Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside: The cheese gets perfectly golden and crispy, while remaining gooey and delicious inside.
- Simple ingredients: Only a few ingredients are needed, and the result is a rich, savory dish that’s packed with flavor.
- Perfect for entertaining: Saganaki is an impressive dish that’s great for sharing at parties or gatherings.
- Quick to make: With just a few minutes of cooking, you can serve this irresistible treat in no time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 220g (8 oz) Greek cheese (e.g., Kefalograviera, Kefalotyri, or Graviera Cheese)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 lemon
- Salt
Directions
1. Prepare the cheese:
- If not already sliced, cut the cheese into even squares, about ½ inch thick. The pieces should resemble the shape of an American cheese slice, just thicker.
2. Coat the cheese:
- In a bowl, season the all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Dredge each piece of cheese in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
3. Fry the cheese:
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place one piece of cheese in the center of the pan.
- Pan fry the cheese for 3 minutes on one side, then flip it carefully and cook for another 2 minutes, or until golden-brown and crispy on both sides.
4. Drain and season:
- Once the cheese is golden-brown and springy in the center, remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Season with a pinch of salt and squeeze over a generous amount of fresh lemon juice (about ½ a lemon).
5. Serve:
- Serve the saganaki immediately, with extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing. It’s best enjoyed while still hot and crispy.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings (depending on portion size)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Cheese options: If you can’t find Greek cheeses like Kefalograviera or Kefalotyri, you can substitute with a firm, salty cheese like Halloumi or even mozzarella.
- Add herbs: Sprinkle some fresh oregano or thyme over the saganaki after frying for an extra flavor boost.
- Spicy option: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or paprika to the flour for a spicy twist on this classic dish.
Storage
- Storage: Saganaki is best enjoyed immediately after frying while the cheese is still crispy and hot. It doesn’t store well, but you can refrigerate leftovers and reheat them in a hot pan to restore some of the crispiness.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the leftover cheese in a hot pan for a few minutes to crisp up the outside again.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Halloumi, mozzarella, or even Gruyere. The key is to use a firm, salty cheese that can hold up to frying.
Can I make this in advance?
While saganaki is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the cheese by slicing and coating it in flour ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to fry.
What should I serve with saganaki?
Saganaki is typically served as an appetizer, and it pairs beautifully with a simple salad, pita bread, or roasted vegetables. You can also enjoy it with olives and fresh tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Can I fry more than one piece of cheese at a time?
Yes, you can fry more than one piece of cheese at a time, but make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Frying too many pieces at once can cause the oil temperature to drop and result in soggy cheese.
Conclusion
Greek Fried Cheese – Saganaki is a simple yet impressive dish that combines crispy, golden cheese with the tangy brightness of fresh lemon. Perfect as a starter or snack, this dish is bound to become a favorite for any gathering. With minimal ingredients and a few minutes of cooking, you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s full of flavor and texture!
Greek Fried Cheese – Saganaki Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
Saganaki is a traditional Greek dish that features crispy, golden-brown fried cheese served with fresh lemon juice. This simple yet delicious appetizer combines a crunchy exterior with a gooey, melty center, making it perfect for sharing at parties or as a snack.
Ingredients
220g (8 oz) Greek cheese (e.g., Kefalograviera, Kefalotyri, or Graviera Cheese)
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup olive oil
1 lemon
Salt
Instructions
- If not already sliced, cut the cheese into even squares, about ½ inch thick. The pieces should resemble the shape of an American cheese slice, just thicker.
- In a bowl, season the all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt. Dredge each piece of cheese in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place one piece of cheese in the center of the pan. Pan fry the cheese for 3 minutes on one side, then flip it carefully and cook for another 2 minutes, or until golden-brown and crispy on both sides.
- Once the cheese is golden-brown and springy in the center, remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Season with a pinch of salt and squeeze over a generous amount of fresh lemon juice (about ½ a lemon).
- Serve the saganaki immediately, with extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing. It’s best enjoyed while still hot and crispy.
Notes
For added flavor, sprinkle some fresh oregano or thyme over the saganaki after frying.
If you prefer a spicy version, add a sprinkle of chili flakes or paprika to the flour mixture before dredging the cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
