Description
Halloumi + Italian Sausage Bake
A hearty one-skillet meal that combines the bold flavors of Italian sausage with the creamy, chewy texture of halloumi cheese. Thanks to halloumi’s high melting point, it roasts beautifully alongside tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a medley of spices, creating a dish that’s robust, vibrant, and utterly satisfying. Perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners with friends!
4 Italian sausages
8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 medium red onion, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange sausages, halloumi, cherry tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a large skillet or baking dish.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss everything gently to coat and spread out evenly.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, turning sausages halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
6. Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: ~450 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect bake every time. First, ensure all your ingredients are prepped: slice the halloumi into 1/2-inch thick pieces, slice the red onion, mince the garlic, and pat the sausages dry. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) with the skillet inside to get it hot. Carefully remove the hot skillet, add the olive oil, and immediately place the sausages in to sear for 2-3 minutes per side. This step locks in juices. Turn off the heat. Add the cherry tomatoes, red onion, and minced garlic around the sausages. Place the halloumi slices on top. Sprinkle everything evenly with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Do not stir after adding the halloumi. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, turning only the sausages halfway through cooking. The bake is done when sausages are cooked through, halloumi is golden-brown, and tomatoes have burst.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty bake is a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Serve it directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation. For a full meal, offer crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices or a light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness. It also works beautifully over a bed of creamy polenta, couscous, or orzo pasta. Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil just before serving.
How-to Summary
Quickly sear sausages in a hot oven-proof skillet. Add vegetables and top with halloumi. Season with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes until golden and cooked through. Serve hot with your chosen sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely. Spicy Italian, chorizo, or even chicken sausage work well. Adjust cooking time based on thickness.
My halloumi didn’t brown. What happened?
Halloumi needs direct heat contact. Ensure slices are on top of the vegetables and not submerged in juices. Using a pre-heated skillet helps.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes. Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms are great additions. Cut them into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a 350°F oven to maintain texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the core ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check your sausage labels and serving accompaniments to be certain.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Skillet: This steams the ingredients instead of roasting them. Use a large enough pan.
- Stirring After Adding Halloumi: This can cause the cheese to stick and break. Place it on top and leave it.
- Using Cold Halloumi: Pat the cheese dry and let it come to room temperature for more even cooking.
- Skipping the Sausage Sear: Searing first adds crucial flavor and texture. Don’t add raw sausage directly to the mix.
Conclusion
This Halloumi and Italian Sausage Bake is a testament to simple, high-quality ingredients creating a spectacular meal. The method is straightforward, but the searing and roasting technique delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. It’s a reliably delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that fits seamlessly into both busy weeknights and leisurely gatherings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the robust, comforting results.