Mediterranean Greek Halloumi Mezze Platter with Hot Honey Drizzle
The Mediterranean Greek Halloumi Mezze Platter with Hot Honey Drizzle is the kind of dish that instantly brings people to the table. It is colorful, generous, and designed for sharing. Salty, golden halloumi takes center stage, paired with fresh vegetables, olives, dips, and warm bread, then finished with a light drizzle of hot honey that adds just enough sweetness and heat to wake everything up. This platter is perfect for entertaining, relaxed family meals, or even as a light dinner when you want something satisfying without feeling heavy. It captures the spirit of Mediterranean mezze, where variety, balance, and simple ingredients matter more than complexity.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
14 oz halloumi cheese, sliced into thick pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons hot honey (or honey with chili flakes)
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cucumber, sliced
½ cup Kalamata olives
½ cup hummus or tzatziki
Warm pita bread or flatbread for serving
Optional extras: roasted red peppers, fresh herbs, lemon wedges
Instructions
Pat the halloumi slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Heat a nonstick or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
Place halloumi slices in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
Sprinkle oregano and black pepper over the halloumi while still warm.
Transfer the cooked halloumi to a plate and let it rest briefly.
Arrange tomatoes, cucumber slices, and olives on a large serving platter.
Add small bowls of hummus or tzatziki to the platter.
Place warm halloumi slices in the center of the platter.
Drizzle hot honey lightly over the halloumi just before serving.
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with warm pita or flatbread.
Tips
Drying halloumi helps it brown instead of steaming.
Use medium-high heat for a crisp exterior.
Do not overcrowd the pan or the cheese will soften too much.
Flip halloumi only once to keep it intact.
Add honey after cooking to avoid burning.
Taste hot honey before using to control heat level.
Warm bread just before serving for best texture.
Use a large platter so ingredients stay distinct.
Balance salty halloumi with fresh vegetables.
Serve immediately while halloumi is warm and tender.
Variations
Add roasted zucchini or eggplant for extra vegetables.
Replace hummus with baba ghanoush.
Add marinated artichokes for depth.
Use thyme or za’atar instead of oregano.
Add grilled lemon halves for squeezing over halloumi.
Include nuts like pistachios or walnuts for crunch.
Replace hot honey with fig jam thinned with lemon.
Add fresh figs or grapes for sweetness.
Make it spicy with chili oil instead of honey.
Add prosciutto or cured meats for a mixed mezze platter.
Q&A
What is halloumi cheese?
Halloumi is a semi-firm brined cheese that holds its shape when cooked.
Can halloumi be grilled instead of pan-fried?
Yes, grilling works very well and adds smoky flavor.
Is this platter served hot or cold?
The halloumi is best warm, while the rest is served at room temperature.
Can I prepare parts of this ahead?
Yes, prep vegetables and dips in advance, cook halloumi just before serving.
Is hot honey necessary?
No, but it adds a nice contrast to the salty cheese.
Can I make this vegetarian-friendly for all guests?
Yes, it is already vegetarian as written.
How do I store leftovers?
Store halloumi separately and reheat gently in a pan.
What bread works best?
Pita, naan, or any soft flatbread works well.
Can I serve this as a main meal?
Yes, with enough bread and sides, it makes a filling meal.
Is halloumi very salty?
It is naturally salty, which is why fresh elements balance it well.
Nutrition
(Approximate per serving)
Calories: 390
Protein: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fat: 26 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sodium: Moderate to high
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Greek Halloumi Mezze Platter with Hot Honey Drizzle is a celebration of contrast and simplicity. Crispy, salty cheese meets fresh vegetables, creamy dips, warm bread, and a touch of sweetness that brings everything together. It is flexible, visually appealing, and easy to adapt based on what you have on hand. Whether served as an appetizer, shared meal, or centerpiece for entertaining, this platter delivers bold flavor with minimal effort and captures the relaxed, social nature of Mediterranean dining.