Greece and Cyprus (nationwide) · Greece
Kefalotiri.
Kefalotiri hits with an immediate sharp bite—briny and piquant—then reveals a rich, buttery depth underneath its hard, crystalline crumb. The aroma carries that distinctive sheep's milk funk, earthy and slightly tangy, while the texture shatters pleasantly between your teeth, releasing waves of savory intensity that linger on the palate.
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The story
How it's made.
Why it tastes that way.
Kefalotiri is a traditional Greek hard cheese. The name derives from 'kefalos' (head) referring to the rounded shape.
It is the traditional cheese used for saganaki (pan-fried cheese) and can be grated over pasta. Similar cheeses are made in Cyprus and throughout the Greek diaspora.
Production · spec
- Milk
- Mixed · pasteurised
- Family
- Hard
- Rind
- natural
- Age
- 3–24 mo
- Intensity
- 4 / 5
- Texture
- hard
Tasting profile
What it tastes like.
These bars are a visual read of Kefalotiri's flavour and aroma notes, scaled by the cheese's overall intensity — a quick guide, not a lab measurement.
Aroma
Nutrition · per 100 g serving
What's in a wedge.
A 100 g serving — about a finger-thick wedge. Daily values use the FDA 2020 reference of 2,000 kcal. Expect ±5% variation between wheels.
Serve, cut & store
Out of the fridge,
into its prime.
Guidance for hard cheeses — general practice, not a per-wheel measurement.
Rest
Take it out about 30–60 min before serving — cold stiffens the fat and locks up the aromas; cool room temperature is when the flavour shows up.
Cut
Use a sturdy knife, or break it into craggy chunks with a spike — shards and shavings beat neat slices.
Store
Wrap leftovers in cheese paper or wax paper — never cling film, which suffocates the rind — and keep them in the warmest part of the fridge.
Rule of thumb: the softer and riper, the longer it needs. Thick pieces need longer than thin — and don't leave cheese out much past two hours.
Pairings · Caseo curated
What goes with Kefalotiri.
43 pairings across 6 categories.
Wine
Beer & Cider
Where to find it
Cheese counters.
Counter listings for Kefalotiri are being verified. Check back soon.
Verified counter listings coming soon. Our team updates listings monthly.
Substitutes
No Kefalotiri at the counter?
These will play a similar role on the board and in the pan.
Take it with you
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