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This Avocado and Halloumi Sandwich with quick pickled aniana (onions) and tiamu hirikakā (chill jam) is out of this world. This flavour combination comes directly from one of our favourite cafe's and now you can replicate it at home! 🏠

A wooden board sits on a wooden table. On the board is a freshly baked Savoury braided brioche bread loaf that has been cut open. In front of it is a freshly made avocado and halloumi sandwich. A slice of the bread has avocado smeared on to it with grilled halloumi pieces and is piled with red pickled onions and loads of cracker pepper.

Our friend's Emily and Jake own a cafe called Mt Atkinson in Tāmaki-makaurau (Auckland). For a time I baked cakes for them and helped them develop some recipes to sell at their cafe. Along with their cabinet food they serve delicious bagels and this flavour combination is the bagel that I get every time. So, I tried it with my Savoury Braided Brioche Bread and it is just perfect, so let's make it together.

More parāoa (bread):

Making a brunch and need an awesome bread recipe? Then you must try these Bacon and Egg Buns, they have a cheesy herb crust and are so delicious. Do you want to make sticky scrolls? Try my Sticky Maple and Pecan Scrolls, or Gingerbread Scrolls.

Videography and photography by Sarah Henderson.

Ingredient Tips for the Avocado and Halloumi Sandwich:

A small black tray with rope handles ia on a table lined with natural fabrics. On the tray is vintage bowls, jars and jugs with salt, yeast, brown sugar, butter and milk in it. In the background an orange candle is burning. Eggs are in the forefront of the photo.

Bread: I definitely prefer this hanawiti (sandwich) with my Savoury Braided Brioche Bread but store-bought parāoa (bread) will work as well.
Pickled Onions: My quick aniana pīkara (pickled onions) are whipped up in under 5 minutes so definitely give the recipe a try. If you don't have time, use your favourite pickles instead.
Avocado: Use ripe rahopūru (avocados) for a creamy base but if you don't like them or they are not in season, use a creamy hummus, cream cheese or labneh.
Cheese: I love grilled halloumi but it can also be swapped for grilled Paneer cheese too.
Chilli Jam: The tiamu hirikakā (chilli jam) balances out the richness of the rahopūru (avocado) and tīhi (cheese) but if you are not in to it, use your favourite relish.

Expert Tips:

There are no tips for this recipe apart from - make this your own and let me know what flavour combinations you come up with!

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR THIS AVOCADO AND HALLOUMI SANDWICH.

Note: The full recipe card with the full list of ingredients, instructions and step by step video are found at the bottom of this page.

On a black tray is a savoury braided brioche loaf that is braided tightly. A little bit of cheese can be seen poking out in places.

1. Make the Bread:

Make the Savoury Braided Brioche Bread according to the instructions.

This recipe works well whether you make the bread the day before or the same day.

You can also make it up to weeks ahead, slice it and freeze it ready for toasting.

If you are using store-bought parāoa (bread), skip this step.

On a wooden table is a wooden chopping board. On the board sits a savoury braided brioche bread that has been cut open to reveal cheese oozing out of the centre. It is golden on top and has been sprinkled with bagel mix on top of the bread.

2. Make the Quick Picked Onions:

Peel the aniana whero (red onion) and slice it in to thin slices.

Add the huka one (caster sugar), tote (salt) and winika (vinegar) or wai rēmana (lemon juice) in to a jar and add the lid. Give it a good shake so all of the ingredients are mixed together.

Add the sliced aniana (onion) in to the mixture. Give it a good shake so all the aniana (onions) are covered.

Secure the jar with a lid again and leave it in the fridge for 20 minutes or up to a few days. These are a perfect addition to any meal to add beautiful flavour and cut through any rich food like avocado, eggs or meat.

A wooden board sits on a wooden table. On the board is a freshly baked Savoury braided brioche bread loaf that has been cut open. In front of it is a slice of the bread with avocado smeared on to it with grilled halloumi pieces and piled with red pickled onions.

3. Make the Avocado and Halloumi Sandwich:

Slice six thick pieces of the Savoury Braided Brioche Bread or your chosen parāoa (bread). Toast them until they are golden on each side. Spread with pata (butter) while they are hot.

Scoop out the flesh of the rahopūru (avocado) in to a bowl, season well with tote (salt) and pepa (pepper) and wai rēmana (lemon juice). If you are using it, add 2 tablespoons of wairanu huamata (mayonnaise). Divide the rahopūru (avocado) between the toasted bread and spread it on liberally.

4. Prepare the Halloumi:

Slice the halloumi in to 12 pieces. Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat.

Add a drizzle of noni (oil) and fry the tīhi (cheese) in batches until they are golden on both sides. Drape the halloumi on top of the rahopūru (avocado).

5. Add the Condiments:

Top each hanawiti (sandwich) with the aniana pīkara (pickled onions) and the tiamu hirikakā (chilli jam), if you are using it.

Whakatāwaratia ki te tote me te pepa - season with salt and pepper.

Enjoy this special kai (food), made with aroha (love). This is made fresh and eaten immediately.

There are so many more delicious

Parāoa (Bread) Recipes

With a little flour and yeast, delicious creations can be made!

Browse all Bread

Naomi Toilalo is at the table laden with baking. There is lamingtons, lemon meringue pie, custard slice and cream buns. She is decorating a cake in front of her and smiling.

DID YOU ENJOY THIS RECIPE?

It would be so awesome if you could please leave a review/comment by clicking the “leave a comment” section at the top of the page.

I love seeing you all make my creations, so send a whakaahua (photo) or kiriata (video) to my Instagram and show me what you made. Let me know if you have any pātai (questions) too, I would love to help.

Close up shot of freshly baked bread with bagel season on top shows layers on avocado, grilled halloumi cheese and red pickled onions.

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