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

FAQs

What happens when you put halloumi in the oven? ›

Baked halloumi becomes gooey and soft for a short period of time like pan fried halloumi does. The block of halloumi will not melt like mozzarella or brie, however. Halloumi becomes quite firm as it cools, which is why I recommend serving this dish straight from the oven.

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).

Ricotta, mozzarella, fetta and haloumi are all vitamin rich dairy options that fit within the Mediterranean diet. Best of all, you can easily incorporate these into breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Baked halloumi is another delicious way of cooking the Cypriot cheese. 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.

'Halloumi is high in protein (to help you maintain and grow your lean muscle mass), contains calcium (for healthy bones and teeth), phosphorus (for bone health), zinc (for cognitive, immune and fertility functions), iodine (for thyroid and cognitive function) and vitamin A (to support your immunity, vision and skin),' ...

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%.

Lay the halloumi slices in the hot oil, making sure they're not overcrowded. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

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.

Best Ways To Eat Halloumi

In Greece, we love to serve grilled Halloumi as a warm salad with grilled vegetables or over a dark leafy green salad (like a mixture of spinach and rocket for example). Inside wraps and sandwiches instead of meat.

What is the healthiest cheese on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Low fat and nonfat dairy products ease concerns of adverse consequences of somewhat higher consumption of dairy products. Dairy products common to the traditional Mediterranean Diet include: brie, chevre, corvo, feta, haloumi, manchego, Parmigiano-Reggiano, pecorino, ricotta, yogurt (including Greek yogurt).

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.

You may be thinking this sounds messy, but Halloumi is a cheese that won't melt so it retains its texture and shape. If heated, the surface caramelizes slightly and the inside softens. The flavor is incredible, especially when still warm, and it's a really cool cheese to grill.

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.

For a cheese to melt it needs a protein structure that stretches in the frying pan or under the grill. Halloumi contains a tightly knit three-dimensional network of milk proteins that hold fast during cooking.

🧀 Cut it into thicker pieces, and make sure to not. overcook it ❌