Kefalotyri cheese

Kefalotyri is an unpasteurized sheep's milk cheese from Greece. This hard cheese has a sharp flavor and a dry texture. This cheese is traditionally served fried in strips or cubes (this dish is called Saganaki). It is also used as a grating cheese over pastas, salads and even pizza.  The cheese is typically aged a year so the flavor is fairly strong, similar to Romano cheese.

Where To Buy

You can buy Kefalotyri in grocery stores with a well-stocked cheese department.  We've found in Whole Foods and Trader Joe's in the past.  It is widely available online at specialty cheese shops as well as Amazon.com: Kefalotyri Cheese.

Substitute For Kefalotyri

If you don't have Kefalotyri you can substitute one of these alternatives:

• If you are using the cheese for grating you can substitute Pecorino cheese which is also made from sheep's milk.
• OR - Romano cheese which is a type of Pecorino.  Both of these cheeses have a strong flavor.
• OR - For frying you can use graviera cheese, but it will probably be harder to find.
• OR - Another option for fried cheese is Halloumi (also spelled Haloumi) but the flavor is much more mild.