With its crusty exterior and soft, melty interior, Saganaki is every cheese lover’s dream dish!
I love Greek food, but I don’t cook it as often as I do Mexican, Indian, Chinese, and Italian cuisine. You ask why? Because there’s just something about dining out at an authentic Greek restaurant, with its ambiance and ouzo beckoning me. So, given the chance, that’s what I choose. However, every once in a while, I get cravings for specific dishes, and saganaki is one such dish.
So, what is saganaki?
It’s Greek fried cheese made from sheep’s milk cheese such as graviera, kefalograviera, or kefalotyri. These hard cheeses often have a salty taste, with graviera being the sweetest of the three. Other options for this fried cheese dish include halloumi, firm feta (not as traditional as the others), and kasseri (a milder flavor than the other cheeses). I love how the outside of the cheese gets that perfectly caramelized crust.
This beloved dish is a fan-favorite every fall at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in Orlando, Florida. The Walt Disney World Resort is my favorite place, and you’ll often find me standing in a long line of people waiting to devour saganaki at the festival’s Greek booth.
Because this recipe is so easy to make at home, it’s perhaps the most frequent one I prepare when cooking Greek. I often make it alongside a Chopped Greek Salad because they go so well together. These dishes require little effort but make the perfect lunch or summertime dinner.
Is Saganaki Healthy?
Cheese can be part of a healthy diet as it provides calcium and other nutrients. However, frying adds calories, so serve it with a nice salad, lean protein, and other vegetables. Olive oil (Greek if possible for its authenticity) is a good choice for frying as it contains more heart-healthy fats compared to other options.
You can make this delicious dish gluten-free by using almond flour (my favorite option) or any GF all-purpose flour (make sure it doesn’t contain xanthan gum). Rice flour and tapioca starch also work well with this recipe.
To Flambé Or Not Flambé? That Is The Question
Remember how I said I love going to Greek restaurants for the ambiance and experience? Other than shots of that delicious, licorice-tasting liquor ouzo (opa!), I love seeing the flaming saganaki being brought to my table. However, the added flames are not something I’m willing to try at home. Perhaps I’m too afraid of setting off my smoke detectors.
You won’t find flaming saganaki in Greece as easily as you would in America. I guess this is one of those dishes we have, ahem, “elevated” here. If you want the authentic experience, don’t flambé. However, to impress your guests, pour a little ouzo or Metaxa (a type of Greek brandy) into the pan and ignite it with a long match or lighter. Please be careful not to burn yourself, and don’t forget a squeeze of lemon juice over the cheese.
How do I store leftovers?
Saganaki is best made right before eating, as it will harden when stored. If you have leftovers, let them cool down before wrapping them in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerating them for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Serving Suggestions
Saganaki is the perfect start to a delicious Greek feast. Begin your meal with the fried cheese, Greek Chickpea Salad, Melitzanosalata (Greek Eggplant Dip), The Best Homemade Hummus Recipe, and this wonderful Keto Tzatziki. Then, prepare a batch of Gluten-Free Flatbread or Pita Bread to scoop up those delicious appetizers.
When ready to move on to the main course, serve Pastitsio or Grilled Herb Hummus Chicken Kebabs with garlicky Sautéed Green Beans and a side of Greek Potatoes or Greek Lemon Rice. Don’t forget the Chocolate Baklava for dessert, the perfect ending to this delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 block (6 ounces) graviera cheese sliced 1/2-inch thick
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 lemon cut into wedges
Instructions
- Rinse the cheese slices under water and pat dry. Dredge the cheese in flour to coat both sides evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the cheese slices. Fry each side for about 2 minutes or until golden brown and beginning to melt.
- Remove the cheese from the skillet and squeeze lemon wedges over the cheese before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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