dairy
vegetarian
pan-fried
appetizer
appetizer
crispy
Greek
all seasons
Hot


Greek Saganaki (Pan-fried cheese with lemon)
Difficulty
easy
Time
15m
Price Category
average
Calories
High
Saganaki is a classic Greek appetizer, famous for its dramatic presentation and delicious taste. It involves pan-frying a firm, salty cheese until it's golden brown and crispy on the outside, yet wonderfully soft and gooey on the inside. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds a bright, zesty finish that perfectly complements the rich cheese. This simple yet impressive dish is perfect for sharing and brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.
ingredients
Steps
Prepare cheese
Slice the Kefalotyri or Halloumi cheese into 1-1.5 cm (about 0.5 inch) thick pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Dredge in flour
Lightly dredge each piece of cheese in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. This helps create a crispy crust.
Heat oil
Heat the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Fry cheese
Carefully place the floured cheese slices into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve
Remove the cheese from the pan and place it on a serving plate. Immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the hot saganaki and serve.
Extra Tips
► Use a non-stick pan for best results to prevent the cheese from sticking.
► Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the cheese to get a nice crispy crust.
► Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the gooey texture.
Nutrition
| Per 100g | Per Serving 120g | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal | 456 kcal |
| Protein | 22g | 26.4g |
| Fat | 30g | 36g |
| Carbohydrate | 7g | 8.4g |
| Fiber | 0g | 0g |
| Sugar | 0g | 0g |