FLAMING GREEK CHEESE (SAGANAKI)

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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

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

nestanet belete
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I made this for my family and they loved it! The cheese was crispy and flavorful, and the lemon and oregano gave it a really nice flavor.


Malak Sajad
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This was a great recipe. The cheese was crispy and gooey, and the lemon and oregano added a nice flavor.


Jubayer mia
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I loved this recipe! The cheese was so crispy and the lemon and oregano gave it a really nice flavor.


Funeka Mvangeni
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This dish was amazing! The cheese was crispy and flavorful, and the lemon and oregano added a nice touch.


dovieangel braceros
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I made this for dinner last night and it was a huge success! The cheese was crispy and gooey, and the lemon and oregano gave it a really nice flavor.


Prince Hamza
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This was a delicious and easy dish to make. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out perfectly. The cheese was crispy and flavorful, and the lemon and oregano added a nice freshness.


Kingsley
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I made this for my family and they loved it! The cheese was crispy and flavorful, and the lemon and oregano gave it a really nice flavor. I will definitely be making this again.


Obby Chinka
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This was a great recipe. The cheese was crispy and gooey, and the lemon and oregano added a nice flavor. I will definitely be making this again.


MARION KASUTI
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I loved this recipe! The cheese was so crispy and the lemon and oregano gave it a really nice flavor. I will definitely be making this again.


Lasitha chathuranga
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This dish was amazing! The cheese was crispy and flavorful, and the lemon and oregano added a nice touch. I will definitely be making this again.


Olumide Kolade
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I made this for dinner last night and it was a huge success! The cheese was crispy and gooey, and the lemon and oregano gave it a really nice flavor. I served it with some roasted potatoes and it was a perfect meal.


Chukwuebuka Obed
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This was a delicious and easy dish to make. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out perfectly. The cheese was crispy and flavorful, and the lemon and oregano added a nice freshness. I served it with some pita bread and it was a hit with my fa