Description
Halloumi Casserole with Crispy Garlic Breadcrumbs
This Mediterranean-inspired casserole is a hearty vegetarian delight, featuring salty, squeaky halloumi cheese that holds its shape even when heated. Combined with a rich tomato sauce, heaps of Mediterranean veggies, black olives, and topped with crispy garlic breadcrumbs, it’s a true comfort dish that brings warmth to any meal. This casserole is a perfect make-ahead dish, as it tastes even better reheated the next day, with a thicker sauce and crispier topping. Try it at your next dinner party – it won’t disappoint!
1 tbsp oil
1 onion, diced
2 bell peppers, diced
1 courgette, diced
5 mushrooms, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
225g halloumi cheese, diced
2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato puree
150g black olives
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp crushed chilli flakes
Salt & black pepper
Garlic Topping:
3 garlic cloves, 3 slices bread, parsley, butter, oil
Directions:
1. Cook veggies in oil for 5 min, add garlic and halloumi.
2. Add tomatoes, olives, spices. Simmer 10 min.
3. Blend topping ingredients, add to casserole. Bake 20 min.
Prep Time: 20 min
Kcal: 486
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell peppers, courgette, and mushrooms. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and diced halloumi cheese to the pan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the halloumi begins to turn golden.
3. Pour in the two tins of chopped tomatoes. Add the tomato puree, black olives, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and chilli flakes. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly. While it simmers, prepare the topping.
5. For the garlic breadcrumb topping: In a food processor, combine the 3 slices of bread (torn), 3 garlic cloves, a handful of fresh parsley, 1 tbsp melted butter, and 1 tbsp oil. Pulse until coarse crumbs form.
6. If your pan isn’t oven-safe, transfer the halloumi and vegetable mixture to a casserole dish. Sprinkle the garlic breadcrumb topping evenly over the entire surface.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. It also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to mop up the rich tomato sauce, or with a side of couscous or quinoa to absorb the delicious flavours.
How-to Summary
Sauté Mediterranean vegetables, add halloumi and garlic, then simmer with tomatoes, olives, and spices. Top with a homemade garlic-herb breadcrumb mixture and bake until golden and bubbling for a perfect vegetarian comfort food casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the casserole (without baking) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Add the breadcrumb topping just before baking, and you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of halloumi? Halloumi is unique for its grilling properties. For a similar texture, try paneer or fried cubes of extra-firm tofu. For a melty alternative, mozzarella balls (bocconcini) added later in the bake will work, though the texture will differ.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes to restore the crispy topping, or microwave portions until hot.
Can I freeze this dish? Yes, but freeze it before baking and without the breadcrumb topping. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the fresh topping, and bake as directed.
Is this recipe gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free bread for the crispy topping and double-check that all other packaged ingredients (like tomato puree) are certified gluten-free.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the halloumi in the initial sauté—just aim for light golden edges to prevent it from becoming tough. Don’t skip simmering the tomato sauce for the full 10 minutes; this step is crucial for developing flavour and reducing excess liquid. Finally, ensure your breadcrumbs are coarse, not fine powder, for the perfect crispy texture.
Conclusion
This Halloumi Casserole is a vibrant, satisfying dish that proves vegetarian meals can be deeply comforting and flavour-packed. The combination of salty cheese, rich tomato sauce, and a crispy garlic topping is simply irresistible. Perfect for meal prep or a crowd-pleasing dinner, it’s a reliable recipe you’ll return to again and again.