Saganaki
Pan-fried cheese, crisp outside and molten within, with lemon.
Ingredients
- 200 g Graviera
- 40 g 00 flour
- 3 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 Lemon (optional)
Method
- Slice the cheese into thick slabs about 1 cm thick, then dampen them with a little water and dust all over with the flour so it sticks.
- Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then fry the cheese until a deep golden crust forms, about 2 minutes per side, flipping once. Work quickly so the inside turns soft and molten before the crust burns.
- Squeeze over the lemon and serve at once.
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About Saganaki
Saganaki is the Greek taverna appetizer of a slab of cheese pan-fried until it forms a deep golden crust while the center goes soft and molten, named for the small two-handled skillet it's traditionally cooked and served in. Here it's made with graviera, a firm, nutty Greek cheese that browns beautifully and holds its shape long enough to crisp before it melts. The cheese is dampened and dusted in fine 00 flour, which sets up that crackling crust and helps it release from the pan. A hot skillet and quick work are essential — the goal is a burnished exterior achieved before the inside slumps.
Eaten hot, it's all contrast: a savory, salty, faintly caramelized shell giving way to a warm, stretchy interior, sharpened by a squeeze of lemon that cuts the richness. It's fast, requiring barely ten minutes, and is meant to be shared straight from the pan as a starter or a small plate with drinks. A cold glass of ouzo or crisp white wine is the classic pairing, the anise or acidity playing against the fried cheese. Serve it the instant it's ready, since saganaki is at its best in the brief window while the crust is crisp and the center still molten.
Saganaki: frequently asked questions
How many calories are in Saganaki?
A serving has about 335 calories — 16.1g protein, 8.1g carbs, 26.7g fat, 0.3g fiber. Figures are estimated from the ingredient amounts and will shift with your portions and brands.
Is Saganaki gluten-free?
As written, no — it contains 00 flour. You'd need a certified gluten-free swap for that ingredient to make it gluten-free.
Do I need every ingredient to make Saganaki?
The core ingredients are essential, but you can leave out lemon — it's optional and mainly there for extra flavor or finish.
How many servings does Saganaki make?
This recipe makes 4 servings. In the app you can scale it up or down and the ingredient amounts adjust automatically.