Seared Halloumi and Burst Tomato Breakfast Plate
Thick slabs of halloumi cheese seared until they develop a golden, squeaky crust while remaining impossibly creamy inside, served alongside sweet cherry tomatoes that have been blistered in olive oil with garlic until they burst into a jammy, savory sauce. Finished with a scattering of fresh herbs and served with crusty bread for sopping up every drop, this is a Mediterranean morning at its simplest and most satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 blocks (9 oz each) halloumi cheese
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
+ 9 more ingredients
Instructions
Slice each block of halloumi into slabs about 1/3 inch thick. Pat them completely dry with paper towels; this step is essential for achieving a good sear.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the cherry tomatoes, sliced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
Cook the tomatoes for 5-7 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the skins blister and some tomatoes burst open, releasing their juices into a loose, jammy sauce. Season with a pinch of black pepper.
Transfer the burst tomatoes and all their juices to a bowl. Wipe the skillet clean and return it to medium-high heat.
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. When hot, arrange the halloumi slices in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are deeply golden with a crisp crust.
Flip each slice carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the second side is golden. Sprinkle with smoked paprika while still in the pan.
If adding eggs, push the halloumi to one side of the pan and fry the eggs in the remaining oil to your preference.
Arrange the seared halloumi on plates alongside the burst tomatoes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything. Scatter torn basil and chopped mint over the top.
Serve immediately with crusty bread for scooping up the tomato juices and any golden bits left in the pan.
Nutrition Estimate
Per serving • Estimated by Blinner AI