versatile enough to fit any occasion. For those looking to mix things up, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like mint or parsley for a refreshing twist, or serve it with a side of tangy tzatziki for a cooling contrast. You could also experiment with different types of glazes, perhaps trying a honey-soy mixture for a sweet and savory experience, or even a balsamic reduction for a gourmet touch. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Grilled Halloumi with Chilli Glaze a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you add your own twist? How did your friends and family react? Share your thoughts and any variations you tried in the comments below. Happy grilling!