It was fairly recently that I was introduced to Saganaki. When I first had it, I was living in Florida and one of my best friends was Greek. The first time we went to a local Greek restaurant together I asked her to recommend something and she immediately suggested Saganaki. I tried it and have loved it ever since. Recently, my boss (who is Greek) was kind enough to give me a copy of her Greek church’s cookbook, which is called The Midas Touch (thank you so much, Katie!). After thumbing through the lovely book I knew right away that I wanted to make Saganaki first.
The recipe for Saganaki is listed in the cookbook without amounts or measurements, so the version I have below is my adaptation, which serves about 4 people as an appetizer.
Saganaki (Fried Kefalotiri Cheese) (Adapted from The Midas Touch by the Women’s Philoptochos Committee of the Hellenic Orthodox Church, Buffalo, New York)
(Yield: serves 4 as an appetizer)
4-6 oz Kefalotiri cheese, sliced into about ¼-inch thick slabs
1 TB flour
1 TB unsalted butter
Lemon wedges, for serving
Coat the cheese with flour and gently rub off the excess. In a medium pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the cheese and fry until golden brown on both sides. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges to squeeze on top.
Harv m says
But I make it flaming with conac
Harv m says
I make this all the time I loooove it
Irina says
MMMmmmmmmmmmmm I am just back from Athens,Greece and I think their food is the best!
Mimi says
Awesome! I could make an entire meal out of this and a salad.
Mimi
theUngourmet says
Yum! I love this! It looks crisp, cheesy and delicious. I'll have to look for this cheese. I love the name of the church's cookbook too. :)
Barbara Bakes says
I can't believe this is the first time I'm hearing about this. I love Greek food and I love fried cheese, so it's perfect for me.
Nicole, RD says
I just need to find the cheese! Fingers crossed for Whole Foods!!!!
Reeni says
This looks perfect Faith! Golden brown and delicious! It looks kind of like a hash brown.
Erica says
This cheese looks crispy and delicious.
marla {family fresh cooking} says
OMG, fried CHEESE! Wow. I have never had this variety of cheese, but it sounds great. I love all Greek food, so I am sure I would be swooned :) xo
tasteofbeirut says
I think that was the highlight of my one and only visit to a Greek restaurant years ago: I could not get that cheese out of my (food-obsessed) mind; never had it again!
so I am going to look for it you are reviving my interest Faith
ingrid says
I love Greek food. I'm not certain but I think I had this before. In restaurants do they common serve it a flame?
~ingrid
5 Star Foodie says
Though I've had Kefalotiri cheese, I've never made Saganaki and I really need to try it soon! Sounds super delicious!
Jen says
This is right up my alley! Yum, yum, yum!
Blond Duck says
How can you not like grilled cheese? My favorite is the spinach pies...oh drool!
steph (whisk/spoon) says
so delicious! i make saganaki all the time. yours is perfectly fried!
Krista says
Oh, boy! Fried cheese sure sounds like a decadent treat!!
Lazaro says
That cheese is fried to perfection. I am very impressed!
Great job,
Cheers!
Evelyn @ cheers2healthy says
Yum!! I've never even heard of Saganaki! It looks really easy to prepare too.
kalli@fitandfortysomething says
saganaki is the BEST! i am greek....have i told you before? and this takes the cake for good greek food ;)
Rosa says
OMG, that looks so good! I love those kinds of cheeses. A delicacy!
Cheers,
Rosa
grace says
grilled cheese is good. fried cheese is heavenly. frankly, i'm weak in the knees just thinking about it. :)
Chiara says
Fried cheese. Heavenly!
Joanne says
Merely the thought of fried cheese has me drooling all over my keyboard. You are an enabler my friend :P
MaryMoh says
I have never heard of this cheese. It looks very delicious.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Ooh I love saganaki too! I love how goldena nd crispy you've made this Faith! :D And I have a special love (ok lust) for halloumi cheese too :)
Heavenly Housewife says
Oh yes, fried cheese! I know this is going to be awesome!
Have a delicious weekend!
*kisses* HH
Anh says
Oh!! I only fry haloumi and it's soo delicious. I want this dish right now, Faith.
Veronica M. says
FRIED CHEESE?!!! Yes, please. :D