Crispy Saganaki Fried Cheese Recipe with Lemon Zest Easy and Perfect
A quick and easy recipe for crispy fried Kefalotyri or halloumi cheese with a bright burst of fresh lemon zest, perfect for appetizers or snacks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225 grams) Kefalotyri cheese or halloumi
- ½ cup (65 grams) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- Zest of 1 medium lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the cheese into ½-inch (1.25 cm) thick slices.
- Pour the all-purpose flour into a shallow bowl and season lightly with black pepper if desired.
- Coat each cheese slice evenly in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Carefully place the floured cheese slices in the hot oil and fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the fried cheese to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- While still warm, sprinkle fresh lemon zest over the cheese slices.
- Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
Use medium heat to avoid burning the flour coating. If cheese oozes too quickly, lower the heat. Lemon zest is essential for brightness. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond or gluten-free flour. Baking is an alternative method but less crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 slices per s
- Calories: 275
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Protein: 14
Keywords: saganaki, fried cheese, lemon zest, Greek appetizer, crispy cheese, Kefalotyri, halloumi, easy recipe