Description
This Easy Hot Honey Halloumi Appetizer features golden, seared halloumi cheese slices drizzled with a spicy-sweet hot honey glaze. Enhanced with toasted sesame oil and garnished with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes, it makes a perfect quick, flavorful starter ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Hot Honey Glaze
- 2 Tablespoons hot honey (40 milliliters), store-bought or homemade
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste
Halloumi
- 1 pound halloumi cheese (450 grams)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil (30 milliliters)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the hot honey, toasted sesame oil, and freshly-cracked black pepper until well combined. Set this flavorful glaze aside for later use.
- Slice the Halloumi: Using a sharp knife, cut the halloumi cheese into 8-9 thin rectangles. Then slice these rectangles diagonally to form triangles or slice in half to make squares, depending on your preference. Pat the sliced halloumi dry thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps with even searing.
- Heat the Pan and Sear Halloumi: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the halloumi slices in the hot pan without overcrowding to ensure they brown nicely. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crisp, then flip each slice and cook another 2-3 minutes until the other side is also golden and the cheese is heated through. If your skillet is small, cook in batches to maintain proper heat and avoid steaming the cheese.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer the hot, seared halloumi to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the prepared hot honey glaze. Sprinkle sesame seeds and red pepper flakes over the top to add a nutty crunch and extra heat. Serve the appetizer immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- You can make your own hot honey by gently warming honey with crushed red pepper flakes infused for 10-15 minutes.
- Patting the halloumi dry before cooking helps achieve a crisp golden crust.
- Searing halloumi in olive oil on medium-high heat creates a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and melty.
- Work in batches if your pan is small to avoid overcrowding and uneven cooking.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking for optimal texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
