Saganaki Greek Fried Cheese Squares is a delectable appetizer or main course that captivates taste buds with its crispy golden-brown exterior and tender, flavorful interior. Originating from Greece, this dish showcases the simplicity and brilliance of Mediterranean cuisine. It features thick slices of cheese, traditionally kefalotyri or halloumi, dredged in flour and pan-fried until perfectly crisp. The result is a symphony of textures and flavors, ranging from the crunchy coating to the soft, melty cheese center. Whether served as a standalone dish or accompanied by accompaniments like lemon wedges and pita bread, Saganaki Greek Fried Cheese Squares promises an unforgettable culinary experience, leaving you craving for more.
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SAGANAKI (FRIED CHEESE) GREEK STYLE
This is wonderful to serve as an appetizer, serve lots of lemon wedges and I like crisp Pita Bread Pieces. If you cannot get the Greek cheese you may in a pinch use Italian Provolone - I had to use this because I didn't plan far enough ahead to get the good Greek Cheese. Evelyn/Athens posted a link to this recipe (off Zaar) and when I searced Recipezaar I could not find one like this. Thanks Evelyn. The recipe is simple and very good.
Provided by Bergy
Categories Cheese
Time 15m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Cut the cheese into strips 2 " wide and 1/2" thick.
- Place strips one by one under the cold water tap and coat lightly with flour, set aside until you have dredged all the strips.
- Heat oil in a heavy skillet and pan fry the cheese, turn once until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove dab with paper towels and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
FLAMING GREEK CHEESE (SAGANAKI)
This flaming cheese ritual was started by restaurateurs in Chicago, who encouraged customers to yell, 'Opa!' as the plate was being ignited. You can recreate the tradition at home in minutes, whether you'd like to spark up a little romance with an old flame on date night or just try a fast and fun cheese dish on a chilly weeknight. Serve with sliced fresh or grilled bread.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Dips and Spreads Recipes Cheese Dips and Spreads Recipes
Time 13m
Yield 2
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Brush each side of the kasseri cheese with water. Dredge both sides in flour, making sure the surface is completely covered.
- Preheat a well seasoned cast iron skillet on medium-high heat until smoking. Pour in olive oil. Carefully place the floured cheese in the hot oil. Cook until cheese begins to ooze and a golden brown crust forms, about 2 minutes. Quickly flip cheese over with a spatula. Fry until bottom is golden brown, about 30 seconds more.
- Remove skillet from heat and transfer onto a napkin-lined plate. Pour brandy over the cheese. Light the brandy using a fireplace lighter. Now you can exclaim "Opa!" and marvel at the fire. Squeeze some lemon juice on top to extinguish the last few flames and garnish with parsley.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 391.2 calories, Carbohydrate 15 g, Cholesterol 61.2 mg, Fat 25.4 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 16.3 g, SaturatedFat 11.2 g, Sodium 543.5 mg, Sugar 0.1 g
GREEK SAGANAKI
Serve this pan-fried feta cheese with slices of ripe, red tomatoes and lemon.
Provided by Elizabeth Chorley
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Cheese
Time 15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Slice feta into 2x3/8 inch squares, about 8 slices. In a small bowl, beat the egg with the oregano. Dip each slice of feta in egg, shake off excess, and coat in flour.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Quickly cook cheese in olive oil until golden, turning once. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Arrange feta on a plate with thick tomato slices, season with black pepper, and garnish with lemon wedges.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 302.2 calories, Carbohydrate 18.5 g, Cholesterol 97 mg, Fat 20.4 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 12.1 g, SaturatedFat 9.8 g, Sodium 655.5 mg, Sugar 4.9 g
SAGANAKI - GREEK FRIED CHEESE
The authentic Greek cheese appetizer: Crunchy on the outside, melted cheese on the inside and warm.
Provided by OliveTomato.com
Categories Appetizer
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Take the slice of cheese and dip it in cold water, then in white flour, shaking to remove excess and smoothing it with your fingers.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan under medium heat. Once hot, place the cheese in the pan and fry for about 2 minutes than flip carefully (I use a thin rubber spatula). Be careful not to let the crust slide off. Fry on the other side for about 2 minutes. The crust should be golden.
- Remove from pan and place on a plate, squeeze some lemon over it and serve right away.
SAGANAKI (GREEK FRIED CHEESE SQUARES)
I live next to a city that is mainly Greek restaurants and gets a lot of tourism for the Sponge Docks and just love having this appetizer!! The combination of the salty cheese, butter and lemon juice is so flavorful. Can serve it with pita bread or type of bread of your choice, or heck, just eat it plain as it is delicious.
Provided by diner524
Categories Cheese
Time 12m
Yield 100 pieces, 25 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Cut cheese into bite sized pieces. In a heavy skillet, fry cheese in hot butter quickly (a few seconds on each side) until golden. Arrange on a platter and sprinkle with lemon juice. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 185.7, Fat 16.3, SaturatedFat 10.2, Cholesterol 42.8, Sodium 416, Carbohydrate 3.1, Protein 7.2
Tips:
- Choose the right cheese: Feta, kefalotyri, and halloumi are the most common cheeses used for saganaki. Feta is a brined cheese with a salty, tangy flavor. Kefalotyri is a hard, yellow cheese with a nutty flavor. Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese with a high melting point, making it ideal for frying.
- Cut the cheese into squares: Cut the cheese into 1-inch squares. This will help them cook evenly.
- Coat the cheese in flour: Dredge the cheese squares in flour before frying. This will help them brown evenly and prevent them from sticking to the pan.
- Fry the cheese in hot oil: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cheese squares. Fry them for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the saganaki with lemon wedges: Serve the saganaki immediately with lemon wedges. The lemon juice will help to balance out the richness of the cheese.
Conclusion:
Saganaki is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that is sure to impress your guests. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy appetizer, give saganaki a try. You won't be disappointed!
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