Watermelon Basil Halloumi Bites

Watermelon Basil Halloumi Bites- juicy sweet watermelon served with fresh basil and grilled halloumi cheese. A quick and easy summer appetizer that will knock everyone’s socks off! 

Watermelon Basil Halloumi Bites- juicy sweet watermelon with salty cheese and fresh basil. The perfect summer appetizer!

Yesterday I told you how much I love cheese while sharing a vegan recipe…makes sense, right?

I know it doesn’t, but it’s true. Cheese is hard for me to give up. It is the only dairy we eat at home these days and it’s usually not more than twice per week. Not because of health issues; it’s more of an ethical decision than anything else.

One cheese that I like to treat myself to in the summertime is halloumi (pronounced hal-umi) which originates from Cyprus and is typically made from sheep and/or goat milk. It’s texture is similar to mozzarella but because it is heated before being placed in it’s brine, it has a higher melting point that makes it ideal for grilling or frying.

Watermelon Basil Halloumi Bites- juicy sweet watermelon with salty cheese and fresh basil. The perfect summer appetizer!

It has a rich salty flavor with a hint of mint that makes it perfect for summer. I usually like to use it to make Veggie Kebabs but more recently, I had an appetizer at a local wine bar that served it in a sandwich with watermelon and basil.

You guys, the flavor of the sweet watermelon paired with fragrant fresh basil and salty cheese was MIND BLOWING. I couldn’t get enough and knew I had to recreate for you!

The watermelon slices took place of the bread which I thought was a cool idea but it made it somewhat difficult to eat. So instead I decided to create a “bite” rather than a sandwich. That way you can pick them up with a toothpick and shove it into your mouth like a lady…or a gentlemen. ;)

Watermelon Basil Halloumi Bites- juicy sweet watermelon with salty cheese and fresh basil. The perfect summer appetizer!

Watermelon Basil Halloumi Bites- juicy sweet watermelon with salty cheese and fresh basil. The perfect summer appetizer!

They are perfect to serve for friends at a summer gathering and they only take 20 minutes to make. You can slice the watermelon and the cheese ahead of time that way all you have to do is grill and assemble them when you’re ready to serve.

Cheers to summertime!

Watermelon Basil Halloumi Bites- juicy sweet watermelon with salty cheese and fresh basil. The perfect summer appetizer!

 

Watermelon Basil Halloumi Bites

Yield: 20 bites

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 20

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Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces halloumi cheese
  • 1 tablespoon high heat oil
  • 1 small seedless watermelon, cut into 2-inch triangles (approx. 6 pounds)
  • 1 cup fresh basil
  • 20 picks for serving

Directions:

Preheat a grill pan or a grill over medium heat. If using a grill pan, cut the cheese into 1-inch cubes (if using a grill, cut lengthwise into 1-inch slices and cube after grilling). Lightly brush the halloumi with oil then cook for 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

Meanwhile, arrange the watermelon slices on a serving dish with one basil leaf on top of each. Place one grilled halloumi piece on top and secure with a pick. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts are for one bite

 

Did you try this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out by rating the recipe, leaving a comment below or sharing a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #makingthymeforhealth. I love hearing your feedback! heart