The Ultimate Guide to Greek Cheeses

When it comes to cheese, Greeks are serious connoisseurs – they love it so much, they'd probably put feta on their morning cereal if they could! Greek cheeses come in a delightful array of types, each with its own unique charm. Whether it's the flavor, texture, or the time it takes to make them, every cheese has its own story and special place in the Greek culinary tradition. Let's dig right into:

Different types of Greek Cheese

Like all other cheese in the world, Greek cheeses come in several types. These are:

Fresh Cheese is a type of cheese that is consumed shortly after it is made, without aging or ripening. These cheeses are characterized by their mild flavor, high moisture content, and often soft or creamy texture. They are typically made by coagulating milk and then draining the whey, resulting in a cheese that is soft and spreadable or crumbly.

Aged Cheese has been left to mature for a period of time. This makes them firmer and gives them stronger flavors. People like aged cheeses because they have rich flavors and can be used in lots of different recipes, like on cheese platters or in cooking.

Semi-hard Cheese falls somewhere between soft and hard cheese in terms of texture and moisture content. They typically have a firmer texture than soft cheeses but are not as hard or dense as aged hard cheeses. These cheeses often have a more elastic or supple texture and can range from mild to more pronounced flavors. 

Hard Cheese has generally been allowed to ripen and mature for an extended period, typically several months to several years. During the aging process, moisture evaporates from the cheese, resulting in a firmer texture and more concentrated flavors. Hard cheeses tend to have a lower moisture content compared to softer cheeses, and they often develop a complex flavor profile with hints of nuttiness, fruitiness, or sharpness. 

Q: Are Hard and Aged cheeses the same?

- Not necessarily. While "hard cheese" typically denotes cheeses with a firm, dense texture and low moisture content, "aged cheese" refers to cheeses that have matured over time, developing complex flavors and textures. Although most hard cheeses are aged, not all aged cheeses are necessarily hard. For example, Kopanisti - a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) cheese produced in the Greek islands of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea - has the soft, buttery, creamy consistency of a spread though it is aged for up to two months.

What are some famous Greek Cheeses?

Besides Feta cheese there are many more types of Greek cheese that are not only well-known in Greece but also in The United States. Here are some of the most famous Greek cheeses and everything you should know about them:

Feta Cheese - the most famous Greek cheese worldwide, is a brined curd white cheese made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It's a soft cheese with a tangy taste and crumbly texture and it is often used in salads and as a table cheese.

>> Feta lovers - check out this article and find out everything you need to know about Feta Cheese!

Graviera - A hard cheese made from sheep's milk, with a nutty flavor. This  cheese is commonly used in cooking and can also be eaten as a table cheese.

Kefalotyri -  Kefalotyri is a traditional Greek cheese with a rich history and a distinctive flavor profile. This semi-hard cheese is made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk, and it originates from Thessaly and Macedonia.

Kefalograviera - This semi-hard, traditional Greek cheese sits between Kefalotyri and Graviera in terms of texture and flavor. It is made primarily from sheep's milk, though it can also include a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. It has a slightly elastic texture and mildly salty but also slightly sweet taste. It's used in various Greek dishes and you could say it's a staple in Greek cuisine.

Kasseri - This is a traditional Greek, medium-hard cheese made from sheep's milk with a slightly salty flavor and smooth, elastic texture. It's also often used in cooking, especially in grilled dishes.

Kasseri cheese

Manouri - A semi-hard, fresh cheese made from the whey of sheep or goat milk. It has a creamy texture and a delicate flavor and creamy texture. It can be enjoyed fresh on its own but it's also a favorite ingredient in Greek cuisine. Anthotyro and Myzithra, a Cretan cheesy delight, but also Cypriot Anari cheese are very similar to Manouri. 

Halloumi - Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened, brined cheese that's traditionally made from a mixture of goat's and sheep's milk, and sometimes cow's milk. Halloumi cheese is well-known for its high melting point, which makes it excellent for grilling or frying.

>>Learn everything about Halloumi cheese here!  

Traditional Halloumi cheese preparation by our friends in Idalio, Cyprus!

This halloumi is the real deal and YES you can buy it here in the US!

These are just a few examples of the many delicious cheeses produced in Greece. Each region may have its own variations and specialties, adding to the rich diversity of Greek cheese.

Greek dishes with Greek cheeses

Spanakopita  & Tyropita  : These two beloved Greek phyllo pastries typically have as a main ingredient the well-known Feta cheese. The creamy, salty white cheese pairs great with pastry, and especially alongside the bittersweet notes in spinach. These pastries are a satisfying, comforting and nutritious snack. Be sure to try it along with a side of Greek Salad for an extra dose of vitamins and a complete meal.

>> Learn more about Spanakopita and other famous Greek pies

Bougatsa - Apart from the sweet, cream filled bougatsa, there's also a savory bougatsa which is filled with cheese. Typically the cheeses used for the filling are either Feta, Myzithra or Anthotyro.

Saganaki This is a popular Greek dish with the main ingredient cheese. It's a dish where thick slices of cheese are pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside, often served with a squeeze of lemon juice. Kefalotyri or Graviera are the two most used cheeses for this simple but flavorful dish.

Kolokithokeftedes (Zucchini Fritters) - These delicious fritters are made with grated zucchini, herbs, and crumbled Feta cheese, often served with a yogurt dip. At Greek From Greece you can add them to your Bowls & Wraps and be sure to try the Creamy Zucchini Pita Press sandwich!

Feta Me Meli (Feta with Honey): A delightful appetizer where blocks of feta cheese are wrapped in phyllo dough, baked, and then drizzled with honey and sesame seeds.

Bourekia: Bourekia are small pastries filled with a sweetened mixture of Mizithra cheese and sugar, often flavored with cinnamon and lemon zest, and either baked or fried until crispy.

Greek Dips with cheese - Tyrokafteri or Ktypiti add a creamy spicy cheesy kick to any dish or meal. In Greece we use them as a dip or spread either as an appetizer or as a tasty sandwich add-on. These creamy delights pair exceptionally well with greens and are a great addition to a salad when you are in the mood for something extra with your lettuce and cool cucumber!

>> Love Greek dips? Discover these delicious 7 must-try Greek dips

These are just some of the dishes that showcase the versatility and rich flavors of Greek cheeses, making them integral to Greek culinary traditions. Greek cheeses are more than just a staple in the Greek cuisine; they're the life of the party! From the tangy bite of feta to the creamy delight of graviera, these cheeses bring a burst of flavor to every dish. Greeks adore their cheeses because each one tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship, blending rich flavors and textures that make every meal a celebration.

What's your favorite Greek cheese or cheesy Greek dish? Let us know!