This Halloumi Watermelon appetizer is a fun summer appetizer that's easy and quick to put together and burst with flavor. The watermelon is topped with some fried halloumi bits then topped with microgreens, mint, chopped pistachios and a drizzle of spicy honey. It's sweet, salty, a little spicy, and makes a great summer snack.
I love crafting fun bites like this one for summer gatherings, just like these Peach and Brie Grilled Cheese Bites with Prosciutto.
Notes on Ingredients
- Watermelon: Choose a ripe, seedless watermelon for the best flavor and ease of preparation. The sweetness of the watermelon pairs beautifully with the salty halloumi.
- Halloumi: Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese traditionally made from a mixture of goat's and sheep's milk. It has a high melting point and has a great texture when fried or grilled.
- Spicy Honey: To achieve this spicy honey, I add some cayenne and mix it in with the honey. you can also purchase hot honey at the grocery store.
- Mint: Fresh mint leaves add a burst of freshness and a hint of herbal complexity to the dish.
- Pistachios: Lightly toasted pistachios provide a satisfying crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.
How to Make These Halloumi Watermelon Appetizers
- Prepare the Watermelon: Cut the watermelon into small wedges so that they are easy to pick up and eat.
2. Fry the Halloumi: Slice the halloumi block into ¼ inch thick pieces. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat, add 2 teaspoons of olive oil and once the pan is hot, fry the halloumi until golden brown on both sides. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Then cut the halloumi into ¼ inch cubes.
3. Prepare the honey: add the cayenne into the honey and stir until combined.
4. Assemble the Appetizer: Arrange the watermelon pieces on a serving platter. Top each piece with the halloumi squares, top with fresh mint leaves and chopped pistachios and drizzle the cayenne honey over each piece.
Variation of this Appetizer
- Cheese: instead of halloumi you can also use crumbles of feta. It will have a different texture than halloumi but still offers that saltiness you want that will pair so nicely with the watermelon.
- Balsamic Reduction: Swap the honey for a balsamic reduction for a tangy twist.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs such as basil or cilantro in place of mint for a unique flavor profile.
- Nuts: Substitute the pistachios with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts for different textures and flavors.
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Halloumi Watermelon Appetizer with Spicy Honey
Ingredients
- ½ small watermelon seedless and cut into about 15-20 small wedges
- 4 oz Halloumi
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- ⅛ teaspoon Cayenne
- 7-10 Mint leaves chopped
- 2 tablespoon Pistachios
Instructions
- Prepare the Watermelon: Cut the watermelon into small wedges so that they are easy to pick up and eat.
- Fry the Halloumi: Slice the halloumi block into ¼ inch thick pieces. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat, add 2 teaspoons of olive oil and once the pan is hot, fry the halloumi until golden brown on both sides. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Then cut the halloumi into ¼ inch cubes.
- Prepare the honey: add the cayenne into the honey and stir until combined.
- Assemble the Appetizer: Arrange the watermelon pieces on a serving platter. Top each piece with the halloumi squares, top with fresh mint leaves and chopped pistachios and drizzle the cayenne honey over each piece.
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