Best 4 Flaming Cheese Greek Saganaki Recipes

Flambéed with aromatic liquors, Greek saganaki is a delicious fried cheese appetizer that is sure to impress your guests at your next social gathering. Saganaki is typically made with hard, salty kefalotyri cheese, but other Greek cheeses like halloumi, feta, and kasseri can be used as well. Served in its own sizzling hot pan, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household, and with only a few simple ingredients and steps, you'll be enjoying this mouthwatering cheese in no time.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

FLAMING GREEK CHEESE (SAGANAKI)

Flaming Greek Cheese (Saganaki) image

This flaming cheese ritual was started by restaurateurs in Chicago, who encouraged customers to yell, 'Opa!' as the plate was being ignited. You can recreate the tradition at home in minutes, whether you'd like to spark up a little romance with an old flame on date night or just try a fast and fun cheese dish on a chilly weeknight. Serve with sliced fresh or grilled bread.

Provided by Chef John

Categories Appetizers and Snacks Dips and Spreads Recipes Cheese Dips and Spreads Recipes

Time 13m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 (4 ounce) package kasseri cheese
1 tablespoon water, or as needed
¼ cup all-purpose flour, or as needed
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons brandy, at room temperature
½ lemon, or to taste
1 tablespoon freshly chopped Italian parsley

Steps:

Brush each side of the kasseri cheese with water. Dredge both sides in flour, making sure the surface is completely covered.
Preheat a well seasoned cast iron skillet on medium-high heat until smoking. Pour in olive oil. Carefully place the floured cheese in the hot oil. Cook until cheese begins to ooze and a golden brown crust forms, about 2 minutes. Quickly flip cheese over with a spatula. Fry until bottom is golden brown, about 30 seconds more.
Remove skillet from heat and transfer onto a napkin-lined plate. Pour brandy over the cheese. Light the brandy using a fireplace lighter. Now you can exclaim "Opa!" and marvel at the fire. Squeeze some lemon juice on top to extinguish the last few flames and garnish with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 391.2 calories, Carbohydrate 15 g, Cholesterol 61.2 mg, Fat 25.4 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 16.3 g, SaturatedFat 11.2 g, Sodium 543.5 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

SAGANAKI (GREEK FLAMING CHEESE)

Saganaki (Greek Flaming Cheese) image

Absolute delicious appetizer and simple to make at home. Greek cheese is Kasseri, but you can substitute with a chunk of provolone...perfect

Provided by Monika Rosales

Categories Cheese Appetizers

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

8 oz kasseri cheese or provolone
1/4 c flour
1/2 large lemon
1 oz brandy
water
1 tsp olive oil

Steps:

1. Dip the block of cheese in water to moisten.
2. lightly cover all side with the flour.
3. In a sauté pan drizzle with olive oil, and fry about 2-3 mins on each side on medium heat...till brown and crusty.
4. Turn off heat..pull pan aside, pour the brandy around the cheese and carefully set on fire with a match or a long lighter...simply turn off with the squeeze of the lemon. Enjoy your flaming Greek cheese! OPA

SAGANAKI (FLAMING GREEK CHEESE) OOMPA! DANGEROUS AND DELICIOUS!

Saganaki (Flaming Greek Cheese) Oompa! Dangerous and Delicious! image

I love to make this appetizer and when I find a good Greek cheese, you can bet it is on my menu! This is a very impressive appetizer. If you can not find a good Greek cheese as listed, you can also use Romano, but the Greek cheeses are great if available. You can get about a 1/2 lb chunk, or however big you need it to serve per...

Provided by Deb Crane

Categories Other Snacks

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

hard greek cheese; - kasseri, graviera, or kefalotyri
olive oil
2 Tbsp mlk
1 oz brandy
flour
1 egg
1/2 lemon

Steps:

1. Heat thin layer of olive oil in frying pan (until tiny bubbles begin to rise)
2. Beat egg and milk together. Dip cheese in egg mixture and then into flour.
3. Fry until golden brown (appox. 3-5 minutes per side)
4. Place on a metal plate. Bring over to your guests who will be wowed. :) Pour the brandy over the cheese and light it as you say Oompa! (Careful, it flames up high!) To put out flame, squeeze lemon over the cheese after the flames settle a bit. Bon Appetit!

FLAMING CHEESE (GREEK SAGANAKI)

Flaming Cheese (Greek Saganaki) image

Greek restaurants famous Flaming Cheese. The hard Greek cheese can be found in Greek or Middle Eastern grocery stores and gourmet food shops.

Provided by Deb Mattson

Categories Greek

Time 32m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

kasseri cheese
salt & freshly ground black pepper
2 cups brandy
1 cup flour
4 tablespoons butter, softened
2 lemons, juice of
8 pita bread, brushed with olive oil and grilled
1 cup kalamata olive

Steps:

1 Season both sides of cheese with salt and pepper. Place cheese in shallow dish and cover with brandy. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.
2 Season flour with salt and freshly ground pepper.
3 Remove cheese from dish, reserve 1/4 c brandy. Dredge cheese in seasoned flour coating completely.
4 In a large saute pan over medium heat, melt butter.
5 Pan fry cheese 2 minutes per side. Add reserved brandy and carefully flame the brandy, shaking pan back and forth several times.
6 Add lemon juice.
7 Remove cheese from pan and serve with pita bread and olives.

Tips:

Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to prevent the cheese from burning.
Heat the skillet over medium heat so the cheese melts evenly.
Do not overcrowd the skillet with cheese or it will not melt properly.
Use a spatula to gently flip the cheese so it cooks evenly on both sides.
Flambé the cheese with brandy or ouzo for a dramatic presentation.
Serve the cheese immediately with lemon wedges and pita bread.

Conclusion:

Saganaki is a delicious and easy-to-make Greek appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Greece and is sure to impress your guests.