Description
Delightful Cheese & Pineapple Canapés combining sweet roasted pineapple, savory charred halloumi, fresh mint, and toasted sesame seeds, perfect for an elegant appetizer or party snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 500g fresh pineapple pieces
- 1 bunch mint leaves
Dairy
- 250g pack halloumi
Pantry
- 25g toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast Pineapple: Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or gas mark 4. Chop the fresh pineapple into chunks and spread them evenly in a roasting tin. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the pineapple is golden and caramelized. Remove from the oven, cover, and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare Sesame and Mint Mix: While the pineapple is roasting, finely chop the mint leaves. Combine the chopped mint with the toasted sesame seeds in a serving dish and set aside for tossing the pineapple later.
- Char Halloumi: Cut the halloumi cheese into bite-sized cubes. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and char the halloumi cubes on all sides until golden and slightly crispy, usually about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and keep warm.
- Toss and Assemble: Toss the roasted pineapple pieces in the sesame and mint mixture until evenly coated. Thread each canapé by alternating a piece of pineapple and a cube of halloumi onto cocktail sticks.
- Serve: Arrange the canapés on a platter and serve immediately while the halloumi is warm and the pineapple is fresh and flavorful.
Notes
- Roasting the pineapple enhances its natural sweetness and adds a lovely caramelized flavor to the canapés.
- Char-grilling the halloumi gives it a crispy texture and robust flavor that balances the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Feel free to substitute halloumi with another firm cheese if preferred, but grilling is recommended to maintain the structure.
- For a nutty crunch, ensure sesame seeds are well toasted before mixing.
- These canapés are best served fresh to enjoy the contrasting textures and temperatures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: cheese canapés, pineapple appetizers, halloumi recipes, party snacks, fresh mint, sesame seeds
