Spiced Halloumi Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

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

Grilled halloumi cubes marinated in warm spices served with a cooling garlic yogurt sauce for a flavorful appetizer or snack. This middle eastern-inspired snacks ready in about 25 minutes blends halloumi cheese, ground cumin, smoked paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Middle Eastern cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 300 g halloumi cheese into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, toss the cubes with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Thread the spiced halloumi cubes onto 6-8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  3. Step 3: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until the cheese is golden with char marks.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint. Mix until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  5. Step 5: Serve the hot halloumi skewers with the garlic yogurt sauce for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Halloumi Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spiced Halloumi Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Halloumi Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

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 Spiced Halloumi Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Spiced Halloumi Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

Middle Eastern snacks 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.

Related recipes