Halloumi Carbonara Recipe

Halloumi Carbonara is a delightful twist on the classic Italian pasta favorite, swapping traditional pancetta for salty, squeaky halloumi cubes that bring a wonderfully crispy texture and bold flavor. This dish is all about simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create creamy, peppery, and utterly satisfying comfort food that’s surprisingly easy to make—perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing friends with a fresh meat-free carbonara option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To craft this delicious Halloumi Carbonara, you’ll want a handful of straightforward ingredients that each add their own magic to the dish—from the salty richness of halloumi to the creamy bite of parmesan and the comforting texture of perfectly cooked spaghetti.

• 200 g / 7oz dried spaghetti: The classic pasta base that’s perfect for coating in the creamy carbonara sauce.
• 150 g / 5oz halloumi cheese cut into 1cm/½inch cubes: Adds a crispy, salty bite that stands in beautifully for traditional bacon.
• 1 egg: Creates a silky, rich sauce when combined with cheese and pasta water.
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese or pecorino romano, freshly grated: Brings sharpness and depth to the sauce.
• 1 clove garlic: Infuses the oil used to fry halloumi with subtle aroma and flavor.
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Gives richness and helps the halloumi crisp up perfectly.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning the pasta water and finishing the dish with some peppery kick.

How to Make Halloumi Carbonara

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by cooking your spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to season your water generously with salt—it’s the first step to flavorful pasta. The timing is key here because this perfectly cooked spaghetti will soak up all those rich and creamy flavors later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg and Cheese Mixture

While your pasta is cooking, whisk together the egg and freshly grated parmesan or pecorino romano in a bowl. This mixture forms the silky sauce that’s the heart of your Halloumi Carbonara, so make sure it’s well combined and ready to go.

Step 3: Fry the Halloumi with Garlic

With about five minutes left on your pasta timer, heat the olive oil in a non-stick pan and add the halloumi cubes along with the smashed garlic clove still in its skin. Fry the halloumi on medium heat without moving it too much. Let each side develop a golden, crispy crust—this will take about 3 to 4 minutes per side. The garlic will slowly infuse the oil, providing a gentle, aromatic base to the dish.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Halloumi

Once your pasta is al dente, drain it but keep about ⅓ to ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Add the spaghetti directly into the pan with the halloumi, discard the garlic, and generously season with freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together—using tongs is the best way—to let the creamy water and melted cheese coat the strands beautifully.

Step 5: Add the Egg and Cheese Sauce

Turn off the heat and slowly pour the egg and parmesan mixture over the pasta in a circular motion. Quickly toss everything together again to make sure the sauce clings to every inch of pasta, transforming the dish into a dreamy, creamy, and utterly tempting Halloumi Carbonara. Be quick to avoid the eggs scrambling and to get that signature silky texture.

How to Serve Halloumi Carbonara

Garnishes

Adding a little extra parmesan and a fresh grind of black pepper on top elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley can add a pop of color and a hint of freshness if you want to mix things up.

Side Dishes

Halloumi Carbonara pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness or some roasted seasonal vegetables for a hearty side that keeps things vibrant and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Halloumi Carbonara in deep pasta bowls to hold all that heavenly sauce, or for something fun, try plating it in individual ramekins layered with extra cheese on top and lightly grilled to add another golden dimension. Presentation can turn this humble dish into a stunning centerpiece for your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Halloumi Carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Pasta tends to soak up sauce over time, so the texture will be firmer but still delicious.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t usually recommended for Halloumi Carbonara because the egg-based sauce can change texture when thawed, becoming grainy rather than creamy. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh whenever possible.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your leftovers in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or extra olive oil to revive the creamy sauce and stop the halloumi from drying out. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it often makes the cheese rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use regular cheese instead of halloumi?

While halloumi’s unique ability to hold its shape and crisp up is key to this dish, you could try other firm cheeses, but the textures and flavors will differ significantly from that signature Halloumi Carbonara experience.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Halloumi Carbonara is a perfect vegetarian twist on the classic, substituting meat with halloumi cheese, making it suitable for vegetarians who enjoy rich, savory meals.

Can I use dried herbs or spices instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic provides the best aroma and subtle flavor infusion, but if you’re in a pinch, a pinch of garlic powder added during frying can work, though it won’t replicate the same depth.

How do I get the halloumi crispy?

Pat the halloumi cubes dry before frying and use medium heat without tossing too much to get a beautiful, golden crust on each side—this is essential for that satisfying texture in Halloumi Carbonara.

Why do I add pasta water to the sauce?

The starchy pasta water is a secret ingredient that helps bind the sauce to the pasta and makes it creamy without needing extra cream, keeping your Halloumi Carbonara luscious and light.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough giving this Halloumi Carbonara a try—its warm, golden, and creamy allure combined with crispy halloumi cubes creates a beautiful harmony on your plate. Whether you’re a seasoned pasta lover or new to carbonara, this recipe will brighten your mealtime and earn a spot in your regular rotation. Happy cooking!

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