Saganaki (Greek Fried Cheese)

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Saganaki, in its most popular variation, mostly found in Greek restaurants all over the world, is pan-fried hard cheese. The pan is the point – the word saganaki actually refers to a shallow two-handled frying pan with rounded edges that was part of the kitchen panoply of every Greek home cook in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey). There are a lot of other Greek recipes for saganaki out there, too, such as shrimp saganaki.

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Saganaki (Greek Fried Cheese)

By Diane Kochilas

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 8

Servings

Cheese, Meze / Starters, Recipes

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 8

Servings

Cheese, Meze / Starters, Recipes

Ingredients

4, ¼- inch thick slices or wedges of Greek kefalotyri cheese or other hard sharp cheese, such as pecorino
1 cup all-purpose flour or more, as needed
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 large egg lightly beaten
1 tablespoon butter
4 tablespoons extra-virgin Greek olive oil
1 lemon cut into 6 wedges
1 - 2 teaspoons finely chopped parsley or fresh or dried thyme for garnish

Instructions

Depending on the shape of the cheese (wheel or block) cut cheese into triangular or square wedges about ½-inch (1 ¼ cm) thick.
Have a shallow bowl of water nearby, the flour spread onto a plate or into a second shallow bowl, and the egg lightly beaten in a third bowl. Season the flour with pepper.
Heat extra-virgin Greek olive oil and butter in a nonstick skillet.
Dip the cheese pieces one at a time into the water, then into the flour, dredging on both sides, then into the egg, and back into the flour. Gently place in the hot pan and fry over medium heat on one side until it’s golden. Using kitchen tongs or a spatula, flip the cheese over to fry on the other side. Remove, repeat with remaining pieces, and serve hot, with lemon wedges, garnished with a sprinkling of either the parsley or thyme.

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What Is Saganaki?

Saganaki is a classic Greek appetizer featuring fried cheese, crisp on the outside and gooey on the inside. Named after the small frying pan used to prepare it, this dish is a staple of Greek cuisine and an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Whether served with a squeeze of fresh lemon or a drizzle of honey, Saganaki is the ultimate comfort food that captures the essence of the Greek Cuisine.

Tips for the Best Saganaki Experience

To achieve the perfect Saganaki, make sure your pan is hot enough before frying, and don’t overcrowd it to ensure a crispy crust. Pair your Saganaki with a glass of chilled ouzo or white wine for a true taverna experience. For a creative twist, top your Saganaki with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of Greek Honey.

How to serve Saganaki

Saganaki is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even as part of a meze platter. Pair it with fresh bread, olives, and a side of tzatziki for a Mediterranean feast. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, Saganaki is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that everyone will love.

Diane’s Greek Single-origin Artisanal Foods

Visit my online shop for a wide selection of Greek single-origin artisanal foods, from honeys to wild herbs, olives, olive oils, pistachios, heirloom grain products, fruit preserves and more.

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Travel Cook Eat & Live with Diane

Diane Kochilas is one of the world’s foremost experts on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. She is the host, creator and co-producer of My Greek Table, the award-winning 13-episode per season cooking-travel show about Greece that airs nationally on Public Television. The series is in its third season.

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Saganaki (Greek Fried Cheese)