If you’re looking for a vegetarian recipe that’s both hearty and bursting with flavor, Baked Halloumi with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Thyme is the perfect choice. Halloumi cheese, known for its ability to hold shape when cooked, develops a golden crust while staying soft and chewy inside. When paired with sweet roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh thyme, this dish transforms into a Mediterranean delight that works beautifully as an appetizer, light main, or side dish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) halloumi cheese, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or ovenproof skillet.
- Place cherry tomatoes in the dish, drizzle with olive oil, add garlic, thyme, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Arrange halloumi slices on top of the tomatoes. Drizzle lightly with a little extra olive oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until halloumi is golden on the edges and tomatoes are blistered and juicy.
- Remove from oven and serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
Notes & Tips
- Halloumi is naturally salty, so go light on added salt.
- Add a handful of olives or roasted red peppers for extra Mediterranean flair.
- For a touch of sweetness, drizzle with a little honey before serving.
- Pair with couscous or quinoa for a more filling vegetarian meal.
Conclusion
This Baked Halloumi with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Thyme is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s as easy to make as it is impressive. The halloumi turns beautifully golden while the tomatoes burst into a savory-sweet sauce, making every bite irresistible. Serve it as a starter, side, or light main—it’s versatile, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
Baked Halloumi with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Thyme – A Mediterranean-Inspired Vegetarian Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Main or Side
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian dish featuring baked halloumi cheese with sweet roasted cherry tomatoes and aromatic thyme. This simple yet elegant recipe is perfect as a main or side dish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Crusty bread (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place cherry tomatoes in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Add garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
- Arrange the halloumi slices among the tomatoes in the dish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the halloumi is golden and slightly crisp on the edges.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve with crusty bread.
Notes
- Halloumi holds its shape when baked, making it ideal for roasting.
- For added depth, drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
- Can be served as a vegetarian main, side dish, or appetizer.
- Use multicolored cherry tomatoes for a more vibrant presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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