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Saganaki Cheese (Greek Fried Cheese Recipe)

March 5, 2019 by Edyta 12 Comments

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Edyta
Author at Eating European
Recipe developer, photographer and the writer behind the Eating European food blog of European and Mediterranean healthy and delicious recipes
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Latest posts by Edyta (see all)
  • Borscht (Barszcz Czerwony) – Authentic Polish Recipe - December 19, 2022
  • Authentic Polish Pierogi with Potatoes and Cheese (Pierogi Ruskie) - December 8, 2022
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Saganaki Cheese is one of those Greek Recipes that once you try it you’ll feel compelled to order it whenever you see it on a menu. I will make your life easier by showing you how easy it is to make it in the comfort of your own kitchen. This Greek Fried Cheese recipe requires Kefalograviera cheese, for the best tasting Saganaki, and a special (very easy) technique to make it crispy on a skillet.

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy HERE.

Saganaki - Greek Fried Cheese in a skillet with lemons and cherry tomatoes

What is Saganaki

Saganaki in Greek cuisine means any variety of dishes prepared in a small frying pan. The best known Saganaki is actually a popular appetizer – pan-fried cheese which is one of my personal favorite Greek dishes.

What Cheese is Best for Saganaki

The best cheese to use for this Greek fired cheese recipe is either Kefalograviera or Graviera. You could also use a Kasseri or a Kefalotyri too. In fact, I have seen and tried recipes for Saganaki made from Feta as well. However, in my opinion, Kefalograviera is absolutely the best and if you can find it, use it for this pan-fried cheese recipe!

Greek Pan Fried Cheese Saganaki on a black plate with tomatoes and lemon wedges

Squeezing Lemon Wedge over the Saganaki Cheese

How to Make Saganaki Cheese

In order to make a perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside Saganaki cheese, you’ll need:

  • Kefalograviera Cheese;
  • Olive Oil;
  • Flour;
  • Water.

When you look at the ingredient list above you may be surprised to see water on the list. Fact is, it’s actually critical to achieving the crispy layer when frying the cheese. It will help the flour to adhere to the cheese and will create a nice coating. Here are the easy steps to make it:

Step 1: Set out your cheese (it shouldn’t be thicker than 1/2 inch), a bowl with water, and a plate with flour.

Step 2: Heat up your skillet (small cast iron skillet will work best here). Add a little bit of olive oil.

Step 3: Submerge your cheese in the water and then drench it in flour.

Step 4: Place your cheese on a skillet and don’t move for about 2-3 minutes, until crispy and golden brown. Then flip and fry it on the other side.

Step 5: Sprinkle the cheese with lemon juice and serve. It goes perfectly with fresh bread.

Process of making Saganaki

Process shots of making saganaki

Greek Fried Cheese Saganaki in a skillet with lemon wedges

Equipment Needed to Make Greek Saganaki Cheese

There are just a few simple steps to make it, and not a lot of kitchen equipment is needed either. You probably have them all in your kitchen already. In case you don’t here’s your list:

  • Small Cast Iron Skillet, for frying the cheese;
  • Square Bowl, to submerge the cheese in water;
  • Plate, for flour;
  • Metal Spatula, to flip the cheese and remove it from the skillet.

Greek Saganaki on a plate with lemons

Greek Fried Cheese Saganaki on a fork

Be honest with me… Do you like fried cheese?

Other Greek Recipes to Try

If you like Greek cuisine you may want to give any of these awesome recipes a try:

  • Melitzanolsalata – Greek Eggplant Dip
  • Kolokitokeftedes – Greek Zucchini Fritter
  • Spanakorizo- Greek Spinach Rice
  • Kolokithopita – Greek Zucchini Pie
  • Vegetarian Moussaka – Classic Greek Casserole
  • Revithosoupa – Greek Chickpea Soup
  • Fakes – Greek Lentil Soup
  • Tzatziki – Greek Cucumber Garlic Dip
Greek Fried Cheese Saganaki in a skillet with lemon wedges

Saganaki Cheese ( Greek Pan Fried Cheese Recipe)

Saganaki Cheese is one of those Greek Recipes that once you try it you'll feel compelled to order it whenever you see it on a menu. I will make your life easier by showing you how easy it is to make it in the comfort of your own kitchen. This Greek Fried Cheese recipe requires Kefalograviera cheese, for the best tasting Saganaki, and a special (very easy) technique to make it crispy on a skillet.
5 from 5 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: European, Greek
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 358kcal
Author: Edyta

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb Kefalograviera Cheese About 1/2 inch high
  • 1/2 cup Flour
  • 1 cup Water
  • 2 tablespoon Olive oil Extra virgin
  • 1 Lemon Cut into wedges
  • 1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes For garnish

Instructions

  • Set out your cheese (it shouldn't be thicker than 1/2 inch), a bowl with water, and a plate with flour.
  • Heat up your skillet (small cast iron skillet will work best here). Add a little bit of olive oil.
  • Submerge your cheese in the water and then drench it in flour.
  • Place your cheese on a skillet and don't move for about 2-3 minutes, until crispy and golden brown. Then flip and fry it on the other side.
  • Sprinkle the cheese with lemon juice and serve. It goes perfectly with fresh bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 358mg | Potassium: 150mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 660IU | Vitamin C: 18.6mg | Calcium: 416mg | Iron: 1.4mg
Tried this recipe?Show me @eatingeuropean or tag #eatingeuropean!

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Filed Under: Appetizers, Ethnic Recipes, European Recipes, Greek

Previous Post: « Pan Fried Cod with Meuniere Sauce
Next Post: Greek Lemon Potatoes (Authentic Recipe with Idaho® Potatoes) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. sue | the view from great island

    March 6, 2019 at 10:11 am

    I adore Greek food, but I’ve never tried this can’t wait. I’m going to have to hunt down this cheese 🙂

    Reply
    • Edyta

      March 6, 2019 at 11:35 am

      You will love it. I swear!

      Reply
  2. Alisha Rodrigues

    March 6, 2019 at 10:54 am

    5 stars
    OOoo… This is the best I’ve come across.. You make me fall in love with Greek food each time I try your recipes.. Fried cheese is definitely on top of my list

    Reply
    • Edyta

      March 6, 2019 at 11:36 am

      Thank you Alisha! I hope you will like this one as well 🙂

      Reply
  3. Jen

    March 6, 2019 at 11:54 am

    5 stars
    I am all about Greek flavors! I can’t wait to try it. It looks so delicious and easy.

    Reply
    • Edyta

      March 6, 2019 at 1:11 pm

      Thanks Jen, it really is easy 🙂

      Reply
  4. Andrea Metlika

    March 6, 2019 at 12:08 pm

    5 stars
    Oh my, this looks so cheesy good! I’m in cheese heaven with this dish!

    Reply
    • Edyta

      March 6, 2019 at 1:12 pm

      I know what you mean. I was in cheese heaven eating it as well 🙂

      Reply
  5. Allison

    March 6, 2019 at 12:47 pm

    5 stars
    This cheese alongside bread and a salad is my perfect meal. So delish! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Edyta

      March 6, 2019 at 1:12 pm

      Mine too. Thanks Allison.

      Reply
  6. Tina Hartnett

    April 29, 2021 at 5:36 pm

    5 stars
    Wow!!! This is phenomenal and a must- try for any cheese freak!!! Yum!!

    Reply
  7. Vilko

    July 5, 2021 at 6:51 pm

    The term saganaki actually refers to the small, two-handled frying pan in which the food is cooked called a sagani, a derivative of the Turkish word sahan, which means copper dish.

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Edyta. I’m a recipe developer, photographer, and writer behind the Eating European food blog of European and Mediterranean healthy and delicious recipes. I consider myself a home chef with a cultivated passion for amazing food.
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Hi, I'm Edyta. I’m a recipe developer, photographer, and writer behind the Eating European food blog of European and Mediterranean healthy and delicious recipes. I consider myself a home chef with a cultivated passion for amazing food.
I’m also a reformed New York State attorney, who practiced for several years only to thereafter decide that this was my real passion. Maybe one day I decided to step back to the courtroom, but in the meantime I’m enjoying spending my time with my kids, my husband, my kitchen and YOU! Read More…

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