BAKED HALLOUMI WITH TOMATOES AND THYME

BAKED HALLOUMI WITH TOMATOES AND THYME

Baked Halloumi with Tomatoes and Thyme is a quick, flavour-packed dish that elevates simple ingredients into a delightful Mediterranean experience. Halloumi cheese, known for its firm texture and high melting point, turns perfectly golden when baked. It becomes an irresistible savoury treat when paired with blistered cherry tomatoes and infused with the earthy notes of dried thyme and a drizzle of olive oil. This dish can be served as an appetiser, a side or a light vegetarian main. It’s ideal for casual dinners or summer gatherings and works beautifully with warm pita or fresh salad. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s an unfussy recipe for cheese lovers. Whether you’re entertaining or cooking for yourself, this Mediterranean-inspired bake adds a touch of elegance and comfort with minimal effort and maximum flavour.

RECIPE CATEGORY

Appetisers

SERVING SIZE

1

CUISINE

Mediterranean

PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES

Bake

OCCASION/HOLIDAY

Casual Dinner, Party, Summer, Picnic, Date Night, Family Reunion, Back to School

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS

Vegetarian, Quick & Easy, Low/No Sugar, Wheat/Gluten-Free, Nut-Free

DISH TYPE

Dip

INGREDIENTS

Here is a list of ingredients for Baked Halloumi with Tomatoes and Thyme:

• 2 slices halloumi cheese

• ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ teaspoon olive oil

• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme

• Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

• Calories: 179.5 kcal

• Fat: 14.6 g

• Saturated Fat: 7.9 g

• Cholesterol: 50.5 mg

• Sodium: 648.8 mg

• Carbohydrates: 4.3 g

• Fibre: 0.7 g

• Sugars: 1.2  g

• Protein: 8.5 g

• Calcium: 290 mg

• Iron: 0.8 mg

PREPARATION

• Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F).

• Prepare ingredients: Slice the halloumi into 1 cm thick pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes.

• Assemble on tray: Place the halloumi slices and cherry tomatoes on a small baking tray lined with parchment paper.

• Season and drizzle: Sprinkle thyme evenly and drizzle olive oil across the cheese and tomatoes.

• Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the halloumi turns golden and the tomatoes are soft and slightly blistered.

• Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot, optionally garnished with cracked black pepper and fresh herbs.

PREP TIME

5 minutes

COOKING TIME

15 minutes

TIPS

• Use quality halloumi: Choose firm, authentic halloumi for the best texture and grilling results.

• Add fresh herbs: Garnish with fresh basil, mint or parsley for a burst of colour and flavour.

• Avoid overbaking: Keep an eye on the oven to prevent the halloumi from drying out.

• Tomato variety: Use cherry or grape tomatoes for best results; their natural sweetness balances the salty cheese.

• Serving ideas: Pair with crusty bread, a green salad or grilled vegetables for a fuller meal.

VARIATIONS

• Add vegetables: Include zucchini slices, bell peppers or red onion for a heartier version.

• Make spicy: Add a pinch of chilli flakes for a subtle kick before baking.

• Serve as skewers: Alternate cheese and tomato on skewers. Bake or grill for a party snack.

• Herb blends: Swap thyme for oregano, rosemary or a Mediterranean herb mix.

• Vegan option: Substitute vegan halloumi or tofu for a plant-based variation.

PREPPING AND STORAGE

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for the best texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery cheese.

• Meal prep: Prepare components ahead of time and bake fresh before serving.

• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this dish because the halloumi texture can change when frozen and thawed.