Cheese Saganaki

Saganaki beautifully embodies the Greek philosophy of celebrating simple, high-quality ingredients. Made with local hard cheeses like kefalotyri, graviera, or kasseri, these cheeses have high melting points that create a perfectly golden crust while preserving their creamy interior.

By Alexandras Home

@home.alexandras

November 27, 2024

Cheese Saganaki

By Alexandras Home

Ingredients

2

blocks hard cheese (e.g., kefalotyri, graviera, or halloumi)
2/3

cup (160 ml) water
3/4

cup (90 g) all-purpose flour
1

egg, beaten
3/4

cup (60 ml) olive oil (for frying)
Lemon juice (for serving)
Fresh oregano or thyme (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

TOTAL TIME

15 minutes

2 servings

Traditionally served as part of a meze spread, saganaki pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a refreshing ouzo, or a glass of white wine like Gratsi White. This dish tantalizes the taste buds and reflects the warm, inviting spirit of Greek hospitality.

A woman with curly hair grinds pepper over a bowl of flour in a kitchen. She is wearing a black top, hoop earrings, and an apron, and is focused on preparing food with various kitchen items around her.

STEP 1

Prep the Cheese

Cut the cheese into thick slices (1–1.5 cm / ½ inch).

Dip each slice in water, then coat lightly with flour, shaking off excess.

Dip the floured slices into the beaten egg, then coat them in flour again for a crispier crust.

A hand with red-painted nails holds a square piece of food coated in flour over a plate of flour. Brown eggs and a glass of liquid are visible in the background.

A hand dips a flour-coated square slice of cheese or tofu into a bowl of beaten eggs, preparing it for breading. Other ingredients and dishes are visible in the background.

STEP 2

Fry

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

Fry the cheese slices for 2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Two golden-brown breaded squares are being pan-fried in oil inside a beige nonstick skillet. The food appears crispy and is surrounded by bubbling oil.

STEP 3

Serve

Transfer to a plate, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and garnish with oregano or thyme if desired.

Serve immediately while hot!

Two golden-brown fried cheese squares garnished with fresh herbs are served on a ceramic plate, with a glass of light-colored drink and a wooden cutting board in the background.

Cheese Saganaki

Cheese Saganaki