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| Sweet Halloumi Casserole (Italian) |
Introduction
The first time I devoured something like this Sweet Halloumi Casserole (Italian) was at a tiny trattoria famous for sweet-meets-savory bites: that creamy salty joy of cheese, a lust for honeyed figs, the echo of cool basil, and a crisp topping begging for a fork. Halloumi isn’t an Italian native, but the Mediterranean's food map doesn’t like rules. I stared at the cheese, and envisioned sweet, blistered figs and roasted sungold tomatoes, a hasty drizzle of honey, and a living breath of basil. The last touch was the crackling, parmesan-like crust that turned rustic into a little glamorous.
This Easy Sweet Halloumi Casserole (Italian) wants a place at weekday meh and quiet Friday parties alike. The checklist: cheese that sings under heat, pantry fruit begging for a bake, and an oven that does the hard work. Whether you’re trying an (Italian-ish) authentic Sweet Halloumi Casserole (Italian) or casually figuring out how to whip the Sweet Halloumi Casserole (Italian) craving, I promise a no-fuss, no-filter dish loaded with zingy herbs, a drizzle that sweet, and that unforgettable cheese sizzle.
Ingredients
-Halloumi cheese – 400 g (14 oz), sliced into 1 cm / 1/3-inch slabs
-Figs, halved (or other fruit of your choice)
-Olive oil
-Honey (or maple syrup)
-Balsamic vinegar
-Fresh basil, torn
-Fresh thyme, chopped
-Garlic, minced
-Panko or coarse breadcrumbs
-Toasted nuts (optional)
-Salt
-Black pepper
-Thick yogurt, for serving (optional)
Preparation steps
-Spray that baking dish you like with a bit of olive oil so things don’t stick later (20×30 cm or 8×12 in works great). Meanwhile, toss halved figs or whatever fruit you picked with a handful of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a flaky pinch of sea salt, and half the thyme you measured out. Spread it all out in the dish.
-Slide that dish in the hot oven. Roast for about 12 to 15 minutes. You want the figs to start softening and the tomatoes to pop and blister. The sugar from the fruit will caramelize, and that’s the sweetness we’re counting on.
-Right when the oven steps are happening, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Lay in your slices of halloumi, a minute or two on each side until they look golden. This quick sear gives the cheese a crust so it doesn’t go rubbery once the dish gets heavier.
-In a tiny bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, the grated zest of a lemon, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a tangy drizzle. Then in another small bowl, stir ½ cup of panko crumbs with a splash of olive oil, the rest of the thyme, and a tablespoon of toasted pine nuts (if you have some).
-Now you’re ready to layer it all into the baking dish and finish the casserole.
Arrange the seared halloumi slices on the layer of roasted fruit and tomatoes. Drizzle the honey-balsamic mixture on top, then evenly spread the breadcrumb and nut topping.
-Bake until golden. Slide the dish back into the oven and cook for 10–12 minutes, until the topping is crisp and the halloumi is heated through. Keep an eye on it so the crumbs turn golden and don’t burn.
-Finish and serve. Take the dish out and let it sit for 3–5 minutes. Tear over the basil and the remaining thyme, then drizzle with a bit more honey (or maple syrup) and a twist of black pepper. Pair with crusty bread or a light green salad.
Tips & Variations
-Make it vegan: swap the halloumi for a firm plant-based cheese and replace the honey with maple syrup. For extra richness, toast the crumbs with a splash of olive oil.
-Fruit swaps: ripe, fragrant peaches, nectarines, or slightly soft pears work beautifully.
-Herb play: toss in mint for a bright twist or sprinkle with oregano for a more savory flavor.
-Crunch factor: for an extra crunch, stir in 1/4 cup (30 g) finely chopped roasted almonds into the breadcrumb mixture.
-Serving ideas : The Sweet Halloumi Casserole is great as a crostini-topped starter, a zesty side to any grilled meat, or a light vegetarian dish with a bright lemony arugula salad.
Closing
Sweet Halloumi Casserole is comfort with a twist: squeaky-salty cheese, soft roasted fruit and tomatoes, and a whisper of honey and balsamic. Inspired by the Mediterranean tradition of pairing fruit with cheese, this recipe pushes the idea into a hot casserole, then crowns it with panko, an herb-studded Tampa-styled crunch.