Saganaki (Flaming Greek Cheese)
This golden, crispy and irresistibly gooey fried cheese is one of Greece’s most beloved appetizers! This Saganaki recipe takes just three ingredients and is ready to serve in less than 10 minutes. Quick and easy to make, you’re going to fall in love with this famous Greek fried cheese!
What is Saganaki?
The term saganaki refers both to a variety of Greek appetizers as well as the pan in which they’re cooked (a two-handled heavy frying pan). The most popular saganaki dish is cheese saganaki which is made by frying cheese that has been lightly breaded so that it’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Salt, pepper and lemon juice are traditional seasonings. It’s commonly served as an appetizer with other Greek favorites or is served atop or along with a leafy green salad, with bread, or a light drizzling of honey. In Greek restaurants in the U.S. it’s often splashed with some brandy and flambéed at the table for a dramatic effect, then extinguished with a squeeze of lemon juice, a tradition that started in Chicago’s Greektown.
One of Greece’s most beloved appetizers, this fried cheese is delightfully golden and crispy on the outside and irresistibly gooey on the inside!
Low-Point Version — 4–5 WW Points per serving
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) part-skim Greek cheese, such as light Graviera or part-skim Halloumi
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp olive oil or olive oil spray
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
- Black pepper or dried oregano, optional
Instructions
- Cut the cheese into 4 equal slices, about 1/2-inch thick.
- Lightly coat each slice with flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly spray with olive oil.
- Cook the cheese for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges. Sprinkle with a little black pepper or oregano if desired.
WW Tip
Using part-skim cheese, a small amount of flour, and olive oil spray keeps this classic Greek appetizer much lighter while still giving you that delicious crispy outside and melty center.
