Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy, golden slice of toast topped with perfectly fried halloumi cheese and a vibrant burst of dry farmed tomato bruschetta. This isn't just another recipe – it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a Mediterranean masterpiece that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Greece. Whether you're a food enthusiast or a casual cook looking to impress, this Fried Halloumi Toast with Dry Farmed Tomato Bruschetta is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread
- 8 ounces halloumi cheese, sliced
- 2 cups dry farmed tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Slice halloumi cheese into 1/4-inch thick rectangular pieces. Dice dry farmed tomatoes into small, uniform cubes. Mince fresh garlic and roughly chop fresh basil leaves.
- Toast preparation: Lightly brush each bread slice with olive oil on both sides. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Toast bread slices until golden brown and crisp on each side, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Set toasted bread aside on serving plates.
- Tomato bruschetta mixture: In a medium bowl, combine diced dry farmed tomatoes, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Allow mixture to rest for 5 minutes to develop flavors.
- Halloumi frying: In the same skillet used for toasting bread, add remaining olive oil. Heat over medium-high heat. Place halloumi cheese slices in the pan, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Assembly: Place fried halloumi slices directly on top of toasted bread. Generously spoon tomato bruschetta mixture over the halloumi. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately while halloumi is warm and crisp. Recommend pairing with a light white wine or fresh Mediterranean salad.
Tips
- Choose high-quality halloumi: Look for fresh cheese with a firm texture that will crisp beautifully when fried.
- Pat your halloumi dry: Before frying, use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Use medium-high heat: This ensures your halloumi gets crispy without burning, creating that perfect golden exterior.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Fry halloumi slices in batches to maintain optimal temperature and achieve even browning.
- Serve immediately: Halloumi is best enjoyed warm and crisp, so time your preparation to serve right after cooking.
- Experiment with garnishes: While fresh basil is classic, try adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 45mg
