Delicious Graviera Cheese: Making Greece's Second Most Popular Cheese at Home

Ingredients

  • 1 piece of Graviera cheese (approximately 7 ounces)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 lemon (for zest and juice)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the Graviera cheese into slices of about half an inch thick.
  2. In a shallow dish, mix the all-purpose flour with some salt and pepper.
  3. In another dish, beat the two eggs.
  4. In a third dish, place the breadcrumbs.
  5. Dip each slice of cheese first into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs.
  6. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
  7. Once the oil is hot, fry the cheese slices until they are golden brown on both sides.
  8. Grate the zest of the lemon over the fried cheese and squeeze some juice over it as well.
  9. Serve the fried Graviera cheese immediately while it's warm and crispy.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - To safely and effectively cut the Graviera cheese into slices.
  • Knife - A sharp knife to cut the Graviera cheese into slices.
  • Shallow dish - To hold the all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper for coating the cheese.
  • Bowl - A bowl to beat the eggs for dipping the cheese slices.
  • Another shallow dish - This dish will hold the breadcrumbs for coating the cheese.
  • Non-stick frying pan - To fry the cheese slices until golden brown.
  • Grater - To grate the zest of the lemon over the fried cheese.
  • Citrus juicer - To extract lemon juice for squeezing over the fried cheese.

Recipe variations

  • Instead of using all-purpose flour, you can try using almond flour or cornmeal for a gluten-free option.
  • For a different crust, you can use crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers instead of breadcrumbs.
  • Add some herbs or spices to the flour or breadcrumbs mixture to enhance the flavor, such as dried oregano, paprika, or garlic powder.
  • For a vegetarian or meat-free option, you can replace the Graviera cheese with halloumi cheese or paneer.
  • You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to create a different flavor profile.
  • If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the cheese slices in the oven instead of frying them. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown.
  • Add some crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder for a spicy kick.

Recipe overview

This is a recipe for preparing delectable Graviera cheese, a popular Greek cheese known for its rich and slightly sweet flavor. The recipe involves cutting the Graviera into slices, coating it in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and then frying it until it reaches a beautiful golden brown hue. A sprinkle of lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice brighten the flavors, making this the perfect appetizer or snack. This recipe is straightforward and quick, resulting in a dish that's delightfully crispy on the outside and decadently gooey on the inside. Enjoy this authentic taste of Greek cuisine right in your own kitchen!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Graviera? No, this recipe specifically calls for Graviera cheese as it has a unique flavor and texture that complements the frying process.
  2. Can I use a different type of oil for frying? Yes, while the recipe calls for olive oil, you can use other high-heat cooking oils such as vegetable or canola oil.
  3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later? It is recommended to serve the fried Graviera cheese immediately after frying to ensure it retains its crispy texture. Reheating may result in a loss of crispiness.
  4. Can I bake the Graviera cheese instead of frying it? While frying gives the cheese a crispy exterior, you can experiment with baking it in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
  5. What can I serve with fried Graviera cheese? Fried Graviera cheese is often served as an appetizer or meze. It pairs well with lemon wedges, tzatziki sauce, or a simple tomato relish.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Frying pan - A non-stick frying pan is ideal for frying the Graviera cheese slices.
  • Shallow dish - Use a shallow dish to mix the flour, salt, and pepper for coating the cheese slices.
  • Dish for beaten eggs - Prepare a dish to beat the eggs for dipping the cheese slices.
  • Dish for breadcrumbs - Use a dish to hold the breadcrumbs for coating the cheese slices.
  • Grater - A grater is needed to grate the lemon zest over the fried cheese.
  • Lemon squeezer - Use a lemon squeezer to extract the juice from the lemon.
  • Spatula - A spatula is useful for flipping and removing the fried cheese from the pan.
  • Plates and serving platter - Serve the fried Graviera cheese on plates or a serving platter.

Origin stories

Graviera is a type of cheese that hails from the beautiful Mediterranean country of Greece. It's one of the country's oldest and most beloved cheeses, second in popularity only to the ubiquitous feta. But unlike the crumbly, tangy feta, Graviera has a different appeal. It's a hard cheese, made from sheep's milk, or sometimes a mix of sheep's and goat's milk. It's often compared to Gruyère, as it has a sweet and nutty flavor. Interestingly, the cheese takes a minimum of five months to mature, but some variants can take as long as twelve months. The wait, however, is definitely worth it. When you slice into a block of Graviera, you're enjoying a piece of Greece's culinary history.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.