Hello dear readers!
Welcome back to Al’s Cooking Blog, where we enjoy navigating the culinary world with family-friendly recipes and diverse flavors. Today, I’m thrilled to share a dish that embodies the vibrant essence of summer: “Grilled Halloumi Bruschetta with Zesty Tomato-Basil Mixture.” This recipe is not only easy and quick to prepare but also brings together the freshest ingredients to create a delightful burst of flavors.
Living in the UK, we cherish the rare sunny days as much as we can, often opting for meals that can be enjoyed al fresco. As a family of six, it’s vital for me to find recipes that cater to all tastes — and believe me, this one has been a real hit!
### Why Halloumi?
For those not familiar with Halloumi, it’s a semi-hard cheese originating from Cyprus, renowned for its high melting point, making it perfect for grilling. Its salty flavor and firm texture perfectly complement the fresh and zesty tomato-basil topping. It’s such a crowd-pleaser that even my pickiest eater always comes back for seconds!
### The Perfect Summertime Snack
Whether you’re hosting a garden party or just looking for a refreshing snack, this Grilled Halloumi Bruschetta is guaranteed to impress. The combination of crispy, toasted bread, warm and melty Halloumi, and tangy tomato-basil mixture hits all the right notes.
Here’s how you can bring this delightful dish to your table:
### Ingredients
– 200g Halloumi cheese, sliced into 1cm thick pieces
– 4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1 small red onion, finely chopped
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1 French baguette or ciabatta loaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
### Method
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, red onion, minced garlic, chopped basil, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Slice the baguette or ciabatta loaf into 1cm thick slices. Brush each side lightly with olive oil.
4. Place the bread slices on the grill and toast for about 2 minutes on each side, until they are golden and crispy. Remove from the grill and set aside.
5. Place the Halloumi slices on the grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, until grill marks appear and the cheese is warmed through.
6. Assemble the bruschetta by placing a slice of grilled Halloumi on each piece of toasted bread.
7. Top each Halloumi slice with a generous spoonful of the tomato-basil mixture.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
### Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor
This dish is not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying. The grills marks on the Halloumi, the vibrant colors of the tomato-basil mixture, and the rustic charm of the toasted bread — everything comes together so beautifully. It’s definitely become a go-to for those impromptu family gatherings or when I’m simply in the mood for something light and flavorful.
I hope you’ll give this Grilled Halloumi Bruschetta a try. Feel free to tweak the ingredients as per your taste — after all, cooking is all about exploring and enjoying! Do leave a comment below on how it turned out for you, and don’t hesitate to share your variations.
Until next time, happy cooking!
Cheers,
Al
Ingredients
– 200g Halloumi cheese, sliced into 1cm thick pieces
– 4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1 small red onion, finely chopped
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1 French baguette or ciabatta loaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Method
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, red onion, minced garlic, chopped basil, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Slice the baguette or ciabatta loaf into 1cm thick slices. Brush each side lightly with olive oil.
4. Place the bread slices on the grill and toast for about 2 minutes on each side, until they are golden and crispy. Remove from the grill and set aside.
5. Place the Halloumi slices on the grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, until grill marks appear and the cheese is warmed through.
6. Assemble the bruschetta by placing a slice of grilled Halloumi on each piece of toasted bread.
7. Top each Halloumi slice with a generous spoonful of the tomato-basil mixture.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
