A unique dessert that brings together the traditional sweetness of baklava and the savory richness of halloumi cheese, offering a wonderful contrast of textures.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 package (about 16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
1 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
1 cup ground nuts (walnuts or pistachios, finely chopped)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup water
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, combine the ground nuts, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
Unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.
Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with melted butter. Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the dish, brushing it with butter. Repeat this process, layering 8 sheets, brushing each with butter.
Spread half of the nut mixture evenly over the phyllo layers.
Layer 2 more sheets of phyllo, brushing each with butter. Add the sliced strawberries and halloumi cheese on top.
Cover the strawberries and halloumi with the remaining nut mixture.
Layer another 8 sheets of phyllo on top, brushing each with butter.
Use a sharp knife to cut the top layers into diamond or square shapes.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.
While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup: In a saucepan, combine honey, water, and vanilla extract. Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat.
When the baklava is done, immediately pour the syrup evenly over the hot baklava.
