Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Herbs & Lemon

Golden-brown cubes of halloumi cheese grilled to perfection on skewers, seasoned with fresh thyme and a hint of lemon. Crispy on the outside and soft, salty on the inside—these skewers are a flavorful, protein-packed vegetarian appetizer or side dish that’s easy to prepare and quick to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled halloumi skewers offer a satisfying texture and a savory flavor that even meat-lovers enjoy. The high melting point of halloumi allows it to be grilled without falling apart, while herbs and lemon add aromatic freshness. Whether served at a summer cookout, dinner party, or as part of a mezze platter, these skewers are a versatile and visually appealing addition to any menu.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 8 oz halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)
  • Wooden or metal skewers

Directions

  1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
  2. In a bowl, gently toss the halloumi cubes with olive oil, thyme, smoked paprika (if using), and freshly cracked black pepper.
  3. Thread the seasoned halloumi cubes onto skewers, leaving a small space between each cube for even grilling.
  4. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  5. Grill the skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the cheese is golden brown and lightly charred.
  6. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing and garnish with additional thyme if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2 to 3 people as an appetizer or side dish.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Grilling time: 6–8 minutes
Total time: 15–20 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or drizzle with chili oil before serving for a spicy kick.
  • Herb Blend: Use a combination of herbs such as oregano, rosemary, or mint for a more complex flavor.
  • Vegetable Addition: Alternate halloumi cubes with cherry tomatoes, zucchini slices, or bell peppers on the skewers.
  • Citrus Marinade: Marinate the halloumi briefly in lemon juice and olive oil before grilling for an extra zesty profile.
  • Smoky Finish: Add a dash of liquid smoke to the olive oil mixture for a deeper grilled flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Grilled halloumi is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm the skewers in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes on each side until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the cheese to become rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?

Halloumi is best for grilling due to its high melting point. Other cheeses may not hold their shape on the grill.

Do I need to oil the grill or pan?

If your grill or pan is well-seasoned, additional oil may not be necessary, but a light brush of oil helps prevent sticking.

Can I make these skewers in advance?

You can prep and skewer the halloumi ahead of time, but grilling should be done just before serving for best texture.

Is halloumi cheese vegetarian?

Most halloumi is made with microbial rennet and is vegetarian, but always check the label to confirm.

Can I grill halloumi without skewers?

Yes, you can grill halloumi slices directly on the grill or in a pan if you prefer not to use skewers.

What should I serve with grilled halloumi?

It pairs well with salads, grilled vegetables, couscous, or as part of a mezze platter.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, dried herbs work well—just reduce the quantity, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

How do I prevent the cheese from sticking to the grill?

Ensure the grill is hot and lightly oiled, and avoid moving the skewers too early to allow searing.

Can I cook these in the oven?

Yes, you can broil them on a foil-lined tray for 5–7 minutes, turning once until golden.

Does halloumi need to be marinated?

Marination is optional. A simple toss with oil and herbs provides sufficient flavor for quick preparation.

Conclusion

Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Herbs & Lemon are a quick, satisfying, and flavorful vegetarian option that brings variety to your summer grilling or dinner table. With their crisp exterior and savory center, these skewers are ideal for entertaining or a simple weeknight side. Experiment with herbs, add vegetables, or keep it classic—either way, they’re sure to impress.

Print

Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Herbs & Lemon

Golden-brown grilled halloumi cheese skewers seasoned with fresh thyme and a touch of lemon. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these skewers are a protein-rich, flavorful vegetarian appetizer or side dish.

  • Author: Djihane
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Total Time: 16 minutes
  • Yield: 4 skewers 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)
  • Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

  1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning.
  2. In a bowl, gently toss halloumi cubes with olive oil, thyme, paprika (if using), and black pepper.
  3. Thread the halloumi cubes onto skewers, spacing them slightly apart.
  4. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  5. Grill the skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and lightly charred.
  6. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and garnish with additional thyme if desired.

Notes

  • Use a grill pan if an outdoor grill is not available.
  • Halloumi holds its shape well on the grill and doesn’t melt, making it ideal for skewers.
  • Serve with a side salad or warm flatbread for a complete meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 skewer
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: grilled halloumi, halloumi skewers, vegetarian grilling, cheese skewers, lemon thyme halloumi

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