Get ready to fall head over heels for Grilled Halloumi with Honey Lime Chili Glaze—a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s bold, bright, and absolutely irresistible. Imagine thick, golden slices of halloumi cheese sizzling on the grill, their salty edges crackling, only to be bathed in a warm, sticky honey lime chili glaze that packs a tangy punch. This recipe is pure sunshine in every bite, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special (and surprisingly easy!) any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of key ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how their vibrant flavors meld together into something magical. Each one adds its own note—savory, sweet, zesty, or a little bit spicy—to really let the Grilled Halloumi with Honey Lime Chili Glaze shine.
- Halloumi Cheese: The main star here; its high melting point means it’ll grill beautifully without losing shape, resulting in that rich, chewy texture.
- Olive Oil: Just a quick brush adds flavor and helps the cheese achieve perfect grill marks.
- Honey: Brings a touch of natural sweetness that caramelizes slightly in the glaze, balancing the tang and heat.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Adds lively acidity that wakes up every bite and pairs so well with the halloumi.
- Lime Zest: Offers a fragrant citrusy kick—plus, it makes a gorgeous garnish.
- Red Chili Flakes: The secret to that gentle, lingering heat; feel free to adjust to your “spicy” comfort zone.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth, making the glaze even more addictive.
- Salt: Just a pinch highlights both the cheese and the glaze flavors—don’t skip it!
How to Make Grilled Halloumi with Honey Lime Chili Glaze
Step 1: Prepare the Halloumi
Slice your block of halloumi into even 1/2-inch slabs—thick enough to hold up on the grill but still super satisfying to bite into. Give each slice a gentle brush of olive oil on both sides. This not only helps prevent sticking but adds a little extra Mediterranean flavor and helps create those gorgeous grill marks.
Step 2: Fire Up The Grill
Preheat your outdoor grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to quickly sear the cheese, so you get golden brown lines and a luscious, just-melted center. Once heated, carefully lay the halloumi slices on the grill and let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side—don’t move them around too much so those marks stay intact!
Step 3: Make the Honey Lime Chili Glaze
While the cheese is doing its thing, grab a small saucepan for the glaze. Add honey, lime juice, lime zest, chili flakes, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Set the pan over low heat and stir gently for 2–3 minutes—just long enough for everything to meld and the glaze to warm through. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s slightly thickened and oh-so-fragrant.
Step 4: Assemble and Drizzle
Once the halloumi is grilled to golden perfection, transfer the slices to a serving plate. Immediately spoon or drizzle the warm honey lime chili glaze across the hot cheese, allowing it to soak in a bit. For an extra flash of color and flavor, sprinkle on extra lime zest or chopped fresh herbs if desired. Serve right away and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Grilled Halloumi with Honey Lime Chili Glaze
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way with this dish. I love adding more lime zest for a pop of color and fresh flavor, or a handful of chopped mint or cilantro to provide a cool contrast to the warmth of the cheese and glaze. Sesame seeds or pomegranate arils also make lovely, eye-catching garnishes.
Side Dishes
Grilled Halloumi with Honey Lime Chili Glaze is a flavor bomb on its own, but it’s absolutely incredible alongside crusty bread, a simple green salad, or with grilled veggies like zucchini, peppers, or asparagus. For a heartier meal, serve it as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter with olives, hummus, and roasted tomatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the usual! Stack the slices on skewers for a fun party appetizer, lay them over baby greens with extra glaze as a warm salad, or tuck them into flatbreads with a slaw for an unforgettable vegetarian sandwich. You can even cut the grilled halloumi into cubes and serve as tapas with toothpicks and dipping sauce on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is a big “if”), pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The halloumi will firm up as it chills, but it still tastes fabulous with a quick reheat or even cold over salads.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for Grilled Halloumi with Honey Lime Chili Glaze, since halloumi tends to lose some of its beautiful texture when thawed. If you need to prep ahead, freeze just the plain cheese and grill fresh with glaze the day you serve.
Reheating
To bring leftover halloumi back to its just-grilled glory, warm slices on a hot nonstick skillet or grill pan for 1–2 minutes per side until heated through. The glaze can be gently warmed in the microwave or on the stovetop before drizzling again.
FAQs
Can I use another cheese besides halloumi?
Halloumi is unique for its high melting point, letting it keep its shape when grilled. Other cheeses like paneer work for grilling but won’t give that bouncy, chewy texture or signature salty flavor, so stick to halloumi if you can find it!
How spicy is the honey lime chili glaze?
The heat here is totally customizable. The recipe has a moderate amount of red chili flakes, for a gentle kick. You can dial it up or down based on your tastes—just taste the glaze as you go and make it your own!
Can I make the glaze in advance?
Absolutely! The honey lime chili glaze can be made a day or two ahead. Just store it in the fridge and warm gently before using so it’s easy to pour over the grilled cheese.
Is Grilled Halloumi with Honey Lime Chili Glaze gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check labels on your paprika and chili flakes if you have any dietary sensitivities.
What’s the best way to cut halloumi for grilling?
Slice halloumi into thick slabs, about 1/2-inch. Too thin and it might crumble or stick to the grill; too thick and it may not heat through. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts and pat the cheese dry with a paper towel to reduce splattering.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a way to add some zest to your appetizer lineup, Grilled Halloumi with Honey Lime Chili Glaze is about to become your new go-to. Trust me—one bite of that smoky, salty cheese with the tangy-sweet-hot glaze and you’ll be hooked. Give it a try and share it with friends or family; it’s the kind of dish destined to spark joy and plenty of requests for the recipe!
Print
Grilled Halloumi with Honey Lime Chili Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Grilled Halloumi with Honey Lime Chili Glaze is a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines the salty, savory halloumi cheese with a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy glaze. Perfect for a summer appetizer or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Halloumi:
- 8 ounces halloumi cheese, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the Halloumi: Lightly brush both sides of the halloumi slices with olive oil. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and the cheese is golden and softened.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, lime juice, lime zest, chili flakes, smoked paprika, and salt. Heat gently for 2–3 minutes until warm and slightly thickened.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the grilled halloumi, transfer to a plate, drizzle with the warm glaze, and garnish with extra lime zest or herbs. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Halloumi is best served fresh off the grill.
- Pair with crusty bread, salad greens, or grilled vegetables.
- You can double the glaze for dipping if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
