Grilled Halloumi & Eggplant Sandwich

Published OnJune 30, 2025
Grilled Halloumi & Eggplant Sandwich

Photo by Food52

Serves
4
Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes

This sandwich is great for wrapping up and bringing on the go, and makes for a delicious lunch or picnic dinner. Here I layer a baguette with sun-dried tomato pesto, grilled halloumi cheese, marinated grilled eggplant, and lots of baby arugula. Although a baguette tastes best and makes it easy to make 4 sandwiches (or 2) at once, you can swap the bread with a soft Italian sub or focaccia if desired.


Ingredients

  • 1 large eggplant, cut into ½-inch slices
  • 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 4 tablespoon lemon juice (1 lemon)
  • 2 large garlic cloves, grated
  • 1/2 cup parsley leaves and stems, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 8-ounce brick of halloumi, sliced into ¼-inch
  • Sun-dried tomato pesto
  • 2 1/2 cup baby arugula
  • 1 French baguette

Featured Video

Grilled Halloumi & Eggplant Sandwich


Directions

  • Step 1

    Arrange the sliced eggplant on a cutting board. Sprinkle with salt to draw out the moisture as you prep the dressing.

  • Step 2

    In a large bowl, combine ½ cup olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pat the eggplant dry, then add to the marinade and toss to evenly coat.

  • Step 3

    Heat a medium grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, then in batches, arrange the marinated eggplant in the grill pan and cook until charred and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining eggplant.

  • Step 4

    Drizzle with more olive oil if needed, then cook halloumi until golden brown and charred in some spots.

  • Step 5

    Cut the baguette in half lengthwise, then spread a generous amount of pesto on both sides.

  • Step 6

    Place the eggplant on top, overlapping as needed, then the halloumi. Arrange the arugula over top, then drizzle lightly with more olive oil and season with more ground pepper.

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