Pan-Seared Greek Halloumi with Honey and Toasted Sesame

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Firm halloumi cheese pan-seared to golden perfection, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds for sweet and nutty contrast. This greek-inspired vegetarian ready in about 11 minutes pairs halloumi cheese, olive oil, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 6 min Serves 2 Greek cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 8 oz halloumi cheese into 1/2-inch thick slices and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Step 3: Place the halloumi slices in the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until each side is golden brown and the cheese is slightly softened but holds its shape.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the seared halloumi to a serving plate and immediately drizzle 2 tbsp honey evenly over the slices.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top and serve with 4 fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the cheese to add a bright acidity.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Greek Halloumi with Honey and Toasted Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 11 minutes (5 min prep + 6 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Greek Halloumi with Honey and Toasted Sesame?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep halloumi cheese from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Greek Halloumi with Honey and Toasted Sesame?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Greek Halloumi with Honey and Toasted Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Greek Halloumi with Honey and Toasted Sesame?

Greek vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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