Name: Hairy Bikers Halloumi Tray Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 red peppers, deseeded and cut into chunks; 2 courgettes, trimmed and cut into thick diagonal slices; 1 red onion, peeled and cut into wedges; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 x 225g blocks of halloumi cheese, cut into 1cm-thick slices or chunky cubes; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 4 tbsp olive oil; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 tbsp clear honey; 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint; 1 red chilli, finely chopped (optional)

This colourful halloumi tray bake is made with roasted red peppers, courgettes, red onion, and golden halloumi in a lemon, honey, and mint dressing. The result is a satisfying vegetarian one-pan meal packed with Mediterranean flavours. Ready in 50 minutes and serves 4.

I make this at least once a fortnight when I want something quick but impressive for a weeknight dinner. It never disappoints and the leftovers make a brilliant cold lunch the next day.

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Halloumi Tray Bake Ingredients

For the Tray Bake:

2 red peppers, deseeded and cut into chunks
2 courgettes, trimmed and cut into thick diagonal slices
1 red onion, peeled and cut into wedges
2 tbsp olive oil
2 x 225g blocks of halloumi cheese, cut into 1cm-thick slices or chunky cubes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Dressing:

4 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp clear honey
2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
1 red chilli, finely chopped (optional)

How To Make Halloumi Tray Bake

Heat the oven: Set to 220°C (200°C Fan / Gas 7) and position a shelf in the middle of the oven.
Season the vegetables: Spread the peppers, courgettes, and onion wedges across a large roasting tray in a single layer. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, season generously with salt and pepper, then toss with your hands until every piece is coated.
Roast for 20 minutes: Place the tray in the oven. The vegetables are ready when they have softened and the edges are starting to char and caramelise.
Add the halloumi: Pull the tray out, nestle the halloumi slices or cubes amongst the vegetables, and return to the oven for 10 to 15 minutes. The halloumi is done when it looks golden brown, slightly puffed, and crisp at the edges.
Make the dressing: While everything roasts, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, and honey together in a small jug or bowl until combined. Stir in the chopped mint and the red chilli if using.
Dress while hot and serve: Pour the dressing over the tray bake as soon as it comes out of the oven. The heat opens the halloumi and vegetables so they absorb the flavours. Toss gently and serve straight away.

What Are the Best Tips for Halloumi Tray Bake?

Give everything room to breathe: A crowded tray steams the vegetables instead of roasting them. Use the largest tray you have, or split across two if needed. You want a single layer with gaps between pieces.
Keep the pieces roughly the same size: Aim for 2 to 3cm chunks. This means the peppers, courgettes, and onion all finish cooking at the same time with no raw or burnt bits.
Dry the halloumi thoroughly: Surface moisture is the enemy of browning. Blot every slice with kitchen paper just before it goes on the tray. If you want extra crispiness, lightly brush each piece with olive oil after drying.
Dress the tray bake while piping hot: The heat opens up the halloumi and vegetables so they soak in the lemon, honey, and mint dressing. Waiting even five minutes makes a noticeable difference. If you enjoy tray bakes, try the Hairy Bikers Salmon Tray Bake for a fish alternative.
Reduce saltiness if needed: Halloumi is naturally salty. If you prefer a milder flavour, soak the block in cold water for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing. Pat dry afterwards and it will still brown perfectly.

What Should I Serve With This?

Warm couscous is the easiest pairing because the leftover dressing from the tray soaks right into it. Fluffy rice or crusty sourdough work just as well for mopping up the juices.

For a lighter meal, stuff everything into warm pitta breads with a spoonful of Greek yoghurt or hummus. A handful of rocket on top adds a peppery freshness that cuts through the salty halloumi. If you want a bigger spread for guests, the Hairy Bikers Mediterranean Chicken Tray Bake pairs brilliantly alongside this on the same table.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The halloumi firms up in the fridge, so cold leftovers work best tossed through a green salad or stuffed into a wrap for lunch.

If you want to reheat, spread the tray bake back onto a baking tray and warm in a 160°C oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave as it makes the halloumi rubbery. Freezing is not recommended because both the halloumi and roasted vegetables lose their texture when thawed.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 of 4 portions

Calories: 550 kcal
Total Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 1400mg
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Dietary Fibre: 5g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 25g

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different vegetables in a halloumi tray bake? Yes, aubergine, cherry tomatoes, butternut squash, and asparagus all work well. Cut harder vegetables smaller so they roast in the same time as the peppers and courgettes.

How does the Hairy Bikers halloumi tray bake compare to Jamie Oliver’s version? Jamie Oliver’s roasted halloumi traybake uses root vegetables and courgette tangles as a base, while this version focuses on Mediterranean peppers with a lemon, honey, and mint dressing. Both are one-pan meals but this one is faster at 50 minutes total.

Why does my halloumi go rubbery instead of golden? The most common cause is excess moisture on the cheese. Pat each slice thoroughly dry with kitchen paper and make sure your oven is fully preheated before adding the halloumi.

Can I make halloumi tray bake vegan? Swap the halloumi for firm tofu pressed and sliced to the same thickness. Replace the honey in the dressing with maple syrup and follow the same method.

Is halloumi tray bake a healthy dinner option? It provides a good balance of protein from the halloumi, healthy fats from olive oil, and plenty of vegetables. At 550 kcal per serving it works as a complete main course without heavy sides.