Saganaki, a traditional Greek dish, is a delightful appetizer or main course that showcases the flavors of salty, tangy cheese. This dish features halloumi or kefalotyri cheese, which is pan-fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and gooey on the inside. The most popular version of saganaki is flamed with brandy or ouzo, creating a dramatic presentation that is sure to impress your guests. In this article, we'll take you through three variations of saganaki: the classic flamed saganaki, a variation with a flavorful tomato sauce, and a vegetarian option made with grilled vegetables. Each recipe includes detailed instructions, ingredient lists, and cooking tips to ensure your saganaki turns out perfect. Whether you're looking for a simple yet impressive appetizer, a hearty main course, or a meatless option, our saganaki recipes have got you covered.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
FLAMING GREEK CHEESE (SAGANAKI)
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
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)
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
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!
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
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)
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
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 good quality, hard cheese that melts well, such as kefalotyri, halloumi, or feta.
- Make sure the cheese is cold before frying it. This will help it to keep its shape and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat. If the oil is too hot, the cheese will burn.
- Cook the cheese for 1-2 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve the cheese immediately, with lemon wedges and pita bread.
Conclusion:
Flaming cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. It is sure to impress your guests and is a great way to enjoy a traditional Greek dish.
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