New<> this month
Get the Allrecipes magazine
  • ✕
+
  • ✕
—
  1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Appetizers and Snacks
  4. Dips and Spreads
  5. Cheese Dips and Spreads
Photo of Flaming Greek Cheese (Saganaki) by Chef John
Watch

Flaming Greek Cheese (Saganaki)

Rated as 4.5 out of 5 Stars
8 made it  |  2 reviews   |  4 photos
57k

Recipe by:

"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."
Added to shopping list. Go to shopping list.

Ingredients

13 m servings 391
Original recipe yields 2 servings (1 small cast iron skillet)

Directions

{{model.addEditText}} Print
  1. Brush each side of the kasseri cheese with water. Dredge both sides in flour, making sure the surface is completely covered.
  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.
  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.
You might also like
Bourbon Pepper Pan Sauce

Begin your passage to chefhood by mastering pan sauces.
Philly Cheese Steak Dip

Chef John's party dip version of the famous sandwich.
Seafood Sausage

See how Chef John turns fish and shrimp into sausage.

Get the magazine

Subscribe to Allrecipes Magazine

Get a full year for $10!

Cook 5-star weekday dinners every time.

Footnotes

  • 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; 25.4 15 16.3 61 544 Full nutrition

Explore more

Get the magazine

Subscribe to Allrecipes Magazine

Get a full year for $10!

Cook 5-star weekday dinners every time.

Reviews

Read all reviews 2
Rate and review
Most helpful
Most positive
Least positive
Newest

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 I...

Read more

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

Read more
More Reviews