If you’ve made my focaccia before, you’ll know it’s a bit of a favourite around here - golden, chewy, and just the right amount of crispy on the edges. This recipe builds on that comfort: warm pieces of focaccia grilled until toasty, topped with charred zucchini, golden halloumi, and a drizzle of hot honey to bring it all together. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavour - perfect for sharing, or keeping all to yourself🙈.


Serves 4–6
Ingredients
1 batch of focaccia (recipe here, or store-bought)
¼ cup pesto
3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced lengthways
Zest of 1 lemon
250g halloumi, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp honey
½ tsp chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
Small handful fresh basil leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
Heat a grill pan over medium heat, then add the zucchini and grill in batches until tender and lightly charred. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Add the sliced halloumi to the pan, then drizzle over the honey and chilli flakes. Grill on both sides until golden. Set aside.
Slice your focaccia in half horizontally. Spread pesto on both the top and bottom halves. Layer on the grilled zucchini, halloumi, and fresh basil. Season with lemon zest and another pinch of salt.
Slice into 4-6 wedges or sandwiches, then serve.
Love this! Reminds me of the Mortadella Focaccia sandwich recipe I adapted from L.A.-based Roman cuisine restaurant Mother Wolf for easy home cooking!
check it out:
https://thesecretingredient.substack.com/p/recreating-evan-funkes-la-mortazza