This halloumi bake perfectly combines the healthy freshness of vegetables with the chewy, salty cheese for a delicious vegetarian dinner.
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!
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.
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.
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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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 later to your easy dinners board!
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!
- Broccoli, Halloumi & Lentil Salad
- Panko Halloumi Sandwich with Kasundi
- Halloumi and Tomato Orzo Salad
- Halloumi Salad with Kale and Tahini Dressing
- Beet Salad with Apple and Halloumi
- Spicy Halloumi Curry with Potato
- Baked Halloumi with Winter Panzanella
- Harissa Halloumi Salad with Couscous
Recipe
Tomato and Halloumi Bake
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
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.
Like the look of this recipe? Make sure you pin it for later!
Ivan Majhen says
It looks so delicious. I will make it today.
Jake van der Vyver says
Wonderfully tasty recipe. Have made it now a few times. Added Burrata to the end product and taste heaven just opened up. Astronomical taste sensation with the burrata added.
Amy says
Thanks for your comment Jake, adding burrata sounds incredible!
Yogesh says
Yummy
Brendan mackenzie says
Just made this and it’s so simple so make yet it’s got so much flavour and it takes amazing. Will definitely be making this again. Thank you for posting this recipe!
Amy says
Thank you so much Brendan!
Margarita says
A bit too spicy for my boring European taste, I will use twice as little spicies next time. But very veeery simple and tasty. Thank you!
Amy says
Thanks Margarita!
Diane says
I went to two shops this afternoon and neither had courgettes! However I couldn’t wait to try this recipe and substituted it for okra.....if anyone wants to try this method I suggest you add some liquid to the pan, as okra absorbs all liquid in order to soften
Amy says
What a great idea!
Samantha Rutherford says
Always looking for ways to use tomato and courgette glut, this was great, I added sliced roasted aubergine under the hallomi and sprinkled with pine nuts, will be doing again
Amy says
Sounds delicious! Thanks so much Samantha 🙂
Katie says
So good! Recipe would probably do for three if you know yourself to get hungry! I made half the recipe and ate the whole thing with a small portion and vegetable couscous. Overall, really nice!! Will Male again 🙂
Amy says
Love this, thanks Katie!
Al Smith says
I added mushrooms and a tin of chopped tomatoes. I also spirallized 2 courgettes instead . It was lovely.
Debbie says
This is one of my favourite recipes, I mix it up a bit by swapping a courgette for a yellow pepper and add a good splash of hot water and cook for longer, not forgetting I also double the amount of halloumi- as who doesn’t like halloumi- yum!
Amy says
Hi Debbie, that variation sounds delicious! So glad you like the recipe 🙂
Maggie says
Hi m new to this site, can you let me know if this would be able to get syn values as trying to keep to Slmmng world . Thanks Maggie
Amy says
Hi Maggie, thanks for your comment. Unfortunately I have never done slimming world so wouldn't be able to guarantee accurate syn values. Sorry about that.
Lynn Judge says
I’m always looking for new tasty vegetarian recipes and here you’ve hit the target. I’ve made it several times now, served with tomato and olive focaccia and green salad. Everyone loved it. Thank you for this lovely recipe.
Amy says
Thanks so much Lynn, glad you enjoyed it!
MrsS says
This looks gorgeous ! Can it be made and reheated ?
Amy says
Thanks! The halloumi might go a little strange when reheated but you could definitely make the sauce and then pop some fresh halloumi on it and grill just before serving
Debbie Yarnell says
Tomato and Halloumi Bake is awesome!! Have made it numerous times now. May add in some aubergine next time. Thanks for the recipe Amy!!
Amy says
That's brilliant! So glad you like the recipe, aubergine would be awesome 🙂
Louise says
Get in my belly!
Amy says
Sarah says
Yum
Ashley says
Made this last night. Served with garlic toast and it was really good! Thanks for the healthy recipe
Amy says
Sounds delicious! So glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Brittany says
What a great idea. I love that this is low carb friendly too. Thanks for posting this - I will be making it soon.
Amy says
Thanks! Let me know how it turns out 🙂