Flaming Greek Cheese (Saganaki)

Name: Flaming Greek Cheese (Saganaki)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 13 min
Yield: 1 small cast iron skillet
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

Rating: 4.79 stars

14 Ratings
10 Reviews
5 Photos

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.

By Chef John

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Recipe Summary

prep:

10 mins

cook:

3 mins

total:

13 mins

Servings:

Yield:

1 small cast iron skillet

Nutrition Info

Ingredients

Original recipe yields 2 servings

The ingredient list now reflects the servings specified

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

Directions

Step 1
Brush each side of the kasseri cheese with water. Dredge both sides in flour, making sure the surface is completely covered.

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Step 2
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.
Step 3
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.

Chef's Notes:

I've also done this with a cheese called halloumi, which is tasty, but doesn't melt at all, and for me that's the best part. You can also use graviera, kefalograviera, kefalotyri, or even a firm feta cheese.

Any high-proof liquor will work.

Garnish with oregano if you prefer.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:

391 calories; protein 16.3g; carbohydrates 15g; fat 25.4g; cholesterol 61.2mg; sodium 543.5mg. Full Nutrition

Reviews (10)

Most helpful positive review

Ekbrook

07/14/2018

I love Saganaki...the whole family does. But after trying this recipe for the first time, I have a couple of tips. First of all....pretend you are Chef John making a video, and HAVE ALL YOUR INGREDIENTS PROPORTIONED AND READY! Things happen fast, and you NEED to be ready. My first attempt, I made the mistake of having skillet TOO HOT, and burnt the cheese and smoked up the kitchen. You want the skillet to just start smoking, not heavily smoking and olive oil evaporating. Suggest you make a batch for yourself to practice first before trying to impress your special someone. Read More

Helpful

(24)

14 Ratings

5 star values: 11
4 star values: 3
3 star values: 0
2 star values: 0
1 star values: 0

Reviews: Most Helpful

Most Helpful Most Positive Least Positive Newest

Ekbrook

07/14/2018

Helpful

(24)

Anonymous

11/17/2019

I’ve made this before from another recipe and the one thing that was different was to “marinate” the cheese in brandy for an hour before cooking. Either way, this is AMAZING!! Especially with some home made pita! Definitely have everything ready before you start and be careful lighting it. I once singed the hair on my arm making this. LOL! Opa!!!!! Read More

Helpful

(3)

Kate Hedke

04/24/2019

No changes. Will make again. Read More

Helpful

(1)

Jenyi McKivigan

10/19/2018

Yes , one my favorite dishes?? Read More

Helpful

(1)

Leo George McDowell

09/17/2018

It turned out pretty good. I did not have the lemon to extinguish the fire nor the fresh parsley. Read More

jennifer92

09/17/2019

So good! And easy to make. A lot of fun too Read More

addles

01/21/2019

This was just plain fun to make. Had everything ready to go before I started and was glad I did. My honey told me I was going to catch the place on fire. Well when it was lit on fire my smoke detector that s right above where it was done went off lol. My honey devoured almost all of this. Thanks for The fun recipe. Read More

04/28/2019

Super easy and tasty. Used cilantro vs parsley. Will become a staple. Read More

KevinJ

11/21/2019

Cut the cheese in 2 first one it didn't light on fire (my fault) second time it did. Preferred the first one! Maybe the flames add visual interest but not better taste? Read More

More Reviews

Back to Flaming Greek Cheese (Saganaki)

All Reviews for Flaming Greek Cheese (Saganaki)

- of Reviews

Flaming Greek Cheese (Saganaki)

Servings Per Recipe: 2
Calories: 391.2

% Daily Value *

protein: 33 %

carbohydrates: 5 %

dietary fiber: 7 %

sugars:

fat: 39 %

saturated fat: 56 %

cholesterol: 20 %

vitamin a iu: 16 %

niacin equivalents: 10 %

vitamin c: 40 %

folate: 8 %

calcium: 43 %

iron: 6 %

magnesium: 3 %

potassium: 2 %

sodium: 22 %

thiamin: 14 %

calories from fat:

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

**Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-)Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Reviews for Photos of Flaming Greek Cheese (Saganaki)

1 of 10

All Reviews

Ekbrook

07/14/2018

Helpful

(24)

Anonymous

11/17/2019

Helpful

(3)

Kate Hedke

04/24/2019

No changes. Will make again.

Helpful

(1)

Jenyi McKivigan

10/19/2018

Yes , one my favorite dishes??

Helpful

(1)

Leo George McDowell

09/17/2018

It turned out pretty good. I did not have the lemon to extinguish the fire nor the fresh parsley.

jennifer92

09/17/2019

So good! And easy to make. A lot of fun too

addles

01/21/2019

04/28/2019

Super easy and tasty. Used cilantro vs parsley. Will become a staple.

KevinJ

11/21/2019

Cut the cheese in 2 first one it didn't light on fire (my fault) second time it did. Preferred the first one! Maybe the flames add visual interest but not better taste?