If you’ve never baked halloumi before, prepare to enter a whole new world of flavor. Halloumi, that wonderfully salty, semi-hard cheese from Cyprus, is traditionally enjoyed grilled or fried, but baking it? Absolute game changer.
Why? Because baking halloumi allows it to develop a slightly crispy crust while staying soft and chewy in the center. It absorbs the flavors around it like a sponge, and whether you’re roasting it alongside vegetables, tucking it into pastry, or marinating it in Mediterranean spices—baked halloumi delivers every single time.
I’ve rounded up 14+ baked halloumi recipes that range from hearty meals to vibrant sides and even a few unexpected surprises. These are recipes I’ve loved, tested, and would recommend to any halloumi lover or curious cheese enthusiast looking to try something new.
1. Baked Halloumi with Roasted Vegetables and Harissa Yogurt
This colorful traybake is a Mediterranean dream. Cubes of halloumi are baked with chunks of sweet potato, zucchini, red onions, and cherry tomatoes—all tossed in olive oil, cumin, and smoked paprika. Serve it with a generous dollop of harissa yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh mint. It’s a meal that hits every note: spicy, savory, sweet, and creamy.
2. Halloumi Bake with Chickpeas and Spinach
Think of this as a vegetarian alternative to a cheesy casserole. The base is a garlicky tomato and chickpea stew, finished with fresh spinach. Thick slices of halloumi are placed on top and baked until golden. The cheese gets wonderfully gooey, while the stew underneath remains rich and hearty. Serve with warm flatbread or couscous.
3. Baked Halloumi and Honey Figs
For a sweet and savory treat that’s perfect as an appetizer or even a light dessert, try baking halloumi with fresh figs and a drizzle of honey. The figs caramelize in the oven while the halloumi softens and browns. Add a touch of cracked black pepper and chopped pistachios for crunch. Unexpected and irresistible.
4. One-Pan Baked Halloumi and Orzo
Weeknight dinners don’t get much easier—or more satisfying—than this. Everything is baked in one dish: orzo, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onions, and vegetable broth. Halfway through, you nestle in slices of halloumi and return it to the oven. The cheese turns golden while the orzo soaks up all the juices. Top with fresh basil and lemon zest for brightness.
5. Baked Halloumi Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers, but better. Replace the usual meat and rice filling with a mixture of halloumi cubes, couscous, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, and herbs. Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is browned. It’s the kind of dish you can prep ahead and pop into the oven just before guests arrive.
6. Spicy Tomato and Baked Halloumi Traybake
This dish leans heavily on North African flavors. The tomato base is made with garlic, paprika, chili flakes, cinnamon, and preserved lemon. Halloumi slices are arranged on top and baked until bubbling. Finish with a sprinkle of coriander or parsley and serve with couscous or flatbread.
7. Baked Halloumi Fries with Za’atar
Okay, technically these are more “baked snacks” than meals, but they’re too good to leave off the list. Halloumi sticks are brushed with olive oil, sprinkled with za’atar (a Middle Eastern spice blend), and baked until crispy. Serve them with garlic yogurt dip or sweet chili sauce. Your party guests will beg for the recipe.
8. Halloumi and Butternut Squash Bake
A cozy autumnal dish where chunks of butternut squash, red onions, and garlic roast together before being joined by cubes of halloumi. Everything caramelizes and melts into each other. Add rosemary or sage for extra warmth. A perfect side dish or main for cooler months.
9. Baked Halloumi with Lemon and Capers
This minimalist recipe proves how far a few good ingredients can go. Halloumi slices are arranged in a baking dish with lemon zest, capers, garlic, and olive oil. As it bakes, the cheese soaks up the briny, citrusy flavors. Serve with warm bread or over greens. Elegant and easy.
10. Baked Halloumi Lasagna (Yes, Really)
This creative vegetarian lasagna swaps out the usual ricotta for layers of halloumi. The cheese adds a chewy, salty contrast to the creamy béchamel and tomato sauce. You don’t need too much—just a few layers between sheets of pasta. Unexpected, but it works beautifully.
11. Halloumi and Eggplant Bake
A rustic, Greek-inspired dish that’s like moussaka without the meat. Slices of eggplant and zucchini are layered with tomato sauce and baked with halloumi on top. The cheese gets melty and golden, while the vegetables soften underneath. Serve with a side salad and you’ve got a healthy, satisfying dinner.
12. Mediterranean Baked Halloumi Salad
Warm salads are wildly underrated, and this one might convert you. Halloumi is baked with olives, cherry tomatoes, and red onions, then tossed into a bowl of mixed greens, cucumber, and a lemon-herb dressing. Add a handful of croutons for crunch and you’re golden.
13. Baked Halloumi and Pomegranate Molasses Glaze
Sweet, tangy, and beautifully sticky—this recipe pairs halloumi with a pomegranate molasses glaze that caramelizes as it bakes. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs for a gorgeous centerpiece dish. It’s perfect as part of a mezze spread or served alongside grilled meats.
14. Baked Halloumi with Garlic Mushrooms and Thyme
Mushrooms and halloumi are a match made in umami heaven. Toss your favorite mushrooms in garlic, thyme, and olive oil, then bake with halloumi until everything is golden. Serve with polenta, mashed potatoes, or a crusty piece of sourdough to soak up the juices.
15. Bonus: Baked Halloumi Breakfast Hash
Yes, halloumi for breakfast! This baked hash uses diced potatoes, red peppers, and onions, tossed in paprika and baked until crispy. Halloumi is added toward the end for a golden finish. Top it with a fried egg and a drizzle of hot sauce, and you’ve got a breakfast of champions.
Final Thoughts
Halloumi is the cheese that just keeps giving. Its high melting point makes it ideal for baking, and its salty, meaty flavor means it holds its own in any dish. Whether you’re tossing it in a salad, baking it into a casserole, or glazing it with honey or molasses, you can count on halloumi to add texture and depth to your meals.
If you’ve made it this far, I hope you’re feeling inspired. Try one of these recipes this week—or better yet, try a few. Let me know which one becomes your new favorite!
And remember: always have an extra block of halloumi in the fridge. You never know when the craving will hit.
