Grilled Halloumi and Figs with Nectarines and Thyme

Halloumi cheese is magical to me. Because of its high melting point, it doesn’t easily melt, which makes it an excellent cheese to grill or fry.

Halloumi cheese package

Halloumi or hellim cheese originated in Cyprus. It’s popular in Turkey, Greece and the Middle East.  A combination of sheep and goats milk, the cheese has a mild, salty and tangy taste. It’s gotten a nickname as the “squeaky” cheese. It has a springy feel and squeaks a little when you chew it. I admit the sound freaked me out a little the first time I ate it years ago. The best types of cheese to compare it to would be Queso Para Frier or Queso Para Frier. Halloumi makes a great base for the sweet grilled figs and fresh nectarines. It's the perfect combination of salty, tangy and sweet flavors.

Here’s what you need to make Grilled Halloumi and Figs with Nectarine and Thyme:

3 tablespoons of olive oil, divided
1 package Halloumi Cheese, sliced into 4 pieces (¼” slices)
6 fresh figs, sliced in half
2 nectarines, pitted and diced
Honey to drizzle
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced

raw ingredients - fresh figs, nectarines, almonds, thyme, olive oil, halloumi cheese

The natural sugar from the figs may cause them to stick a bit.  Make sure each one is lightly coated with olive oil to reduce sticking.

diced fresh nectarines

slicing halloumi cheese with knife

This recipe is a good exercise in bettering your knife skills.

You want the halloumi to have golden grill marks.   Assembling the dish is quick.  Pour on the honey and make your slices as sweet as you like.

finely chopping fresh thyme

Fresh thyme is the finishing touch.  Bonus?  You're working on your knife skills again.

finished plate of grilled halloumi and figs with nectarines and thyme

grilled halloumi cheese with grilled figs and nectarines

Grilled Halloumi and Figs with Nectarines and Thyme

Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheese appetizer, easy appetizer, Party food
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 411 kcal
Author: Lisa Marie Todd

This appetizer is easy and full of flavor!

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Ingredients

  • tablespoons  of olive oil divided
  • 1   package Halloumi Cheese sliced into 4 pieces ¼” slices
  • 6   fresh figs halved
  • 2   nectarines pitted and diced
  •   Honey to drizzle
  • tablespoons  Fresh thyme minced
  • ¼  cup  almonds toasted and chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Brush both sides of figs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place figs onto grill and cook for 2 - 3 minutes each side. Remove from pan and set aside.
  3. Cut 4 slices of Halloumi cheese into ¼” thick slices. Brush both sides with remaining 2 tablespoons of oil.
  4. Place halloumi cheese in pan and grill for 2 - 3 minutes each side. You want to get grill marks on the cheese. Remove from pan and place on a platter or individual plates.
  5. Spoon nectarines and figs onto halloumi slices. Drizzle with desired amount of honey.
  6. Springle thyme evenly over slices then top cheese with toasted almonds. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Grilled Halloumi and Figs with Nectarines and Thyme
Amount Per Serving
Calories 411 Calories from Fat 252
% Daily Value*
Fat 28g43%
Saturated Fat 8g50%
Sodium 451mg20%
Potassium 465mg13%
Carbohydrates 31g10%
Fiber 6g25%
Sugar 22g24%
Protein 13g26%
Vitamin A 695IU14%
Vitamin C 17.2mg21%
Calcium 474mg47%
Iron 2.4mg13%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

Want to watch how I made this recipe on my show?  Click the video below.

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