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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.
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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!
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.
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.
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
Saganaki Cheese ( Greek Pan Fried Cheese Recipe)
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
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I adore Greek food, but I’ve never tried this can’t wait. I’m going to have to hunt down this cheese 🙂
You will love it. I swear!
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
Thank you Alisha! I hope you will like this one as well 🙂
I am all about Greek flavors! I can’t wait to try it. It looks so delicious and easy.
Thanks Jen, it really is easy 🙂
Oh my, this looks so cheesy good! I’m in cheese heaven with this dish!
I know what you mean. I was in cheese heaven eating it as well 🙂
This cheese alongside bread and a salad is my perfect meal. So delish! Thanks for sharing!
Mine too. Thanks Allison.
Wow!!! This is phenomenal and a must- try for any cheese freak!!! Yum!!
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.