Easy Saganaki with Chilli Honey

Saganaki is a delicious Greek appetizer recipe. Cheese is fried until crisp and golden on the outside and soft on the inside. Served with chilli, honey, thyme and a drizzle of fresh lemon juice, it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser and the perfect addition to any Greek Meze platter.

What is Saganaki?

Saganaki actually refers to the pan used to make a variety of Greek appetizers, most famously a fried cheese dish. Seafood dishes like shrimp Saganaki are also popular. In many Northern American Greek restaurants the dish is flambéed with Ouzo or Brandy table side. 

Ingredients

Full recipe with amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

• Cheese. You need a good, firm cheese for Saganaki. Something that won’t just melt into a puddle in the pan. I prefer using Halloumi because it’s easy to find but authentic Greek cheeses like Kefalograviera or Kasseri are more traditionally used. In a pinch Feta cheese in brine can be used.
• Flour. 
• Salt and pepper.
• Oil, for frying. I used canola oil but olive oil, avocado oil or grapeseed oil will also work.

To serve: 

• Honey. 
• Fresh chilli. Chilli flakes can be substituted.
• Fresh thyme. Oregano can be used.
• Fresh lemon.

How to make Saganaki?

1. Dredge the cheese: Slice Haloumi into 1-2cm thick slices or wedges. Place the flour in a shallow bowl and season with salt and pepper. Place cold water in a separate bowl. Dip the cheese first in the flour, then in the water and again in the flour. You can repeat this step if you want a thicker coating on the cheese.
2. Fry the cheese: In a heavy bottom frying pan or skillet set over medium-high heat add enough oil to shallow fry the cheese. Carefully add the cheese to the hot oil then fry for 2-3 minutes then carefully flip and fry until golden brown and crisp on both sides. Remove from the pan and allow to drain on paper towel.
3. Serve: Mix the fresh chilli and thyme with honey then drizzle over the Saganaki. Serve with lemon wedges.

What to serve with Saganaki.

The fried cheese can be served on its own as an appetizer or as part of a meze board. It’s also delicious with Greek salad and warm pita bread as a simple lunch or dinner.

• Greek salad
• Greek mezze platter

Cheese recipes

1. Greek feta and phyllo pies
2. Crispy fried mozzarella
3. Easy baked brie