Baked Halloumi with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Thyme – A Mediterranean-Inspired Vegetarian Dish

Baked Halloumi with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Thyme is a simple yet elegant dish that brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your table. Halloumi cheese, famous for holding its shape when cooked, becomes golden and crisp on the outside while remaining tender inside. Combined with sweet roasted cherry tomatoes and fragrant thyme, this recipe is perfect as a starter, side dish, or light vegetarian main course. Serve it with warm bread, and you have a rustic yet refined dish that feels like summer in every bite.

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 black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Crusty bread or pita, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil an ovenproof dish or skillet.
2. Add cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper to the dish. Toss well.
3. Arrange halloumi slices over the tomatoes and drizzle with a little extra olive oil.
4. Bake for 20–25 minutes until halloumi is golden brown on the edges and tomatoes are soft and blistered.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread.

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 seasoning.
• You can add olives, roasted peppers, or zucchini for extra Mediterranean flair.
• For a sweet touch, drizzle a little honey on top just before serving.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven but are best enjoyed fresh.

FAQs
Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can roast the tomatoes in advance and add the halloumi later when reheating.

Q2: What can I serve with baked halloumi?
It pairs perfectly with crusty bread, couscous, quinoa, or even as a topping for a green salad.

Q3: Is halloumi vegetarian-friendly?
Most halloumi is vegetarian, but check the packaging to ensure it’s made without animal rennet.

Q4: Can I grill the halloumi instead of baking it?
Yes! Grill halloumi slices separately and serve over roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor.

Q5: What can I use instead of halloumi?
Paneer or feta (though softer) can work as substitutes, though they won’t have the same texture.

Q6: Can I make this dish vegan?
For a vegan alternative, use tofu or a plant-based halloumi substitute.

Q7: Do I need to soak halloumi before cooking?
Some people soak it in water for 30 minutes to reduce saltiness, but it’s optional.

Q8: How do I keep halloumi from becoming rubbery?
Avoid overcooking—once it’s golden, remove it from the oven to keep it soft inside.

Q9: Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, but use less since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Q10: Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free—just pair it with gluten-free bread if needed.

Conclusion
This Baked Halloumi with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Thyme is a Mediterranean classic that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Whether served as a light main, appetizer, or side, it’s the perfect dish for when you want something satisfying, wholesome, and effortlessly elegant.

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