Description
Halloumi Tray Bake with Pesto Rice & Roasted Vegetables
This tray bake is the perfect one-dish vegetarian delight! Featuring caramelized sweet potatoes, mushrooms, peppers, and pesto rice, all topped with crispy halloumi, it’s a burst of Mediterranean flavors with every bite. The best part? It’s easy to adapt based on what you have in your fridge. Whether you’re sharing this with family or enjoying leftovers, it’s bound to be a hearty and satisfying meal.
2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into rounds
1 red pepper, sliced
150g mushrooms, sliced
1 red onion, wedged
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp balsamic glaze
150g cherry tomatoes
250g prepared rice
3 Tbsp pesto
225g halloumi cheese, sliced
Hummus (optional)
Directions:
1. Roast sweet potato rounds at 200°C for 20 mins.
2. Add other veggies & roast for 30 mins.
3. Mix pesto with heated rice; add to veggies.
4. Top with halloumi & grill until crispy.
5. Serve with hummus.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Kcal: 530
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C). Prepare the vegetables: cut the sweet potatoes into 1cm thick rounds, slice the pepper and mushrooms, and cut the red onion into wedges.
2. On a large baking tray, toss the sweet potato rounds with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Spread them out and roast for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the tray. Add the sliced pepper, mushrooms, and red onion wedges to the tray. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and the balsamic glaze. Toss everything together, ensuring the sweet potatoes are flipped. Return to the oven for 30 minutes, adding the cherry tomatoes for the final 10 minutes.
4. While the vegetables roast, heat the prepared rice according to package instructions. In a bowl, mix the hot rice with the pesto until fully combined.
5. Once the vegetables are tender and caramelized, remove the tray. Flatten the vegetable mixture slightly and spoon the pesto rice over the top, spreading it evenly.
6. Arrange the halloumi slices over the rice. Switch your oven to grill/broil on a high setting. Place the tray back in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the halloumi is golden brown and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant tray bake straight from the oven. A dollop of creamy hummus on the side adds a wonderful contrast. For a fresh element, top with a handful of rocket (arugula) or baby spinach just before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice over the halloumi can brighten all the flavors. This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some warmed pita bread.
How-to Summary
Roast sweet potato rounds first, then add remaining vegetables to roast until tender. Mix hot rice with pesto. Spread pesto rice over the roasted vegetables, top with halloumi slices, and grill until the cheese is golden and crispy. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cheese? Yes, while halloumi is ideal for grilling, you can substitute with paneer or even thick slices of feta (though it won’t get as crispy).
How can I make this vegan? Use a dairy-free pesto and substitute the halloumi with a block of firm, pressed tofu or a store-bought vegan halloumi alternative.
Can I prepare any parts ahead? Absolutely. Chop all the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. You can also mix the pesto and rice in advance and reheat it before assembling.
My vegetables are releasing too much water. Ensure your mushrooms and peppers are in a single layer, not piled up, to allow steam to escape. Using a larger tray can help everything caramelize instead of steam.
What other vegetables work well? Courgette (zucchini), aubergine (eggplant), and broccoli florets are excellent additions. Just adjust roasting times for harder vegetables.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crowding the Tray: Overfilling the baking tray will steam the vegetables instead of roasting them. Use two trays if necessary.
- Skipping the Pre-roast for Sweet Potatoes: They need a head start to become tender. Don’t add all the vegetables at once.
- Using Cold Rice: Mix the pesto with hot rice so it absorbs the flavors and spreads easily over the vegetables.
- Overcooking the Halloumi: Watch it closely under the grill. It can go from perfectly golden to rubbery very quickly.
Conclusion
This Halloumi Tray Bake is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a spectacular, fuss-free meal. It’s endlessly adaptable, packed with flavor, and minimizes cleanup. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed dinner with friends, this dish is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the delicious combination of crispy halloumi, savory pesto rice, and sweet roasted vegetables.