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Grilled Cheese and Tomato Stacks

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This vibrant vegetarian starter brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table, combining salty halloumi with sweet, ripe tomatoes. The cheese is marinated in a fragrant blend of fresh mint and earthy cumin, which perfectly cuts through the richness of the dairy once grilled. It is a simple yet sophisticated dish that relies on high-quality seasonal produce and the satisfying contrast between the warm pita and the juicy tomato slices.

Ideal for casual summer entertaining or as a quick lunch, these grilled cheese stacks are incredibly versatile. You can prepare the marinated halloumi up to two days in advance, making this an excellent stress-free option for garden parties or barbecues. Serve them as they are for a light snack, or pair them with a crisp green salad for a more substantial meat-free meal.

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Ingredients for Grilled Cheese and Tomato Stacks

  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh mint

  • 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin

  • 230g Halloumi cheese,* cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices

  • 16 white or whole wheat mini pitas

  • 2 ripe medium tomatoes, cored, halved, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices

  • Sea salt

How to make Grilled Cheese and Tomato Stacks

Whisk 1 teaspoon oil, mint, cumin, and pinch of freshly ground black pepper in medium bowl to blend. Add cheese slices; toss to coat. Marinate at room temperature at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover; chill.

Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Grill pitas until warm and grill marks appear, about 1 minute per side; transfer to serving plate. Grill cheese until grill marks appear and cheese begins to melt, about 1 minute per side. Stack each warm pita with slice of tomato and cheese. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle tomatoes lightly with sea salt.

Available at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores, natural foods stores, and Greek markets.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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