Search locations or food
OR
Sign up
Kefalotyri | Local Cheese From Greece, Southeastern Europe | TasteAtlas

Kefalotyri

(Kefalotiri, Kεφαλοτύρι)

Kefalotyri is a traditional Greek-Cypriot cheese made from goat’s or sheep’s milk. It has a firm and flaky texture with irregular eyes and a strong, rich aroma, while the flavors can best be described as salty, strong, tangy, sharp, and spicy.


It is believed that kefalotyri is the predecessor of most hard Greek cheeses, since it dates back to the Byzantine era. There are two main varieties – young kefalotyri, aged for a minimum of 2-3 months, and aged kefalotyri, which is aged for at least one year and has a much stronger flavor.


It is recommended to use kefalotyri in pasta dishes and meat dishes, or grate it over stews, salads, and pizzas. If consumed on its own, pair it with figs, grapes, pears, and a glass of red wine.

Types of Kefalotyri

Part of

Appetizer

Flaming Saganaki

Flaming saganaki is an American appetizer originating from Chicago's Greektown. Essentially, it's a different way of preparing saganaki – a dish that's originally ... Read more

Casserole

Moussaka

Moussaka is one of the best known Greek dishes – a baked casserole consisting of ground lamb meat and layers of sliced eggplant, covered with a thick layer of bechamel ... Read more

Casserole

Pastitsio

Although the Greeks did not invent pasta, they have been consuming similar foods since ancient times. Actually, some terms we usually associate with Italian food like ... Read more

Casserole

Giouvetsi

This classic Greek casserole consists of a combination of pasta and tomato-braised meat that is prepared as a one-pot oven dish. Although veal is the traditional choice,... Read more

Pairing tips

Wine Appellation

Naousa

Naousa is a Greek appellation located in the region of Macedonia. The wines produced under the designation are made exclusively from Xynomavro—an indigenous ... Read more

Wine Appellation

Nemea

Located in the northeastern part of the Peloponnese, Nemea is a Greek appellation that produces varietal red wines from the native Agiorgitiko grapes. Although ... Read more

Best Kefalotyri

1

Nikolas Pittaras Creamery

Xinotiro Naxou Pittara

Melanes, Greece

4.9

Rate It

Xinotiro of Naxos is a traditional Greek cheese crafted with care and expertise by Nikolas Pittaras Creamery, a renowned producer from the island of Naxos. This cheese is made from high-quality sheep’s or goat’s milk, reflecting the rich dairy tradit... READ MORE

Feta

4.3
Greece

Anari

3.8
Cyprus

Chloro

3.6
Santorini, Greece

Malaka

4.2
Crete, Greece

Myzithra

4.3
Crete, Greece

Xynotyro

3.7
Mykonos, Greece

Arseniko Naxou

4.6
Naxos Island, Greece

Ratings

4.3
Like
88%
Indifferent
11%
Don't like
1%
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list