Halloumi Breakfast Sandwich
A robust and flavorful morning meal featuring thick slabs of halloumi cheese pan-seared until golden and "squeaky." Combined with a silky fried egg and peppery rocket inside a toasted brioche bun, this sandwich offers a perfect balance of salty, savory, and sweet notes.
Ingredients
- 100 g Halloumi Cheese Cut into 1cm thick slices and patted dry with kitchen paper.
- 1 - Brioche Bun Split and ready for toasting.
- 1 - Large Egg Preferably free-range; to be fried with a runny yolk.
- 1 tbsp Chili Jam Sweet and spicy variety to contrast the salty cheese.
- 1 handful Fresh Rocket Washed and dried for a peppery crunch.
- 1 tsp Olive Oil For frying the halloumi and the egg.
- 1 pinch Black Pepper Freshly cracked; skip the extra salt as the cheese is seasoned enough.
Instructions
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Dry the Halloumi:
Remove the halloumi from its packaging and pat it thoroughly dry with kitchen paper. Slice into thick pieces (about 1cm). Drying the surface is the only way to get that signature golden-brown crust.
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Sear to Perfection:
Heat the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Place the halloumi slices in the pan and fry for 2–3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a deep, caramelized gold color and a slightly softened center. Remove and set aside.
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Fry the Egg:
In the same pan (the leftover oil will have a hint of halloumi flavor now), crack the egg. Fry until the whites are fully set but the yolk is still beautifully runny.
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Toast the Bun:
While the egg is finishing, toast your brioche bun halves until they are golden and warm to the touch.
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Build the Base: Spread a generous tablespoon of chili jam over the bottom half of the toasted bun. Top with a handful of fresh rocket—the heat from the cheese will slightly wilt it, releasing its peppery aroma.
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Stack and Serve:
Layer the golden halloumi slices over the rocket, followed by the fried egg. Sprinkle with a pinch of cracked black pepper, add the top bun, and press down gently to let the yolk flow. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Serving & Presentation
To make this Halloumi Breakfast Sandwich look as good as it tastes, presentation is key. For a professional, "cafe-style" look, serve the sandwich on a rustic wooden board or a matte-finish ceramic plate. Slice the sandwich in half diagonally using a sharp serrated knife; this allows the rich, golden egg yolk to cascade down the sides, coating the seared halloumi and making it look incredibly appetizing.
For a pop of color, garnish the plate with a few extra leaves of fresh rocket or a scatter of halved cherry tomatoes. If you want to lean into the Mediterranean theme, a few cracked olives on the side or a small ramekin of extra chili jam adds a lovely touch. If you're serving this for a weekend brunch, pairing it with a side of crispy hash browns or a small bowl of fresh fruit creates a complete, balanced meal. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or a pinch of smoked paprika over the egg can elevate the dish from a simple breakfast bite to a gourmet experience.