Appetizer
Saganaki Feta with Honey (Greek Fried Cheese)
Original name: Saganaki Feta with Honey

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
dairy200 g
Imperial measurement: 7 oz
All-purpose flour
grain2 to 3 tablespoons
Olive oil
fat2 to 3 tablespoons
Wildflower honey
liquid2 to 3 tablespoons
White sesame seeds
spice1 tablespoon
Fresh oregano leaves (or dried)
herb1 teaspoon
Lemon wedges for serving
fruit2 wedges
Method
Pat the feta dry
2 minutesCarefully 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.
Coat with flour
2 minutesPlace 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.
Heat the pan
2 minutesSet 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.
Fry the feta
5 minutesLay 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.
Drain briefly
1 minuteTransfer the fried feta to a plate lined with paper towels to drain for just a moment. This keeps the crust crisp.
Drizzle with honey and serve
1 minutePlace 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
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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Recipe by
Eleni Demetriou
Specialises in Greek cuisineEleni 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.