Cherry Tomato Pesto Polenta with Fried Halloumi.
Cherry Tomato Pesto Polenta with Fried Halloumi…a delicious bowl of late summer comfort food. This simple creamy pesto polenta is made in under 30 minutes, uses just one skillet and one pot, and is a great way to use up those garden herbs and summer tomatoes. The polenta is creamy, perfectly buttery, and swirled with basil pesto and fresh chives. The blistered cherry tomatoes are pan-roasted until saucy and jammy. And that halloumi cheese is pan-fried until crispy and melty. When spooned over bowls of creamy polenta, it makes for a simple and delicious dinner that’s great for any night of the week.
Leave it to me to find a way to serve you all a giant bowl of polenta, tomatoes, and cheese, and call it dinner. This is one hundred percent, my kind of summer meal. It’s easy, it’s creamy, it has pan-roasted cherry tomatoes, so many fresh herbs, and then to finish it all off?
Pan fried halloumi cheese.
It’s not a traditional meal by any means, but it sure is delicious. And I am not going to lie, as I sit here typing away, it’s late on Tuesday night and this bowl of polenta is currently the only thing I want to be making for dinner…because yes, I love a late-night meal.
Fun fact? The reason I started cooking way back when I was twelve or thirteen was to help my dad get dinner on the table before ten o’clock. Mom always did the baking and dad always did dinner, but my dad also worked the typical nine to five, then he’d go to the gym after work. Some nights he wouldn’t get home until eight or so in the evening, so this meant two things. Most nights we have cookies on the table before dinner was even started (not a bad thing) and dinner was a bit of an afterthought and always on the later end. And with five mouths to feed? A little chaotic too.
At some point I decided to pitch in and taught myself how to cook…and I guess you could say the rest is history.
But the ironic thing about this story? I used to hate that we ate dinner so late, but now I prefer eating a later dinner once all my work is done and I can feel relaxed. Funny how things like that happen, huh?
Anyway, just thought I would share a little story. Back to the polenta now.
Making this cherry tomato pesto polenta is easy.
Here is how I do it. Start out by making a fast batch of quick-cooking polenta. I like to use Bob’s Red Mill quick-cooking polenta. Simply boil water, whisk in the polenta, and allow to cook for a few minutes until it’s thick and creamy. It’s that simple. To that creamy polenta, add a pat of butter and basil pesto. Once the polenta is looking super creamy, cover the pot and let is sit while you prepare the rest of the dish.
The most important ingredient when making polenta – the butter. If there’s one thing my mom taught me about cooking polenta is that if you really want it to taste delicious, add butter!
She’s doesn’t love to cook all that much, but she’s got polenta down to a T. Using butter creates the creamiest bowl of polenta. It’s simple, but it’s roll your eyes back good. And complete comfort.
And onto those cherry tomatoes. I love pan “roasting” sweet cherry tomatoes just until they burst and release their juices. I cook them with plenty of garlic and fresh herbs. For the herbs, I like to use a mix of fresh oregano and thyme, but you can really use any mix of herbs you enjoy most. Rosemary would be really delicious,
Cooking the tomatoes only takes a few minutes. Once they start popping and the bottoms of the tomatoes have a nice char, shake the pan a bit. Then remove from the heat and add a couple of splashes of balsamic vinegar and a handful of fresh basil.
At this point, your kitchen should be smelling amazing. With hints of garlic, balsamic, and whatever other herbs you decide to use. It’s a wonderful, summery, delicious smell!
And lastly…
That pan-fried Halloumi cheese. I know, know. Halloumi cheese is Greek, polenta is Italian. Yes, I am mixing cuisines. And yes, I know some of you may not be into this. But I’m all about it…IF it’s good…and it’s good!
Halloumi is a salty grilling cheese commonly used in Mediterranean cooking. It’s delicious when pan-fried and I love incorporating it into dishes like vegetarian tacos, peanut noodles, saucy curries, and extra summery salads. It adds great flavor and texture. It’s what makes this polenta really stand out and be just a touch better than others.
And honestly, what could be better than pan-fried cheese…not much.
Now it’s time to serve everything up. You know me, I have to go a little above and beyond, so here’s exactly how I plate this dish.
Spoon the polenta into your favorite bowls…I’m all about making things extra pretty. Swirl a few spoonfuls of pesto over the polenta, then add those blistered tomatoes and finish with melty, crispy halloumi.
Done and done. Simple and perfect.
Oh, and please don’t skip the halloumi. I know some of you might think you don’t really need it, but trust me…you need it. It’s salty fried cheese that’s crispy on the outside and soft and melty inside. It’s just delicious, plus it adds the perfect balance to this creamy bowl of polenta and tomatoes.
So what do you all think? Want to join me for an easy late-night bowl of summer polenta?
Looking for other polenta recipes? Here are a few ideas:
Garlic Parmesan Herb Butter Polenta Fries with Lemon Aioli
Pesto Polenta with Thyme Roasted Mushrooms and Chickpeas
Honey Butter Blackened Scallops with Herby Polenta
Lastly, if you make this Cherry Tomato Pesto Polenta with Fried Halloumi, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Cherry Tomato Pesto Polenta with Fried Halloumi
Cherry Tomato Pesto Polenta with Fried Halloumi...made in under 30 minutes, uses just one skillet and one pot, and is a great way to use up that summer produce!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dry quick-cooking polenta
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 8 ounces halloumi cheese, sliced into 1/4 inch pieces
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup mixed fresh herbs, such as oregano, thyme, and dill
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
- fresh chopped chives, for serving
Instructions
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1. To make the polenta. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Slowly whisk in the polenta, stirring until the polenta is soft and thick, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the butter, parmesan, the pesto, and season with salt and pepper. Turn the heat off, cover the pot, and let the polenta sit 5 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, cook the halloumi. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the halloumi and cook until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet.
3. To the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons oil. When the oil shimmers, add the tomatoes, garlic, shallot, herbs, and a pinch each of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the tomatoes begin to pop, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the balsamic vinegar and basil.
4. Divide the polenta between bowls. Spoon the tomatoes over top, then add the Halloumi. Drizzle with additional pesto and top with fresh basil and chives. Enjoy!
Our Favorite Recipes
Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Pasta Salad.
Totally making this for my niece and her fiance next week along with some simple grilled chicken! Looks amazing!
Thank you so much Christin! xTieghan
Tiegan,
I want to make this but can’t find Halloumi cheese. What can I substitute? I was thinking feta, but want to check with you. Thanks!
Hey Nancy,
Feta would be a great substitute for the Halloumi! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
could i put in 10000000000000000 stars? Because that is the lowest you can rate this recipe !!!!
Haha wow you are too sweet! I am so glad this turned out so well for you Clare! xTieghan
I love when you post a recipe and I have all the ingredients on hand! Had this for lunch and it was as good as you described. I took your suggestion and used rosemary, wow! Loved the creamy polenta, sweet tomatoes with a touch of spicy ness and that bit of salt from the Halloumi! This is indeed “so good!”
Wow! I am so happy this turned out so well for you, Michele! Thank you so much for trying it! xTieghan
If you’re in the mood to switch up dinner for a change of pace, try this recipe! Great flavors. Easy. Delicious!
Thank you so much Celia! I am so glad you enjoyed this one! xTieghan
For the record I grew up with a Romanian version of polenta and am so excited for the nostalgia factor this dish will bring, also it. sounds. delicious.
I was wondering where you find that type of cheese? I’m a Trader Joe’s girl and haven’t seen it there, any favorite kinds to try? Also- I meal prep food that will last about three days to eat after my shifts, would this a good reheat and eat meal?
Can’t wait to make it! As always thanks for sharing this!
Hey Kathleen,
I usually find my Halloumi at Whole Foods. This would be great to reheat, except the Halloumi would not stay crispy as long as you are okay with that! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
This looks amazing! And such a great use of our garden tomatoes. What brand of quick cooking polenta do you use? I only have regular and couldn’t find the quick cooking. Thanks!
Hey Megan,
Here is the link for the polenta that I use: http://l.thrv.me/HBH7131-bobs-red-mill-polenta-corn-grits
I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
This cherry tomato pesto polenta with fried halloumi is delicious. I halved the recipe for my husband and me and we both enjoyed it so much. With my home grown grape tomatoes and pesto from last years basil harvest, it made for a special treat. The fried halloumi went so well with this dish and another example of your creativity. I will be trying more of your vegetarian polenta creations.
Amazing!! I am so glad this turned out so well for you, Harriet! xTieghan
I made this tonight and it was delicious. I used a pre-mixed polenta package (trying to clean out the pantry) so I actually only made half the recipe – the tomatoes and halloumi – but it was an excellent way to use up the surplus of garden tomatoes and felt surprisingly light and summery with all those delicious garden herbs. Will definitely make again!
Thank you so much Leanne!! I am so happy this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Cooking with polenta and halloumi cheese are both a first for this house! Really fun and tasty way to experiment with new ingredients. And it’s CRAZY filling!
Thank you Amy!! xTieghan
Where can I find quick cooking polenta – been to several stores, including non traditional ones? Can I use course ground cornmeal instead?
Hi Eileen,
Yes ground cornmeal will work, I like to order my polenta from Thrive Market. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I made this tonight and it was absolutely delicious. I will make it again and again!
Thank you so much Erin! I am glad this turned out well for you! xTieghan
Amazing!!! Can’t wait to make this again, gave my sister who lives next door a bowl and she was freaking over it! Thanks for this comforting delicious recipe! Looking forward to trying more of your delightful creations.
Thank you so much Laura!! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
YUMMY! I was able to make this out of ingredients we had on hand. Thank you so much for a quick, easy, and delicious meal!
Thank you so much Julie! xTieghan
I love this recipe! Anything with cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinegar has my vote. I made this last night for dinner. It has wonder flavors going on and felt “light” in all this heat and humidity right now. I couldn’t find the cheese so I skipped that part and added a tad more shredded parm. The only polenta at our local grocery was in the deli section ready made. I reconstituted it with some chicken broth. First time I ever served it. I’ll be making this again!!
Thank you so much Joan!! I am so glad this recipe turned out so well for you! I hope you continue to enjoy my recipes! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan,
First time cooking halloumi. Loved the recipe, but I definitely overcooked the cheese (my bad) and for some reason, it was SO salty straight out of the package. Any idea if I should be rinsing the cheese before cooking for future recipes (or if I just bought some weirdly briney cheese at Sprouts)?
Otherwise, the recipe was fabulous 🙂
Hey Becca,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try! Halloumi can definitely be on the saltier side, next time I would try a different brand or even Feta would work well here. I hope this helps for next time! xTieghan
The ultimate comfort food! We are big fans of polenta, and this took it to the next level! Loved the “zing” from the hot pepper flakes and the balsamic vinegar! I love summer when I can harvest tomatoes and herbs directly from my garden! Thanks for another great recipe!
Thank you Elna! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
This was soooooo delicious and used a good amount of our garden! Win win! Made my own pesto and that and the small splash of balsamic in the tomatoes really makes this! Thanks!
Thank you so much Kara! xTieghan
Forgot to give you 5 stars in comment above! Awesome dinner!
This is my new favorite weekday meal. I never thought of adding pesto to polenta and it is so good and so easy!
Thank you so much Elise! xTieghan
Loved it…simple, fast, delicious and oh-so-comforting!
Love to hear that! Thank you Heidi! xTieghan
I have a question about frying halloumi—every time i’ve pan-fried it in a cast iron skillet, it gets very charred on the outside but stays cold on the inside. Doesn’t get melty at all—am i doing something wrong?
Hey Heidi,
I am wondering if your heat is too high? Please let me know if this helps! xTieghan
Amazingly delicious and surprisingly easy!
Love to hear that! Thank you Jordan! xTieghan
Made this for the second time tonight and my partner said “this is one delicious dinner!” while eating leftovers straight from the pan. Definitely going to be a staple recipe around here!
Thank you so much Veronica! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
I made this tonight! It was so comforting on a cold winter night! I used pre-made polenta in a tube so had to reconstitute it a bit to make it creamier. Great flavor and I loved the halloumi, cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, garlic and shallots together!
Hey Dana,
I so appreciate you giving the recipe a try, I am thrilled it was enjoyed! xTieghan
Quite easy to make and SO delish! Love all the flavors together. It definitely doesn’t win the prize for looking appetizing, but I inhaleddd this dish.
Hey Gillian,
Awesome!! I am so glad this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan