Crispy Greek Fried Cheese (Printable version)
Golden, crunchy exterior with melty inside—a beloved Greek favorite ready in minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cheese
01 - 8.8 ounces firm Greek cheese (Kefalotyri, Graviera, or Halloumi)
→ Coating
02 - 2.8 ounces all-purpose gluten-free flour or regular flour
03 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Frying & Serving
04 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
05 - Lemon wedges for serving
# Directions:
01 - Cut the cheese into ½ inch thick slices or wedges. Pat each piece thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture for better crisping.
02 - Spread the flour on a flat plate and season lightly with black pepper. Press each cheese slice into the flour, coating both sides completely. Shake off any excess flour to prevent a gummy texture.
03 - Pour olive oil into a non-stick skillet and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
04 - Carefully place cheese slices in the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary.
05 - Transfer fried cheese to paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- It comes together in literally 20 minutes start to finish, perfect for impromptu guests
- The contrast between crispy exterior and molten interior is pure magic
- Requires just five ingredients you probably already have
02 -
- Patting the cheese completely dry before dredging is the difference between crispy and soggy
- Don't crowd the pan—fry in batches if needed so each piece has room to crisp properly
03 -
- Let your cheese come to room temperature before cooking for more even melting
- Work quickly once you start frying—this dish waits for no one