Appetizer · Mediterranean · Dinner ·

Creamy Greek Saganaki with Lemon and Ouzo

Name: Creamy Greek Saganaki with Lemon and Ouzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 8 oz Kefalotyri or Graviera cheese, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, for dusting; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons ouzo; 1 lemon, juiced and zested; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon honey; Salt to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped; Lemon wedges

Dive into a Greek classic with a modern twist. This dish combines crispy cheese with the refreshing tang of lemon and the aromatic touch of ouzo.

4.5(766 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 18, 2025

Creamy Greek Saganaki with Lemon and Ouzo — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

10 min

Cook

30 min

Difficulty

Easy

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Cheese

For the Lemon-Ouzo Sauce

For Garnishing

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 337 kcal
Protein: 12.75 g
Carbs: 14 g
Fat: 24.75 g
Fiber: 0.5 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1346 kcal
Protein: 51 g
Carbs: 56 g
Fat: 99 g
Fiber: 2 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
8 oz Kefalotyri or Graviera cheese sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces	640	48	8	48	0
1/4 cup all-purpose flour for dusting	110	3	23	0	1
2 tablespoons olive oil	240	0	0	28	0
3 tablespoons ouzo	75	0	3	0	0
1 lemon juiced and zested	12	0	4	0	1
2 tablespoons butter	200	0	0	23	0
1 tablespoon honey	64	0	17	0	0
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Fresh parsley chopped	1	0	0	0	0
Lemon wedges	4	0	1	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Cheese

1
Dust the Cheese
Dust the sliced cheese with flour, shaking off any excess.
Tip: Use a high-quality Greek cheese like Kefalotyri or Graviera for an authentic experience.
2
Heat the Oil
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3
Sear the Cheese
Sear the cheese slices until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Making the Lemon-Ouzo Sauce

1
Simmer Ouzo
In the same pan, add ouzo and allow it to simmer for 1 minute.
Tip: Ensure alcohol in the ouzo cooks off before adding any additional ingredients.
2
Combine Ingredients
Mix in the lemon juice, zest, butter, and honey. Stir until smooth.
3
Season the Sauce
Season with salt to taste and remove from heat.
Tip: For a thicker sauce, let the mixture simmer a bit longer until reduced.

How to Make Creamy Greek Saganaki with Lemon and Ouzo

Total time: 40 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Searing the Cheese
Heat should be medium to ensure a perfect crust without burning.
2
Preparing the Sauce
Simmer gently to blend the flavors without burning the butter.
3
Finishing Touches
Return the cheese to the pan briefly to warm through and absorb some sauce.