Name: Honey-Sesame Saganaki
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 14 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean cuisine
Ingredients: 400 g halloumi or kefalotyri (firm cheese, cut into 8 slices about 1 cm thick); 0.5 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging; place in a shallow bowl and season lightly with salt); 3 tbsp olive oil (extra-virgin olive oil for frying, enough to coat the pan); 2 tbsp honey (mild-flavored honey, warmed slightly for easier drizzling); 2 tbsp sesame seeds (toast until golden in a dry pan and set aside); 1 pcs lemon (zest and juice; cut into wedges for serving and extra squeeze)

Saganaki

Prep: 8 min • Cook: 6 min. Crispy, golden pan-fried cheese finished with a warm drizzle of honey, toasted sesame seeds and a bright lemon squeeze. This simple Greek appetizer balances salty, crunchy cheese with sweet honey and citrus for a quick shareable starter or small plate.

Preparation time: 8 min
Cooking time: 6 min
Total time: 14 min
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer
Complexity: Easy

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Ingredients

14oz halloumi or kefalotyri(firm cheese, cut into 8 slices about 1 cm thick)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour(for dredging; place in a shallow bowl and season lightly with salt)
3 tbsp olive oil(extra-virgin olive oil for frying, enough to coat the pan)
2 tbsp honey(mild-flavored honey, warmed slightly for easier drizzling)
2 tbsp sesame seeds(toast until golden in a dry pan and set aside)
1 pc lemon(zest and juice; cut into wedges for serving and extra squeeze)

Instructions

Toast the sesame seeds in a small dry skillet over medium heat, shaking often, until fragrant and golden, about 1–2 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Pat the cheese slices very dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture; this helps achieve a crisp crust.
Place the flour in a shallow bowl and lightly dredge each cheese slice, shaking off any excess flour.
Heat the olive oil in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
Add the dredged cheese slices to the pan and fry until deep golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side. Do not overcrowd; fry in batches if needed.
Transfer the fried cheese to a paper towel-lined plate to drain briefly, then arrange on a warmed serving plate.
Drizzle warm honey over the cheese, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, grate a little lemon zest and finish with a squeeze of lemon. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Servings: 4
Serving size (imperial): 3.5 oz

Nutrient	Per serving	Per 100 g	Total (4 servings)
Calories	350.5 kcal	350.5 kcal	1,402 kcal
Protein	15.2 g	15.2 g	60.8 g
Fat	25.8 g	25.8 g	103.2 g
Carbs	15.1 g	15.1 g	60.4 g

Tips

Pat cheese slices thoroughly dry to ensure a crisp, golden crust and prevent splattering.
Use a hot, well-oiled skillet and avoid overcrowding to keep the cheese from steaming.
Serve immediately while hot; honey and lemon brighten the rich cheese and add contrast.

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Ingredients

14oz halloumi or kefalotyri(firm cheese, cut into 8 slices about 1 cm thick)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour(for dredging; place in a shallow bowl and season lightly with salt)
3 tbsp olive oil(extra-virgin olive oil for frying, enough to coat the pan)
2 tbsp honey(mild-flavored honey, warmed slightly for easier drizzling)
2 tbsp sesame seeds(toast until golden in a dry pan and set aside)
1 pc lemon(zest and juice; cut into wedges for serving and extra squeeze)

Instructions

Toast the sesame seeds in a small dry skillet over medium heat, shaking often, until fragrant and golden, about 1–2 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Pat the cheese slices very dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture; this helps achieve a crisp crust.
Place the flour in a shallow bowl and lightly dredge each cheese slice, shaking off any excess flour.
Heat the olive oil in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
Add the dredged cheese slices to the pan and fry until deep golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side. Do not overcrowd; fry in batches if needed.
Transfer the fried cheese to a paper towel-lined plate to drain briefly, then arrange on a warmed serving plate.
Drizzle warm honey over the cheese, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, grate a little lemon zest and finish with a squeeze of lemon. Serve immediately.

Nutrient

Per serving

Per 100 g

Total (4 servings)

Calories

350.5 kcal

1,402 kcal

Protein

15.2 g

60.8 g

Fat

25.8 g

103.2 g

Carbs

15.1 g

60.4 g