Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe sizzling sound of halloumi hitting a hot grill pan always brings me joy, but it’s the rich and creamy sundried tomato sauce that transforms this humble cheese into something truly special. In this Marry Me Halloumi recipe, I’ve taken the classic “marry me chicken” and given it a delicious vegetarian spin, perfect for those of us who crave comfort food without sacrificing flavor. This dish is not only quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights, but it also feels indulgent enough to impress at dinner parties. Trust me; you’ll want to make this creamy sensation over and over again! Ready to find out how to create this magical meal? Let’s dive into the details! Why is Marry Me Halloumi a Must-Try? Decadent flavors: The rich and creamy sundried tomato sauce elevates halloumi to new culinary heights. Quick preparation: You’ll love how easily this dish comes together, making it perfect for any busy weeknight. Crowd-pleaser appeal: This recipe’s elegant presentation is bound to impress your guests, making it an ideal choice for dinner parties. Versatile options: Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations! Try pairing it with zucchini noodles or substituting with firm tofu for a twist. Healthy indulgence: Packed with protein and nutrients, this dish brings comfort food to your table without the guilt. Once you’ve tasted this, you might just find it competing with your beloved Marry Me Chicken! Marry Me Halloumi Ingredients For the Sauce • Olive Oil (or Sundried Tomato Oil) – Cooking fat that elevates flavors; using sundried tomato oil enhances the sauce’s taste. • Red Onion (1/2, finely diced) – Offers sweetness; can be substituted with yellow onion if preferred. • Garlic (3 cloves, crushed) – Provides aromatic depth; fresh garlic heightens the overall flavor. • Red Pepper or Chili Flakes (1/4 tsp) – Adds a nice kick; adjust according to your heat preference. • Smoked Paprika (1/4 tsp) – Delivers a smoky essence; regular paprika works as a substitute. • Italian Herbs/Seasoning (2 tsp) – Boosts herbal flavors; fresh herbs can intensify this further. • Sundried Tomatoes (1/3 cup, chopped) – Key for a rich sauce; jarred versions save time; rinse if needed. • Tomato Paste (2 tbsp) – Intensifies the tomato flavor; known as tomato puree in the UK. • Vegetable Broth (2/3 cup) – Provides sauce liquid; chicken broth can be used for non-vegetarians. • Heavy Cream (2/3 cup) – Adds luxurious creaminess; coconut cream is a great dairy-free swap. • Parmesan Style Cheese (3/4 cup, grated) – Boosts creaminess and flavor; try nutritional yeast for a vegan touch. • Basil (small bunch, chopped) – Fresh flavor and garnish; can substitute with parsley if necessary. • Baby Spinach (1 handful) – Adds nutrition and a pop of color; kale is a fine alternative. For the Halloumi • Halloumi Cheese (8 oz) – The star of the dish that brings filling protein; slice into pieces for perfect grilling. For Serving • Lemon Wedges – Provides refreshing acidity; essential for balancing the creamy sauce and enhancing flavors. This Marry Me Halloumi recipe is a delightful, creamy dish perfect for any occasion! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Marry Me Halloumi Step 1: Heat the Oil In a deep saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or sundried tomato oil over low-medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil begins to shimmer gently. This will create a flavorful base for your creamy sundried tomato sauce in the Marry Me Halloumi dish. Step 2: Sauté the Onion Add 1/2 finely diced red onion to the pan and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, allowing its natural sweetness to develop. This step builds a flavorful foundation for your sauce. Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices Stir in 3 crushed garlic cloves, 1/4 teaspoon of chili flakes, 2 teaspoons of Italian herbs, and 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly. The aroma will begin to fill your kitchen, hinting at the delicious Marry Me Halloumi to come. Step 4: Incorporate Sundried Tomatoes Add 1/3 cup of chopped sundried tomatoes to the mix and sauté for another 2 minutes. This will infuse your sauce with a rich, tangy flavor while allowing the sundried tomatoes to soften slightly, enhancing the texture of the sauce. Step 5: Add Tomato Paste Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for 2 more minutes, allowing it to meld with the other ingredients. The rich color of the paste will deepen, creating a vibrant and robust base for your sundried tomato sauce. Step 6: Simmer the Broth Pour in 2/3 cup of vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Partially cover the saucepan and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This simmering time will help the flavors combine beautifully while thickening the sauce. Step 7: Grill the Halloumi While the sauce simmers, slice 8 ounces of halloumi cheese and heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the halloumi slices and grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The halloumi should develop a crispy, golden exterior that will complement the creamy sauce perfectly. Step 8: Add Greens to the Sauce As the halloumi finishes grilling, return to your sauce and add a handful of baby spinach and a small bunch of chopped basil. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes. This step adds freshness and vibrant color to your Marry Me Halloumi dish. Step 9: Stir in Cream and Cheese Pour in 2/3 cup of heavy cream and add 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the saucepan. Stir well and simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and luscious. The combination of cream and cheese will elevate your dish to a truly indulgent experience. Step 10: Combine Halloumi and Sauce Finally, gently fold the grilled halloumi into the skillet, allowing it to soak up some of the sauce. Serve immediately while still warm, accompanied by lemon wedges for a burst of freshness. Your Marry Me Halloumi is now ready to delight everyone at the table! Marry Me Halloumi Variations to Inspire Feel free to get creative and customize your Marry Me Halloumi with these delicious variations! Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a rich, non-dairy alternative. The subtle coconut flavor adds a new dimension to your sauce. Vegan: Replace halloumi with firm tofu, grilled until crispy. This swap provides a hearty texture while keeping it completely plant-based. Herb Swap: Use fresh dill or cilantro in place of basil for a fresh twist. Each herb brings its own unique flavor, enhancing the dish in unexpected ways. Pasta Option: Serve over whole grain pasta or zucchini noodles for a different base. The sauce clings beautifully, making each bite a flavor-packed delight. Heat it Up: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra kick. This spicy kick transforms the dish into a fiery masterpiece that packs a flavor punch! Add Nuts: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch. The nutty texture complements the creamy sauce and halloumi exceptionally well. Smoky Flair: Introduce chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy dimension. Your guests will be intrigued by the deep, zesty flavors that burst from each bite. Creamy Blend: Mix in some cashew cream to enhance the richness while maintaining a healthy twist. It adds depth without overpowering the existing flavors. Whether you stick to the classic or experiment with these fantastic variations, this Marry Me Halloumi is bound to impress and satisfy! Expert Tips for Marry Me Halloumi Oil Temperature Matters: Use medium heat to ensure the oil is hot before grilling the halloumi, ensuring a beautiful golden crust. Adjusting Salt Levels: Always taste your sauce; the sodium content can vary based on the vegetable broth used. Opt for low-sodium broth for greater control. Fresh is Best: Halloumi is best enjoyed immediately after cooking. If possible, serve fresh to enjoy its perfect texture and flavors in the Marry Me Halloumi dish. Creamy Consistency: To avoid a runny sauce, let it simmer gently until it thickens; patience pays off in flavor and richness! Experiment Freely: Don’t hesitate to try different herbs or additional vegetables to make this dish uniquely yours. Enjoy exploring with the Marry Me Halloumi! Make Ahead Options Making your Marry Me Halloumi ahead of time is a fantastic way to save precious minutes on busy weeknights! You can prepare the creamy sundried tomato sauce up to 3 days in advance by sautéing the onions, garlic, and spices, then adding the sundried tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth to let those delightful flavors meld together. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum freshness. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce gently on the stove and grill your halloumi cheese fresh, as it maintains the best texture when cooked just before serving. This method ensures you’ll delight in the deliciousness of Marry Me Halloumi without the last-minute rush! Storage Tips for Marry Me Halloumi Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to maintain the halloumi’s texture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the sauce separately from the grilled halloumi in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to the sauce to restore its creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving the halloumi to prevent it from becoming rubbery. Meal Prep: Consider making a double batch to enjoy Marry Me Halloumi on busy nights; just ensure you follow proper storage guidelines for optimal flavor! What to Serve with Decadent Marry Me Halloumi? Creating the perfect meal around this decadent dish means pairing it with complementary flavors and textures that will elevate your dining experience. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture and buttery flavors of mashed potatoes create a delightful contrast to the crispy halloumi. Garlicky Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed with garlic provide a fresh, crunchy element that lightens the meal and adds vibrant color. Herbed Quinoa: This fluffy, nutty grain is an excellent accompaniment that soaks up the rich sundried tomato sauce and adds a wholesome touch. Simple Arugula Salad: A peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing bite that cuts through the creaminess of the halloumi dish. Crusty Garlic Bread: Warm, toasted garlic bread is perfect for scooping up that luscious sauce—if you love rich flavors, you won’t want to skip this! Chilled White Wine: A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio balances the richness of the halloumi beautifully, making every bite more enjoyable. Together, these side dishes make for a delightful and satisfying spread that showcases the Marry Me Halloumi in all its glory! Marry Me Halloumi Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best halloumi cheese? For the best Marry Me Halloumi experience, look for halloumi that is firm and free from dark spots. Fresh halloumi should have a slight bounce when pressed and should not feel overly dry. If it comes packaged in brine, that’s a plus as it helps keep the cheese moist. Always check the expiration date too! How should I store leftover Marry Me Halloumi? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend using a stovetop over low heat to gently warm it up while preserving the texture of the halloumi. You can add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to the sauce to maintain its creaminess. Can Marry Me Halloumi be frozen? Absolutely! To freeze the dish, I suggest separating the sauce and halloumi before placing them in freezer-safe containers. The sauce can be kept for up to 2 months, while grilled halloumi doesn’t freeze as well due to its texture. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the sauce overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. What can I do if the sauce is too runny? If your sauce turns out too runny, don’t fret! You can thicken it by simmering it uncovered over low heat for a few extra minutes, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, whisk in a bit of cornstarch mixed with water (1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water) to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until thickened. This will give you a luscious creamy sauce perfect for your Marry Me Halloumi. Is this dish suitable for a vegetarian diet? Yes, the Marry Me Halloumi recipe is vegetarian-friendly! The main protein source here is halloumi cheese, complemented by nutrient-rich vegetables and a creamy sauce. For those who are vegan or dairy-free, try substituting halloumi with firm tofu and use coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious plant-based version! What should I do if I have food allergies? If you have food allergies, ensure to verify the labels on all ingredients used, especially for items like halloumi and any broth. Substitute heavy cream with alternative milk like almond or oat milk for lactose intolerance. As for nut allergies, stick to seed-based alternatives like pumpkin seed cream. Always feel free to customize the recipe to suit your dietary needs; it’s all about making this Marry Me Halloumi yours! Creamy Marry Me Halloumi: A Vegetarian Love Affair This Marry Me Halloumi recipe features creamy sundried tomato sauce that transforms halloumi into a must-try vegetarian dish. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: Mediterranean, VegetarianCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Sauce2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Sundried Tomato Oil1/2 Red Onion finely diced; can be substituted with yellow onion if preferred3 cloves Garlic crushed; fresh garlic heightens the overall flavor1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper or Chili Flakes adjust according to your heat preference1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika regular paprika works as a substitute2 teaspoons Italian Herbs/Seasoning fresh herbs can intensify this further1/3 cup Sundried Tomatoes chopped; jarred versions save time; rinse if needed2 tablespoons Tomato Paste known as tomato puree in the UK2/3 cup Vegetable Broth chicken broth can be used for non-vegetarians2/3 cup Heavy Cream coconut cream is a great dairy-free swap3/4 cup Parmesan Style Cheese grated; try nutritional yeast for a vegan touch1 bunch Basil small bunch, chopped; can substitute with parsley if necessary1 handful Baby Spinach adds nutrition and a pop of color; kale is a fine alternativeFor the Halloumi8 oz Halloumi Cheese slice into pieces for perfect grillingFor ServingLemon Wedges provides refreshing acidity and essential for balancing the creamy sauce Equipment Grill Pandeep saucepan Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Marry Me HalloumiIn a deep saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over low-medium heat until shimmering.Add 1/2 finely diced red onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.Stir in 3 crushed garlic cloves, 1/4 teaspoon of chili flakes, 2 teaspoons of Italian herbs, and 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.Add 1/3 cup of chopped sundried tomatoes and sauté for another 2 minutes.Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until melded.Pour in 2/3 cup of vegetable broth and simmer for 10 minutes.Slice 8 ounces of halloumi cheese and grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown.Add a handful of baby spinach and a small bunch of chopped basil to the sauce. Cook until spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes.Pour in 2/3 cup of heavy cream and add 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir and simmer for about 3-5 minutes until creamy.Gently fold in the grilled halloumi, serve warm with lemon wedges. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 18gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg NotesThis recipe offers a delightful creamy dish perfect for any occasion. Consider making a double batch for busy nights. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
