Tomato and Halloumi Bake • Halloumi Recipe • The Cook Report (2024)

Author: Amy Fulwood | Published: | Modified:

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This halloumi bake perfectly combines the healthy freshness of vegetables with the chewy, salty cheese for a delicious vegetarian dinner.

Tomato and Halloumi Bake • Halloumi Recipe • The Cook Report (1)

Note: This was one of my very first recipes and I've now updated the photos so the ones beyond this point were updated on 26/07/18. This is still one of my all time favourite halloumi recipes and I hope you love it as much as I do!

This bake uses some of my all time favourite ingredients. Obviously halloumi is one of the most dreamy things in the world and I'm always on the hunt for new recipes to add to my repertoire.

I cook it pretty regularly and there are so many recipes for it on this site it’s hard to pick some real stand outs but I think using it in a halloumi curry was one of the most life changing things I’ve ever done (yeah, I said it, LIFE CHANGING) and this bake is one of those simple, store cupboard type recipes which I go back to again and again!

Where to buy halloumi?

It's available in most supermarkets, just look in the speciality cheese section of the fridge!

Tomato and Halloumi Bake • Halloumi Recipe • The Cook Report (2)
Tomato and Halloumi Bake • Halloumi Recipe • The Cook Report (3)
Tomato and Halloumi Bake • Halloumi Recipe • The Cook Report (4)

So I could probably never choose a favourite cheese because, let's be real, they all offer such special and different qualities but halloumi cheese is definitely up there as one of the cheeses I'd hate to live without.

It's also one of those brilliant ingredients that stops you feeling like you're missing out on anything when you're eating vegetarian.

It's a little salty, has a great texture and looks so invitingly awesome when it's gently fried and all crispy and brown.

Tomato and Halloumi Bake • Halloumi Recipe • The Cook Report (5)

This bake is full of fresh vegetables and herby flavour and it's probably my new favourite vegetarian dinner.

We eat veggie fairly regularly and this is exactly the kind of recipe we like to have on hand for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Tomato and Halloumi Bake • Halloumi Recipe • The Cook Report (6)
Tomato and Halloumi Bake • Halloumi Recipe • The Cook Report (7)

This easy dish starts with some chopped onions frying gently for a few minutes before you add chopped garlic and frying for a little longer.

Then courgette, tomatoes and spices are added and cooked for about 20 minutes with some tomato puree until everything is getting super soft and the tomatoes have released all their juices to make a lovely sauce.

Equipment you need to make this recipe...

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Tomato and Halloumi Bake • Halloumi Recipe • The Cook Report (8)

Finally you need to add those slices of cheese on top and put the whole thing under the grill to get it all browned and toasty.

Once you're ready to eat sprinkle on some chopped fresh basil and bring the whole thing to the table to serve.

I served it with some crusty bread and fresh salad leaves and it was a lovely fresh and light meal perfect for a weeknight.Plus it's gluten free so great for the whole family.

Oh and the leftovers work great for lunch the next day hot or cold.

Want to bookmark this recipe?Pin it for laterto your easy dinners board!

Tomato and Halloumi Bake • Halloumi Recipe • The Cook Report (9)
Tomato and Halloumi Bake • Halloumi Recipe • The Cook Report (10)

One thing to note is that I put a teaspoon of chilli flakes in here which I think goes great with the other flavours. If you're not a fan of spicy food it will still taste great if you leave it out or reduce the quantity!

If you're as in love with halloumi as I am then you need to head over to my complete guide to How to Cook Halloumi!

It's got tips on how to grill, bake and fry it as well as plenty of recipes to try out and even some fun little facts about everyone's favourite cheese🧀

Want more? Try these other halloumi recipes!

Recipe

Tomato and Halloumi Bake • Halloumi Recipe • The Cook Report (11)

Tomato and Halloumi Bake

This halloumi bake perfectly combines the healthy freshness of vegetables with the chewy, salty halloumi for a delicious vegetarian dinner.

4.41 from 52 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 265kcal

Author: Amy Fulwood

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 Onion chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic crushed
  • 2 Courgettes chopped
  • 6 Medium Tomatoes chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Tomato Puree
  • 1 tablespoon Turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Chilli Flakes (adjust according to how spicy you like your food, it will still taste great without!)
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 200 g Halloumi sliced
  • Handful Fresh Basil chopped

UK Measures - US Measures

Instructions

  • Start by heating the oil in a frying pan which you can also use under the grill over a medium heat. Add the onion and fry for a few minutes. Add the garlic and cook for a little longer.

  • Once the onion and garlic has softened add the tomatoes and courgettes followed by the tomato puree and all the spices along with a good sprinkling of salt and pepper. Cook over a medium heat for 20 minutes until everything is softened and the tomatoes have released their liquid.

  • Heat the grill to medium high heat. Remove the pan from the heat and place the slices of halloumi across the top of the vegetables. Place under the grill for a few minutes until the cheese has browned. Sprinkle with basil before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Tomato and Halloumi Bake

Amount Per Serving

Calories 265Calories from Fat 153

% Daily Value*

Fat 17g26%

Saturated Fat 11g55%

Sodium 631mg26%

Potassium 841mg24%

Carbohydrates 16g5%

Fiber 4g16%

Sugar 9g10%

Protein 14g28%

Vitamin A 2165IU43%

Vitamin C 46.2mg56%

Calcium 560mg56%

Iron 2.9mg16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Did you make this recipe?Tag @amycookreport on Instagram and hashtag it #thecookreport!

Like the look of this recipe? Make sure you pin it for later!

Tomato and Halloumi Bake • Halloumi Recipe • The Cook Report (12)
Tomato and Halloumi Bake • Halloumi Recipe • The Cook Report (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to cook halloumi in the oven? ›

Baked halloumi

Pre-heat your oven 200°C (180ºC fan). Cut your halloumi into 5mm-1cm thick slices, then lay them in a single layer in an ovenproof dish. Drizzle with a little olive oil, then place in the oven for 10-15 minutes; turning halfway through.

Do you have to soak halloumi before cooking? ›

Why do you soak halloumi before cooking? While completely optional, many swear by this step for a softer, more flavourful, and sweeter result that will set your halloumi apart from all others. The easiest method is to soak the whole block of cheese in cold water for at least two hours (or overnight if you have time).

How do you keep halloumi from getting rubbery? ›

My halloumi is too tough / rubbery

This can happen when it's cooked for too long in the oven, so next time try a lower cook time or thicker slices. It can also happen when it's been sitting out for too long, or with reheated halloumi.

How do you know when halloumi is cooked? ›

Heat a dry frying pan over a medium heat, then add the cheese. Allow to toast for 2–3 minutes, or until the halloumi is golden-brown.

What happens when you put halloumi in the oven? ›

Bake it. Halloumi is also great baked – add slices to an ovenproof dish and drizzle with olive oil and herbs or spices. It'll need about 10-15 minutes in a 200C/fan 180C/gas 6 oven. The halloumi soaks up the flavours whilst baking so it's an easy way to add extra welly to your dishes.

What temperature should halloumi be cooked at? ›

Heat the air-fryer to 200C. Pat the halloumi dry with kitchen paper and cut into 1cm-thick pieces. Place halloumi slices in a single layer in the air-fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 mins, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.

What are the rules for halloumi? ›

It should be noted that currently, the minimum ratio of goat and sheep milk in the raw materials used for halloumi production stands at 25%, and within five years, this minimum quota must increase to 50%.

Does halloumi smell when off? ›

Spoiled halloumi cheese can be easily identified. If the cheese has become slimy or developed a mold, it's time to toss it out. Moreover, a strong sour smell or change in color can also indicate that the cheese is past its prime. Always trust your nose and eyes when checking for freshness.

Can cooked halloumi be eaten cold? ›

You can enjoy halloumi slices cold in the salad. So, if you're prepping your lunch before work, you won't need to worry about reheating the cheese for your halloumi salad. Can you eat halloumi raw? Yes, you can eat halloumi cheese without cooking it first!

Why does halloumi make your teeth squeak? ›

This is because, unlike many cheeses, halloumi has a high pH, as no starter cultures are used in its production. It seems that when this dense casein network “rubs” against the enamel of the teeth, it produces a squeak. Other cheeses usually have a lower pH, which tends to make the casein more fragile.

Why is halloumi so expensive? ›

Halloumi is made out of sheep's milk, which is more expensive than cow's or goat's milk due to the animal milking production—though nowadays you can also find Halloumi varieties with a mix of these kinds of milk, thus lowering the price of the product.

Can you eat raw halloumi? ›

What is halloumi? Originating from Cyprus, halloumi is a semi-hard, un-ripened, brined cheese that can be made from cow, sheep or goat's milk. It can be eaten raw but is truly delicious cooked, having a high melting point, makes it an excellent choice for grilling or frying.

Is halloumi good or bad for you? ›

When eaten regularly in large quantities halloumi can be considered unhealthy, as this fried cheese is pretty high in saturated fat and salt. However, when eaten sporadically as part of a balanced diet, halloumi has a range of health benefits, as it's high in calcium and protein.

What is the best way to eat halloumi cheese? ›

You can serve it as is for a quick and indulgent appetizer or as part of your cheese plate or mezze platter. I am a fan of sweet and salty, so I'll always opt for a drizzle of honey on top of my halloumi fries and fresh fruit like grapes, berries, or figs next to it.

Do you have to cook halloumi in the oven? ›

A unique property of halloumi cheese is that it has a higher melting point than other cheeses. This means it can be grilled, baked, and fried without changes shapes and totally melting when compared to other cheeses.

Is baked halloumi healthy? ›

It contains calcium and protein which helps keep bones healthy and may help reduce type 2 diabetes risk. It's best to eat it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese typically made from the milk of goats, sheep, or cows.

Can you grill halloumi on foil? ›

Line a grill pan with foil, place the halloumi slices on it and grill for 3-4 mins, checking occasionally until golden.

References

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