Mediterranean Halloumi Tray Bake Recipe

This Mediterranean halloumi tray bake is a colorful, flavorful, and satisfying vegetarian dish that’s as simple to make as it is beautiful to serve.

With perfectly roasted veggies and golden, pan-seared halloumi slices, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing side dish.

The tangy, savory flavors come together with a touch of olive oil, fresh basil, and the salty richness of halloumi.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this easy, vibrant tray bake:

• 2 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 medium red onion, sliced into thin wedges
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 oz (225g) halloumi, sliced into thick pieces
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

This is not too complicated. Throw it all in the tray and bake:

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish or tray with olive oil.
2. Prepare the vegetables:
   In a large bowl, toss the zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and red onion with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the vegetables evenly across the baking dish.
3. Roast the vegetables:
   Place the baking dish in the oven and roast the vegetables for 20–25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Pan-sear the halloumi:
   While the vegetables are roasting, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the halloumi slices and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden and crispy. Set aside.
5. Combine and finish baking:
   Once the vegetables are roasted, remove the tray from the oven and arrange the seared halloumi slices on top of the vegetables. Return the tray to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to warm the halloumi.
6. Garnish and serve:
   Remove the tray bake from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm as a main dish with crusty bread or as a side to complement your favorite Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Tweaks and Additions

Make this tray bake even more versatile and personalized with these ideas:

• Add more veggies:
  Try adding eggplant, mushrooms, or asparagus for more variety.
• Spicy option:
  Add a pinch of chili flakes to the vegetables for a hint of heat.
• Citrus twist:
  Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the tray before serving for a bright, tangy finish.
• Herb swap:
  Use fresh thyme or parsley instead of basil for a different flavor profile.
• Protein boost:
  Add cooked chickpeas or white beans to the tray before roasting for extra heartiness.

This halloumi tray bake is a feast for the senses—simple, satisfying, and packed with Mediterranean flair. Whether you’re enjoying it as a standalone dish or as part of a bigger spread, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!