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Rustic Mediterranean Bread & Herb Halloumi Platter Recipe

Rustic Mediterranean Bread & Herb Halloumi Platter Recipe

5 from 9 reviews

This Rustic Mediterranean Bread & Herb Halloumi Platter is a flavorful and vibrant dish perfect for sharing. Featuring golden, crispy halloumi cheese seasoned with herbs and chili flakes, paired with toasted rustic bread and a fresh medley of vegetables and olives, this platter offers a delightful balance of savory, fresh, and slightly spicy flavors. Ideal for casual gatherings or a light meal, it’s enhanced with optional honey lemon drizzle for a sweet-savory touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Halloumi

  • 250 g halloumi cheese (sliced)
  • 12 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Bread & Base

  • 1 large rustic bread loaf (sliced)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing/toasting)

Platter Add-Ons

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cucumber (sliced)
  • 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1/2 cup olives (kalamata or mixed)
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, mint, or dill)
  • Lemon wedges

Optional Drizzle

  • 2 tbsp honey or hot honey
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare Halloumi: Slice halloumi into even pieces and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring they crisp up nicely when cooked.
  2. Cook Halloumi: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil. Place the halloumi slices in the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy crust.
  3. Season Halloumi: While the halloumi is still hot in the pan, sprinkle evenly with dried oregano, dried thyme, chili flakes (if using), and black pepper to infuse fragrant herb flavors and a hint of spice.
  4. Toast Bread: Lightly brush the sliced rustic bread with olive oil on both sides. Toast the bread slices either in a pan over medium heat or in the oven until they are warm, slightly crisp, and golden.
  5. Assemble Platter: Arrange the toasted bread slices on a large serving platter. Place the cooked halloumi cheese either in the center or spread across the platter.
  6. Add Fresh Elements: Surround the halloumi with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, mixed or kalamata olives, and fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or dill for freshness and color.
  7. Garnish: Add lemon wedges around the platter for guests to squeeze over the halloumi or vegetables to add a bright citrus note.
  8. Optional Drizzle: Mix honey with lemon juice and lightly drizzle this over the halloumi to provide a deliciously sweet and tangy finish that balances the salty cheese.

Notes

  • Patting the halloumi dry before cooking helps it crisp up better and prevents sticking.
  • Adjust chili flakes to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
  • Use rustic sourdough or country-style bread for best texture and flavor with toasting.
  • Optional honey drizzle adds a nice contrast but can be omitted for a purely savory platter.
  • This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it great for entertaining.

Nutrition

Keywords: halloumi platter, Mediterranean bread, herb halloumi, grilled halloumi, rustic bread appetizer, vegetarian Mediterranean recipe