Grilled Halloumi and Za'atar Flatbread with Sumac Onions
Charred halloumi cheese and za'atar-seasoned flatbread topped with tangy sumac-spiced onions for a fresh Lebanese-inspired appetizer. This lebanese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs halloumi cheese, (8-inch diameter) flatbread, za'atar spice blend for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz halloumi cheese
- 2 pieces (8-inch diameter) flatbread
- 2 tbsp za'atar spice blend
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sumac powder
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Slice 8 oz halloumi cheese into 1/2-inch thick pieces and brush both sides with 1 tbsp olive oil. Grill the halloumi for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and grill marks appear.
- Step 2: Brush 2 pieces of flatbread with 2 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle each with 1 tbsp za'atar evenly. Place flatbreads on the grill pan and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until warm and slightly charred.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, toss 1 medium thinly sliced red onion with 1 tbsp sumac powder, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Let sit for 5 minutes to soften.
- Step 4: To serve, place grilled halloumi on top of za'atar flatbreads and spoon sumac onions over the cheese. Serve warm as an appetizer or light meal.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Halloumi and Za'atar Flatbread with Sumac Onions take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Grilled Halloumi and Za'atar Flatbread with Sumac Onions?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep halloumi cheese from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Halloumi and Za'atar Flatbread with Sumac Onions?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Halloumi and Za'atar Flatbread with Sumac Onions for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Grilled Halloumi and Za'atar Flatbread with Sumac Onions vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
