This is a print preview of "Super Fast Fried Cheese Appetizer - Saganaki" recipe.

Super Fast Fried Cheese Appetizer - Saganaki Recipe
by Amos Miller

Super Fast Fried Cheese Appetizer - Saganaki

If you have a cast iron skillet, you can make a simple, delicious appetizer - fast! A cheese lover's delight! The Greeks call it 'saganaki' and you can use several different semi-firm cheeses to make this delicious and interesting treat in less than 15 minutes.

The best cheeses to use are kefaloteri or kaseri, so try to obtain a nice 3/4 to 1 pound piece of one or the other. We prefer kefaloteri.

Plan to serve this very hot, with (preferable) a crusty, sesame seed-topped bread.

Rating: 5/5
Avg. 5/5 3 votes
Prep time: Greece Greek
Cook time: Servings: 4

Wine and Drink Pairings: white wine, red, wine, rose wine

Ingredients

  • 1 lb kefaloteri cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/2 C all-purpose flour (gluten free works here just fine)
  • 1/4 C olive oil
  • 2 lemons, cut into quarters

Directions

  1. Warm asmall dishe for each guest as you prepare the cheese
  2. Slice the cheese into 1/2' thick pieces 1 or 2 pieces per guest
  3. Put the flour in a pan or on a plate
  4. Heat the skillet over medium flame
  5. Wet each slice of cheese in a flat bottom pan that has cold water in it
  6. Lay the pieces of cheese on a paper towel next to the flour, jut to remove the excess water
  7. Coat the cheese slices with flour, shaking off any excess flour
  8. Give each piece of cheese another quick dip in the water - you'll gain a better crust
  9. Add the olive oil to the hot skillet
  10. Lay each slice of floured cheese in the skillet
  11. Let the cheese fry for about two minutes, then lift the first piece you put in with a spatula to judge browning - you want a nice golden fry color
  12. When the pieces are golden on the first side, turn each peice and fry the second side
  13. Put one or two peices on each small individual warmed dish
  14. Garnish with a couple slices of lemon to squeeze on the cheese
  15. Serve with a crusty country bread
  16. NOTE: Greek restaurants sometimes pour a 1/2 a shot glass of brandy on the cheese and ignite it prior to serving. This is risky (but delicious) at home. If you must attempt this embellishment, do so while the cheese is still in the iron pan, on the stove, just before plating, and stand away when flaming. This is dramatic and colorful, BUT CAN BE DANGEROUS. The above recipe is wonderful without the flambe.