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Golden seared halloumi and jammy roasted grapes piled on crisp baguette crostini with a honey drizzle on a dark wood board

Golden Halloumi and Roasted Grape Crostini

Golden seared halloumi and jammy roasted grapes piled on crisp toasted baguette, finished with a honey drizzle.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  • 1 baguette small baguette, about 200 g; sliced into 8 pieces about 1.5 cm / 0.5-inch thick
  • 3 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 300 g red seedless grapes / 2 cups; stemmed
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme plus extra leaves for garnish
  • 225 g halloumi block; sliced into 8 pieces about 1 cm thick
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • black pepper to taste; freshly cracked
  • flaky salt a pinch; optional, halloumi is already salty

Method
 

Roast the Grapes
  1. Heat the oven to 200 C / 400 F. On a 33 x 23 cm / 13 x 9-inch sheet pan, toss the grapes with 1 tbsp olive oil and the thyme sprigs.
  2. Roast for 15 to 18 minutes, until the grape skins split and the juices turn syrupy. Set aside.
Toast the Bread
  1. While the grapes roast, brush both sides of the baguette slices with the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil.
  2. Arrange the bread on a second sheet pan and toast in the same oven for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping once, until the edges are golden and firm.
Sear the Halloumi
  1. Pat the halloumi slices dry with paper towels. This helps them brown instead of steaming in the pan.
  2. Heat a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the halloumi slices in a single layer, working in two batches so they don't touch.
  3. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until deep golden with a little crisp at the edges. Repeat with the second batch.
Assemble
  1. Top each toasted baguette slice with a slice of warm halloumi.
  2. Spoon the roasted grapes and their juices over the halloumi.
  3. Drizzle with honey, add a crack of black pepper and a pinch of flaky salt. Scatter thyme leaves on top and serve right away.

Notes

  • Dry halloumi slices well before searing, wet cheese won't brown.
  • Roast grapes until skins split, don't rush this step.
  • Assemble crostini right before serving, halloumi firms up as it cools.
  • Use a rimmed sheet pan for the grapes, they release a lot of juice.