Name: Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Lemon and Thyme: The Easy Crowd-Pleaser
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 16 min
Ingredients: 8 oz halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 lemon (zested and juiced); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried); 1 garlic clove, minced; Salt and black pepper to taste; Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes first)

What the heck is this?
If you haven’t tried grilled halloumi yet, you’re missing out on one of life’s greatest simple pleasures. Halloumi is a salty, squeaky cheese from the Mediterranean that holds up perfectly on the grill—it gets those gorgeous golden char marks and a crispy outside while staying soft and melty inside. These skewers bring together halloumi cubes with fresh lemon and fragrant thyme for a bright, herbaceous bite that’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly and cooks in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super quick and easy — ready in under 20 minutes.
Halloumi’s unique texture and flavor that’s salty, crispy, and melty all at once.
Fresh lemon and thyme brighten the smoky grilled cheese.
Great for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or party appetizers.
Gluten-free and vegetarian, so it suits lots of diets.
Pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or crusty bread.

The Good Stuff You’ll Need

8 oz halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes first)

Let’s Do This

Step 1: Marinate the Halloumi
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add halloumi cubes and toss gently to coat. Let it sit for 10 minutes to soak up those flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
Thread the marinated halloumi cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even grilling.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill
Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy with those signature grill marks.

Step 4: Serve It Up
Remove from grill and drizzle with any leftover marinade or a little extra lemon juice. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if you’re feeling fancy.

Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple Greek salad, grilled veggies, or pita bread for a light Mediterranean feast. Drizzle with extra olive oil or a splash of balsamic vinegar for an added flavor boost.

Switch It Up

Add cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini between halloumi cubes on skewers.
Swap thyme for rosemary or oregano for a different herb vibe.
Sprinkle with chili flakes if you want a little heat.

Make-Ahead Tips
Marinate the halloumi up to 2 hours ahead and keep refrigerated. Assemble skewers just before grilling to keep cheese fresh.

Questions People Actually Ask

Q: Can I cook halloumi in a pan instead of grilling?
A: Absolutely! Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high and cook cubes until golden on all sides.

Q: Does halloumi melt?
A: Nope — it softens but holds its shape perfectly when grilled.

Q: Can I use frozen halloumi?
A: It’s best fresh, but if frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q: Is halloumi salty?
A: Yes, it’s naturally salty, so adjust added salt accordingly.

Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Lemon and Thyme: The Easy Crowd-Pleaser

Author: Tyla
Total Time: 16 minutes
Yield: 2–3 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

If you haven’t tried grilled halloumi yet, you’re missing out on one of life’s greatest simple pleasures. Halloumi is a salty, squeaky cheese from the Mediterranean that holds up perfectly on the grill—it gets those gorgeous golden char marks and a crispy outside while staying soft and melty inside. These skewers bring together halloumi cubes with fresh lemon and fragrant thyme for a bright, herbaceous bite that’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly and cooks in minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes first)

Instructions