Grilled Halloumi cheese is a staple on our summer menus. Did you even know grilling cheese was possible? Add a smoky, salty, gooey slab to everything from burgers to salads to avocado toast!Â
Where my anxiety peeps at?
Does anyone else get a pit in their stomach when they’re on their way home from a trip? I know that sounds nuts, I’m supposed to be refreshed and rejuvenated, but what’s really running through my head is always;
“Please let the house be in one piece. I hope I don’t have any issues picking up the dogs. Will the dogs be ok? Will they be mad at me? Did I leave enough food for them? ”
Nothing has ever been wrong when I arrive home, but for some reason this sense of dread seems to creep in every time. The longer the trip, the worse the anxiety.
Fortunately, once again, our return from our long trip to Alaska and New York was uneventful.
The house is still standing. The dogs are fine.
I’m officially calm, and back at work.
I’m happy to be home for a stint after seemingly months of travel and chaos. I am craving a bit of stillness and stability.
I was greeted by lush garden box, bursting with new vegetables.
I’m thrilled to be gardening again finally, nearly 2 years after moving to Oakland. I harvested my first herbs this week, and am looking forward to a summer full of light, fresh, homegrown cooking.
Another bonus is that our brand new grill was delivered right before we left! Time to bust out that beauty and get our summer grilling on, but it’s not all about grilled meats in our house. Not only will I be grilling lots of veggies from my garden, but I love to throw in unexpected grill items like Halloumi cheese, crostinis, desserts and grilled pizzas.
Grilled Halloumi is one of my favorite foods of the summer. It’s great on light dishes like a watermelon salad, or on something substantial like a burger. Since I’m in need of something light after MANY days of over indulging while away, I added my grilled Halloumi to a crispy, avocado toast crostini. Of course I threw the bread on the grill as well.
I topped the whole thing with some mint-basil oil that I made from my garden harvest.
What types of things (besides meat) do you like to grill during these glorious summer months? Leave a comment below and let me know what your favorite non-traditional grill recipes.
As always, if you decide to give your avocado toast a bit of a summery, grilled kick, be sure to post a photo on Instagram or Facebook and tag me @betsylife
Grilled Halloumi Avocado Toasts with mint-basil oil
Grilled Halloumi cheese is a staple on our summer menus. Did you even know grilling cheese was possible? Add a smoky, salty, gooey slab to everything from burgers to salads to avocado toast!
Ingredients
- 8 oz halloumi cheese sliced into 1/2 inch thick slices
- 1/2 loaf baguette bread sliced into 1/2 thick slices
- 1/2 cup fresh mint tightly packed
- 1/4 cup basil flavored oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- salt and pepper
- 1 avocado
- 1/2 cup cucumber thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup radishes cut into matchsticks
Instructions
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat
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Place halloumi cheese slices and baguette slices on the grill. Cook turning once, about 3-4 minutes per side until lightly charred. Remove from heat. Dice the halloumi into cubes.
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Meanwhile, in a small food processor, blend fresh mint, basil flavored oil and garlic cloves until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
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Spread either mashed avocado or sliced avocado onto grilled bread slices. Top with thinly sliced cucumber, and diced halloumi cheese. Drizzle with mint-basil oil. Finish with radishes. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
For a less messy option, place a cast iron skillet directly on the grill. Heat 2 Tbsp oil oil, and grill the cheese in the skillet.Â
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If you can't find basil flavored olive oil, you can substitute extra virgin olive oil and 1/2 cup fresh basil, firmly packed.Â
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