Middle Eastern Cuisine
Saganaki - Melted Grilled Cheese Taverna Style
Prep
10 min
Cook
6 min
Servings
2
Level
Easy
Saganaki is a traditional Greek cheese that's quickly fried until the outside turns crispy golden-brown while the inside stays soft and melty. This simple dish is a common appetizer at seaside tavernas in Greece, best enjoyed warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon. It makes a savory snack that'll win anyone over from the very first bite.
🧂 Ingredients
🍽️ Servings: 2
Adjust the servings and the ingredient amounts & nutrition below update automatically.
- 250 grams kefalotyri cheese or halloumi cheese
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 fresh lemon
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp water
🛒 Products You Might Need
Chefman Air Fryer 8 Qt | TurboFry® 4-in-1 with 450°F Hi-Fry Option for Crispier Results | Bake, Dehydrate, Frozen | XL Nonstick Dishwasher-Safe Basket | Stainless Steel
$79.99
Vinino 2 Pack Mini Silicone Loaf Pans with Metal Reinforced Frame, 8-Cavity
Pullman Loaf Pan with Lid, 2 Pack 2.2 LB & 1 LB Dough Capacity, Non-Stick Carbon Steel Bread Pan for Sandwich Bread and Sourdough Loaves, Square Toast Mold with Baking Tools, Gift-Ready Packaging
$24.28
Anybear 200W Cold Press Juicer, 4.3" Whole Fruit Chute, Juice Recipes
$119.99
* Affiliate links — you can help support KulinerBDG by shopping through them
👩🍳 Instructions
- 1 Cut the cheese into slices about 1.5 cm (roughly 1/2 inch) thick, shaping them into squares or rounds as you like.
- 2 Moisten both sides of the cheese slices with a little water, then coat them evenly all over with flour. Pat gently so the flour sticks well without leaving excess.
- 3 Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- 4 Fry the cheese for 1-2 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy — don't overdo it, or the inside will melt out.
- 5 Carefully flip the cheese with a spatula and fry the other side for another 1-2 minutes until equally crispy.
- 6 Remove immediately and place on a serving plate; don't leave it in the skillet too long, as the cheese will melt quickly.
- 7 Sprinkle with dried oregano and black pepper, then squeeze fresh lemon juice right over the top just before serving.
- 8 Serve right away while it's warm and the cheese is still melty inside.
💡 Tips
• Use medium heat, not too high, so the outside doesn't burn before the inside melts fully.
• Serve saganaki right after it comes out of the skillet, since it tastes best warm and crispy.
• If you can't find kefalotyri cheese, halloumi or kefalograviera cheese make good substitutes with a similar texture.
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is essential to balance the salty, savory flavor of the cheese — don't skip it.
📊 Nutrition Facts / serving
290
Calories (kcal)
16 g
Protein
22 g
Fat
8 g
Carbs
💬 Comments (0)
Log In to leave a comment!
No comments yet. Be the first! 😊