Are you looking for something different to serve on game day or at your next gathering? Are you tired of the usual game day/party foods?  Game day food can be just as important as the sporting event, wouldn’t you agree? You’ll definitely win over your guests with this dish for Halloumi Bruschetta. Colorful, simple, flavorful, and the perfect party appetizer are all words that describe this recipe. Make this easy recipe and we guarantee that your next event just got a whole lot more delicious!  

What Is Halloumi Cheese?

Now that you have decided to make Halloumi Bruschetta, you may be wondering what exactly is halloumi cheese? Halloumi is a semi-firm Cypriot cheese made from goat’s and sheep milk, or it can also be a mixture of both. Halloumi is similar to mozzarella in texture but has a saltier flavor. What is so unique about halloumi is that it has a high melting point, keeps its shape, and softens just enough to make it the perfect first layer for the bruschetta. It’s best to cook halloumi as it enhances the taste and texture. Cook the cheese in a skillet or on a grill until it becomes beautifully crisped and golden. 

There are many ways to incorporate halloumi in recipes, and some of our favorites are as a substitute for American cheese in grilled cheese sandwiches, or we add a few cubes to our favorite salad. We also love to pair the cheese with crisp juicy watermelon, or now that Fall is here we’ll add it alongside some sliced apples and oranges. You can find halloumi cheese at most Mediterranean stores, specialty grocery stores, or well-stocked supermarkets. 

Halloumi Bruschetta Ingredients

Basic, simple ingredients make this bruschetta a sweet, easy, all-time favorite appetizer! Picking the freshest, flavorful ingredients is very important. Using the best extra virgin olive oil, sweet balsamic vinegar, ripe juicy tomatoes, and the freshest loaf of bread can make the difference between your bruschetta being, “pretty good” or “damn good fabulous!” We definitely want your guest to say the latter! 

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Garlic Cloves 
• Tomatoes
• Halloumi Cheese
• Oregano
• Fresh Basil
• Baguette

Let’s Make Halloumi Bruschetta

Preheat your grill to medium. Slice your baguette on the diagonal into half-inch slices. Then, brush one side of each slice with olive oil. Place the baguette slices on your grill and toast for 2-3 minutes.  You can also toast the bread by placing the baguette slices on a baking sheet and broiling them for 2-3 minutes until brown. Once, toasted, place the baguette slices on your serving dish.

In a medium bowl combine the chopped tomatoes, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. Mix until well combined. Set aside while you prepare the halloumi. 

Thinly slice the halloumi cheese lengthwise being careful not to cut your halloumi slices too thin or they will not hold up well when grilling.  Brush both sides of each slice with olive oil and place on the grill or in a skillet if you are using the stovetop. Cook until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes per side.  

Place one slice of warm grilled cheese on top of each baguette slice. Top with the tomato mixture, a sprinkle of oregano and basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Looking for More Delicious Appetizers? Try These!

• Kalamata Olive Tapenade thats seriously simple, yet looks super fancy
• Stuffed Mushrooms with a simple vegetarian friendly stuffing
• Spanakopita Pull-Apart Bread, warm stuffed with a spinach and cheese mixture
• Greek Salad Kebabs with Tzatziki sauce and Hummus

Have you made this Bruschetta? If you have, leave us a comment below, we’d love to hear from you! If you take a picture and post it to Instagram, be sure to tag #Hearthealthygreek! Stay up to date on our latest recipes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.