Crispy Halloumi & Roasted Tomato Skillet
A quick and flavorful vegetarian recipe featuring crispy pan-fried halloumi cheese paired with sweet, caramelized roasted cherry tomatoes, enhanced with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon juice. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this skillet dish balances textures and tastes beautifully with minimal ingredients.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Cheese
- 200g firm halloumi cheese, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
Vegetables
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Herbs
- Fresh basil or thyme leaves, to taste
- Prepare the tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until they blister, soften, and start caramelizing.
- Slice and dry the halloumi: While the tomatoes roast, slice the halloumi into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a perfect crispy crust.
- Fry the halloumi: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and drizzle with the remaining olive oil. Add the halloumi slices and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Combine and finish: Once the tomatoes are done roasting, add them to the skillet along with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice. Nestle the crispy halloumi slices back into the skillet and gently toss or serve as is, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully.
Notes
- Pat the halloumi dry before frying to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying the halloumi; cook in batches if needed to get a nice sear.
- Use a hot skillet to achieve a golden crust without sticking.
- Choose ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes for the best roasting flavor.
- Add fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten the dish without compromising texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: halloumi, roasted tomatoes, skillet, vegetarian, gluten-free, quick recipe, Mediterranean, cheese dish