Appetizer

Saganaki Feta with Honey (Greek Fried Cheese)

Original name: Saganaki Feta with Honey

A wedge of golden-brown fried feta drizzled with honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds and thyme, served on a small plate with a lemon wedge and a sprig of oregano.
Prep
5 mins
Cook
8 mins
Servings
2
GreekEasyAppetizerSnackVegetarianGluten FreeHigh Protein

About this dish

Imagine feta, salty and crumbly, meeting a golden pan and sizzling into a crisp-skinned marvel, then bathed in warm honey that drips down in amber rivulets. This is saganaki feta with honey, a dish that captures the sweet-and-savoury soul of Greek tavernas.

It’s best enjoyed at that golden hour when the light turns the table to bronze and the first bite reveals a molten, tangy heart.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

Feta cheese block

dairy

200 g

Imperial measurement: 7 oz

All-purpose flour

grain

2 to 3 tablespoons

Olive oil

fat

2 to 3 tablespoons

Wildflower honey

liquid

2 to 3 tablespoons

White sesame seeds

spice

1 tablespoon

Fresh oregano leaves (or dried)

herb

1 teaspoon

Lemon wedges for serving

fruit

2 wedges

Method

1

Pat the feta dry

2 minutes

Carefully remove the feta from its brine and pat it completely dry with paper towels. This is essential for a good crust. Cut the block in half horizontally to create two thick slabs, about 2 cm (3/4 inch) thick.

2

Coat with flour

2 minutes

Place the flour on a shallow plate. Dredge each feta slice lightly in the flour, covering all sides, then shake off any excess. You want a thin, even coating.

3

Heat the pan

2 minutes

Set a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, turning the pan to coat the bottom. When the oil shimmers gently, the pan is ready.

4

Fry the feta

5 minutes

Lay the floured feta slices in the hot oil in a single layer. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. When you carefully lift an edge with a spatula, the color should be a deep gold. Using a thin spatula, gently flip and cook the other side until golden. The cheese should be soft and melting inside, but still hold its shape.

5

Drain briefly

1 minute

Transfer the fried feta to a plate lined with paper towels to drain for just a moment. This keeps the crust crisp.

6

Drizzle with honey and serve

1 minute

Place the hot feta on a serving plate. Drizzle generously with honey, watching it slow down the warm slopes of the cheese. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and oregano, and set lemon wedges alongside for a bright, tart contrast. Serve immediately, while the feta is still warm and the honey is runny.

Equipment

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Nutrition facts

420 kcal
Calories
14 g
Protein
25 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
1 g
Fiber
700 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • Use a block of good-quality feta in brine, not crumbling feta—it should hold its shape when slicing., Keep the heat at medium-high, avoid rushing the browning. Flour that is too thick can make the coating gummy, so always shake off the excess.
  • If you prefer a savoury twist, substitute the honey with a drizzle of fresh lemon juice and dried Greek oregano—equally classic and delicious.
  • For special occasions, add a sprinkle of thyme or a pinch of chilli flakes along with the seeds for a more complex aroma.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve immediately as a meze with crusty bread, or alongside a crisp Greek salad and cold ouzo. It can also be a simple but outstanding sharing dish for a dinner party starter.

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Eleni Demetriou

Recipe by

Eleni Demetriou

Specialises in Greek cuisine

Eleni Demetriou runs a food blog called 'Olive My Love'. She photographs every meal for 20 minutes before eating.

Describe yourself in three words: Romantic, slow, loves golden hour.