🧀 Saganaki Recipe: How to Make Authentic Greek Fried Cheese

Looking for a quick, flavorful appetizer that brings the taste of Greece to your table? The Saganaki recipe is a must-try! This beloved Greek fried cheese dish is crisp on the outside, soft and melty on the inside, and finished with a fresh squeeze of lemon. It’s a crowd-pleasing meze (small plate) that’s simple, satisfying, and ready in under 10 minutes.

Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean food or just want a unique cheesy snack, Saganaki delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

🔎 What Is Saganaki?

Saganaki refers to both the traditional Greek two-handled frying pan and the dish itself. The most popular version is cheese saganaki – a thick slice of firm cheese that’s pan-fried until golden and bubbly.

Often served in Greek tavernas as a starter or meze, it’s traditionally flambéed with brandy and extinguished with a splash of lemon juice. You may have seen it served with a dramatic “Opa!”—but even without the fire, it’s incredibly delicious.

🧂 Ingredients for Authentic Saganaki

To make saganaki at home, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

1 thick slice of Kefalotyri, Graviera, or Kasseri cheese (about ½ inch thick)
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 fresh lemon, cut into wedges

Optional (for flambé version):

1 tablespoon brandy or ouzo

🍳 How to Make Saganaki (Step-by-Step)

✅ Step 1: Prepare the Cheese

Cut the cheese into a square or rectangular slab, around ½ inch thick. Lightly rinse under cold water to help the flour stick.

✅ Step 2: Coat with Flour

Lightly dredge the cheese in all-purpose flour until evenly coated. Shake off excess.

✅ Step 3: Pan-Fry

Heat olive oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the cheese in the pan and fry for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and crisp.

✅ Step 4: Serve Immediately

Transfer to a plate, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and serve hot!

🔥 Optional: How to Flambé Saganaki (Restaurant Style)

If you want the full Greek taverna experience:

Once the saganaki is fried, pour 1 tablespoon of brandy or ouzo over the cheese.
Carefully ignite with a long lighter.
Let it flame for a few seconds, then extinguish with lemon juice.

⚠️ Flambé with caution. Always do it in a well-ventilated space away from flammable items.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Saganaki is best enjoyed:

With warm pita bread or crusty sourdough
Alongside Greek salad, tzatziki, or olives
With a glass of ouzo, white wine, or rosé

💡 Tips for the Perfect Saganaki

Use high-quality Greek cheese like Kefalotyri or Graviera for authentic flavor.
Avoid over-frying—the cheese should be golden, not hard or rubbery.
Serve immediately for best texture.
Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook one piece at a time.

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🇬🇷 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re throwing a Mediterranean dinner party or just craving something cheesy and satisfying, this authentic Saganaki recipe is the perfect choice. Quick to make, incredibly tasty, and endlessly customizable, it brings the spirit of Greece right to your kitchen.

Try it today and impress your guests with a bite of crispy, melty Greek goodness!

Learn How To Cook – Saganaki