The season for fresh figs, nature's candy, is so fleeting that it's a downright sin not to take advantage of them while they're here. We love 'em best when they're grilled until they develop a slightly caramelized exterior while still maintaining their juicy, jammy interior. In this recipe, we pair those grilled figs with salty halloumi cheese, which holds its shape well on the grill and develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. The fresh herbs and tangy lemon juice in the marinade brighten up the sweet figs and savory halloumi, making for a well-rounded and satisfying skewer.
We developed this recipe as a way to showcase the flavors of fresh figs at their peak. We experimented with different grilling techniques and marinades, and we found that the combination of direct and indirect grilling worked best to caramelize the figs without overcooking them. The halloumi cheese added a salty, savory counterpoint to the sweet figs, and the fresh herbs and lemon juice brightened up the flavors even more. This recipe is now a favorite of ours, and we think you'll love it too.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
12 fresh figs, cut into quarters
12 ounces halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
In a large bowl, combine the figs, halloumi, olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
Thread the fig and halloumi cubes onto skewers.
Grill the skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the halloumi is golden brown and the figs are slightly caramelized.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Why It Works
Grilling the figs caramelizes their natural sugars, enhancing their sweetness.
Halloumi cheese holds its shape well on the grill, making it a great choice for skewers.
The fresh herbs and lemon juice in the marinade brighten up the sweet figs and savory halloumi.
The combination of direct and indirect grilling ensures that the figs are caramelized without overcooking.