Grilled Halloumi Crostini with Harissa

Introducing our tasty grilled Halloumi Crostini with harissa – a delightful blend of flavours and textures that’ll take your taste buds to toast heaven! These toasts feature carefully baked sourdough bread with seasoned olive oil, a kick of tangy and spicy rose harissa dressing, and the star of the show – grilled halloumi, generously topped with fresh homemade dukkah and dill leaves.

These toasts are all about simplicity and versatility. Whip them up quickly and easily, letting you get creative with whatever’s in your fridge or pantry. Great for a swift lunch, a satisfying breakfast, or stealing the show at brunch – a dish that holds a special spot as one of my all-time favourite quick recipes.

It’s not just seriously delicious. It scales effortlessly to your needs. As an appetiser, these Halloumi Crostinis are a party favourite – quick, easy, and sure to please the crowd. For added convenience, chop the halloumi into smaller squares for bite-sized perfection.

Lets dive into what’s halloumi and what makes it special.

What’s Halloumi

Halloumi is a semi-hard, brined cheese that has its roots in the Mediterranean. Originating from Cyprus and Greece. It’s traditionally made from a combination of sheep’s, cow’s, and/or goat’s milk, giving it a distinctive blend of flavours. The cheese is formed into a compact, white block and then brined, contributing to its characteristic salty taste.

What sets halloumi apart is its remarkable ability to withstand high heat without melting. This makes it an excellent choice for grilling, frying, or baking. When subjected to heat, halloumi undergoes a fascinating transformation – the exterior turns crispy and golden, while the inside becomes soft and slightly gooey.

Raw halloumi has a firm and somewhat rubbery texture, and its salty profile makes it an excellent complement to various dishes. It has gained popularity not only for its unique cooking properties but also for the delightful combination of textures and flavours it brings to both savoury and sweet recipes. Whether served on its own, in salads, or as part of a warm dish, halloumi adds a distinctive touch to Mediterranean and international cuisine alike.

Get ready for a journey of taste and texture with our Halloumi Crostini – a quick and delightful dish that’s bound to stand out at any gathering or be a treat just for you.

Ingredients Used to Make Grilled Halloumi Crostini with Harissa

• Halloumi: A whole block of halloumi serves as the star ingredient, keeping the recipe simple and easily scalable for larger servings.
• Harissa Paste: This North African chilli paste, rich in spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, and garlic, adds a flavourful kick. Opting for rose harissa paste introduces a subtle hint of rose, balancing beautifully with the spice without being overly hot.
• Honey: Adding a touch of sweetness, honey complements the salty halloumi and the spiciness of harissa. Alternatives like maple syrup, golden syrup, or agave can be used.
• Lime Juice: The juice of half a lime provides a zesty freshness. Bottled lime juice is a convenient substitute.
• Salad Leaves: For a burst of freshness and crunch, various salad leaves such as lettuce, arugula, or spinach can be used.
• Bread: Sourdough, multigrain, or whole wheat bread is ideal for the base, offering a healthier and more substantial foundation to hold the ingredients.
• Dukkah. A flavourful mix typically comprising nuts, seeds, spices, and sometimes dried herbs, dukkah adds depth and texture to the dish.
• Garlic: Adding depth of flavor, garlic enhances the overall taste of the crostini.
• Olive Oil. Used to bake the bread and infuse it with a delightful flavour. It’s also utilised for the harissa dressing, providing smoothness. A drizzle of olive oil at the end adds a finishing touch to the toast.
• Salt, Pepper, Dried Herbs, and Red Pepper Flakes. Seasonings that bring balance, enhance flavours, and provide a hint of heat. Adjust according to personal taste preferences.

This combination of ingredients creates a delightful blend of sweet, savoury, spicy, and crunchy elements, making the Halloumi Crostini a well-rounded and flavourful dish.

How to Make the Perfect Toast /Crostini

Creating the perfect toast is an art, starting with selecting quality bread. It’s all about achieving a delightful contrast. Crispy and browned on the outside, with a satisfying crunch, yet soft on the inside. The key to this perfection lies in toasting your bread at a temperature of 200°C or higher, ensuring that golden crispiness without the risk of baking it into a dry, hard texture.

1. Choose Quality Bread. Begin with a good-quality bread. The foundation matters, and a delightful toast starts with the right base.
2. Ideal Toast Thickness. The crucial factor for a perfect toast, especially when accommodating toppings and warm, thick cheese, is the thickness of your slices. Aim for an inch, as it strikes the ideal balance. If you opt for dense multigrain whole wheat bread, you can make slight adjustments for a thinner cut.
3. Light Olive Oil Brush. Lightly brush both sides of the bread with olive oil. This step not only enhances the flavour but also contributes to achieving that desired crispiness.
4. Baking Process. Place the oiled slices on a sheet pan and bake at 200°C for 12–14 minutes. Or until they attain a golden brown hue. To ensure even toasting, flip the slices halfway through the baking process.

How to Grill Halloumi Effortlessly

1. Prepare the Pan: Spray or drizzle olive oil in a medium pan and heat it at medium-high.
2. Grill Halloumi: Add sliced halloumi to the heated pan. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side or until achieving a golden brown colour on each side. Done!

And there you have it – perfectly grilled halloumi ready to enjoy!

How to Make Harissa Dressing

Creating the Harissa Dressing is a breeze:

1. Combine Ingredients. In a mason jar, place oil, lemon juice, garlic, harissa, and honey.
2. Shake it Up. Shake it up by securely placing the lid and vigorously shaking the jar for about 30 seconds until thoroughly mixing the ingredients.
3. Taste and Adjust. Sample the dressing and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

In just a few simple steps, you have a flavourful Harissa Dressing ready to elevate your dish!

Assembling the Grilled Halloumi Crostini with Harissa

1. Layer the Goodness. Spread a bit of the dressing over the toast slices. Place a handful of salad leaves and the warm halloumi on top.
2. Drizzle and Sprinkle. Drizzle more dressing over the assembly. Sprinkle a generous amount of dukkah for added flavour.
3. Dressing Storage: Any leftover dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
4. Pairing Suggestions. Serve the toast with a side of green salad or soup for a light lunch or dinner. For brunch, pair it with a bowl of fresh fruit and your choice of beverage. Whether it’s coffee, tea, fruit water, or mimosas!

Enjoy this versatile dish that suits various occasions and tastes!

This is the perfect recipe to add to your brunch or your working from home menu.  If you are looking for more Bruch or breakfast ideas, you should also try our –

1. Garlic and Leek Soup with Sweet Potato
2. Sunshine Margarita with Passion Fruit
3. Authentic Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad

If you tried this recipe or any other recipe on our blog let us know how liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook for even more amazing recipes!!

Grilled Halloumi Crostini with Harissa

Serves: 8 Pieces Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cooking Time: 10 Minutes 10 Minutes

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 4 voted )

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Ingredients

• 250g of Halloumi cheese, sliced
• 4 handfuls of salad leaves

Toast

• 4 slices of multigrain or whole wheat bread
• 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
• Pinch of dried sweet basil
• ¼ tsp of crush red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ tsp of salt

Harissa Dressing

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1.5 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 tbsp rose harissa
• 2 tsp honey
• ½ tsp lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings 

• harissa dressing 
• 1-2 tbsp dukkah 
• fresh dill 
• olive oil
•  

method

Toast

1. Preheat the oven to 200° C

2. Add 2 tbs of olive oil in a small bowl and add crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt and dried sweet basil

3. Brush each slice of bread with olive oil on both sides and bake on a sheet pan for 12 -14 minutes or until golden brown - turning them over halfway through.

Harissa Dressing 

• To make the dressing, put the oil, lemon juice, garlic, harissa and honey in a mason jar. Put the lid on and shake for 30 seconds until well mixed. Taste and season accordingly.

Halloumi 

1. Cut the halloumi into 8-12 pieces (depending on the size of the toast) .

2. Spray or drizzle olive oil on a medium grilling pan at medium-high heat. Add sliced halloumi and grill for 2- 3 minutes per side or until golden brown on each side.

To Assemble the Toast 

Spread Harrisa dressing on the bread,  add handful of salad leaves. Add a slice of grilled halloumi. Add dukkah and fresh dill. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice and a pinch of salt and black pepper. 

 

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