Crispy Greek Saganaki Cheese – The Ultimate 10-Minute Appetizer

Saganaki is one of the most beloved Greek appetizers—crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Made with a slice of firm cheese that’s lightly floured and pan-fried until golden, this iconic meze is traditionally served with a fresh squeeze of lemon and a side of crusty bread or pita. Whether you’re preparing a Mediterranean-themed dinner or just looking for a quick and satisfying snack, Saganaki cheese is guaranteed to impress.

The best part? It comes together in minutes with just a few ingredients. All you need is a high-quality Greek cheese like kefalotyri, graviera, or kefalograviera, a bit of flour, and a hot pan. The crispy crust paired with melty cheese inside creates the perfect bite, especially when finished with a splash of fresh lemon juice. Simple, authentic, and absolutely irresistible.

Crispy Greek Saganaki Cheese – The Ultimate 10-Minute Appetizer

Recipe by George Zolis

5.0 from 2 votes

Course: Appetizers and MezeCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

920

kcal

Total time

15

minutes

A classic Greek meze made with a crispy, golden crust and melty cheese inside. Saganaki is simple, delicious, and best enjoyed hot with a squeeze of lemon.

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Ingredients

Metric US

• 2 large slices 2 large slices Hard cheese

• Water (for moistening the cheese)

• Flour (for dredging)

• Vegetable oil for frying

Recipe directions

• Cut a firm slice of cheese approximately 1 cm thick.
• Lightly dip the cheese in water, then allow the excess moisture to drain off.
• Coat the cheese slice evenly with flour, ensuring full coverage. Shake off any excess flour.
• Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Once hot, add the cheese and fry for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.
• Remove and place on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
• Serve immediately with a wedge of fresh lemon.

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