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Grilled Halloumi Skewers Recipe

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Grilled halloumi skewers combine salty Cypriot cheese with colorful vegetables creating impressive vegetarian dish that showcases halloumi’s unique ability to hold shape under high heat. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe delivers charred, squeaky cheese alongside caramelized vegetables dressed in bright herb marinade. The key to exceptional halloumi skewers lies in proper cheese preparation, strategic ingredient arrangement preventing uneven cooking, and timing that achieves golden exterior while maintaining creamy interior texture.

How to Make Grilled Halloumi Skewers

how to make grilled halloumi skewers

Essential Ingredients

For Halloumi Skewers (Serves 4-6, makes 8-10 skewers):

  • 1 lb halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 medium zucchini, cut into 1-inch rounds
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges and separated
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 8-10 wooden or metal skewers

For Marinade:

  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried mint
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving:

  • Fresh lemon wedges
  • Tzatziki sauce
  • Chopped fresh parsley or mint
  • Warm pita bread

Preparation and Grilling Instructions

grilled halloumi skewers steps

Marinade and prep (20 minutes plus marinating time):

  1. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, mint, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper
  2. Cut halloumi into uniform 1-inch cubes
  3. Pat halloumi dry with paper towels to remove excess brine
  4. Prepare all vegetables cutting into similar-sized pieces for even cooking
  5. If using wooden skewers, soak in water 30 minutes preventing burning
  6. Place halloumi and vegetables in large bowl
  7. Pour marinade over, tossing gently to coat
  8. Let marinate 15-30 minutes at room temperature

Skewer assembly:

  1. Thread ingredients onto skewers alternating halloumi, peppers, zucchini, onion, and tomatoes
  2. Leave small space between pieces allowing heat circulation
  3. Create attractive color patterns for visual appeal
  4. Brush assembled skewers with remaining marinade
  5. Season lightly with additional salt and pepper

Grilling method (8-12 minutes):

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F)
  2. Oil grill grates to prevent sticking
  3. Place skewers on grill perpendicular to grates
  4. Grill 3-4 minutes per side, rotating to cook all sides
  5. Halloumi should develop golden-brown char marks
  6. Vegetables should be tender with slight char
  7. Remove when cheese is golden but still holds shape
  8. Let rest 2 minutes before serving
  9. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over skewers
  10. Serve immediately while cheese remains warm and slightly soft

Conclusion

Grilled halloumi skewers showcase Mediterranean flavors through unique squeaky cheese combined with charred vegetables in herb-infused marinade. Success depends on quality halloumi selection, proper temperature management preventing melting while achieving golden char, and strategic ingredient arrangement ensuring even cooking. Whether serving as impressive vegetarian main course or party appetizer, these skewers deliver satisfying flavors and textures celebrating Cyprus’s culinary contribution. Master this technique to add versatile, visually stunning dish highlighting halloumi’s exceptional grilling properties.

Jennifer Glover
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