Saganaki, a classic Greek dish, is a crowd-pleaser that combines salty, crispy cheese with a zesty lemon sauce. This versatile dish can be prepared in various ways, each offering a unique twist on the traditional recipe. From the classic pan-fried saganaki to the oven-baked version and the indulgent shrimp saganaki, this article presents a collection of delectable saganaki recipes that cater to diverse preferences. Whether you're a cheese enthusiast, a seafood lover, or simply seeking a flavorful appetizer or main course, you'll find a saganaki recipe here that tantalizes your taste buds.
Here are our top 20 tried and tested recipes!
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
GREEK SAGANAKI
Serve this pan-fried feta cheese with slices of ripe, red tomatoes and lemon.
Provided by Elizabeth Chorley
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Cheese
Time 15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Slice feta into 2x3/8 inch squares, about 8 slices. In a small bowl, beat the egg with the oregano. Dip each slice of feta in egg, shake off excess, and coat in flour.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Quickly cook cheese in olive oil until golden, turning once. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Arrange feta on a plate with thick tomato slices, season with black pepper, and garnish with lemon wedges.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 302.2 calories, Carbohydrate 18.5 g, Cholesterol 97 mg, Fat 20.4 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 12.1 g, SaturatedFat 9.8 g, Sodium 655.5 mg, Sugar 4.9 g
SHRIMPS SAGANAKI (GREEK RECIPE)
This is a Greek starter recipe that is also eaten as an ouzo 'meze' (snack). It is a delicious dish that I'd only tried in restaurants but when I tried to make it at home I found out I made it as good and delicious. With a small alteration of adding pasta you can turn this dish into a delicious seafood pasta dish.
Provided by MURDERSHEWROTE
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Seafood Shrimp
Time 40m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring about 2 inches of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the shrimp, the water should just cover them. Boil for 5 minutes, then drain, reserving the liquid, and set aside.
- Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a saucepan. Add the onions; cook and stir until the onions are soft. Mix in the parsley, wine, tomatoes, garlic powder, and remaining olive oil. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened.
- While the sauce is simmering, the shrimps should have become cool enough to handle. First remove the legs by pinching them, and then pull off the shells, leaving the head and tail on.
- When the sauce is thickened, stir in the shrimp stock and shrimp. Bring to a simmer, and cook for about 5 minutes. Add the feta cheese and remove from the heat. Let stand until the cheese starts to melt. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 441.2 calories, Carbohydrate 10.1 g, Cholesterol 223.1 mg, Fat 26.6 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 27.8 g, SaturatedFat 10.6 g, Sodium 1035.3 mg, Sugar 6.7 g
SAGANAKI (FRIED CHEESE) GREEK STYLE
This is wonderful to serve as an appetizer, serve lots of lemon wedges and I like crisp Pita Bread Pieces. If you cannot get the Greek cheese you may in a pinch use Italian Provolone - I had to use this because I didn't plan far enough ahead to get the good Greek Cheese. Evelyn/Athens posted a link to this recipe (off Zaar) and when I searced Recipezaar I could not find one like this. Thanks Evelyn. The recipe is simple and very good.
Provided by Bergy
Categories Cheese
Time 15m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Cut the cheese into strips 2 " wide and 1/2" thick.
- Place strips one by one under the cold water tap and coat lightly with flour, set aside until you have dredged all the strips.
- Heat oil in a heavy skillet and pan fry the cheese, turn once until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove dab with paper towels and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
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
SHRIMP SAGANAKI
Steps:
- Heat the olive oil in a saute pan over medium-high heat, add the garlic, then add the onion and cook until softened, but not brown. Add the shrimp (complete with head and shell for flavor) with the salt, pepper, chili flakes and oregano, to taste. Once simmered, remove the pan from the heat and add the ouzo with caution. Cook for 1 minute and add wine to pan. Simmer another 30 seconds and, using a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp from the pan and put on a plate. When the shrimp are cool enough to handle remove the heads and peel off the shells.
- Add the crushed tomato and the olive paste to the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Return the shrimp to the pan, being careful not to overcook and toss in the sauce. Finally sprinkle the crumbled feta over the contents of the pan and melt it into the sauce by pushing it down with the back of a spoon.
PRAWN SAGANAKI
In Greek cuisine, saganaki is any one of a variety of dishes prepared in a small frying pan, the best-known being an appetizer of fried cheese. We're raising the bar for this recipe by adding prawns and lots of fresh feta! Serve with crusty bread.
Provided by Angie
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Seafood Shrimp
Time 50m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir tomato paste into onion mixture; cook and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour wine into tomato mixture; simmer until liquid is reduced by about half, about 5 minutes. Stir tomato sauce into wine mixture and simmer until mixture is thick, about 10 minutes.
- Spread tomato mixture into the base of a 6-cup baking dish; top with prawns and sprinkle evenly with feta cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until prawns are bright pink on the outside and the meat is no longer transparent in the center, about 10 minutes; top with parsley.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 341.4 calories, Carbohydrate 19.7 g, Cholesterol 277.5 mg, Fat 11.5 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 33 g, SaturatedFat 4.3 g, Sodium 967.5 mg, Sugar 11.7 g
EASY GREEK SHRIMP SAGANAKI WITH FETA CHEESE (Γαριδες Γιουβετσι)
An easy appetizer to make as part of a Greek meze spread
Provided by Marilena Leavitt
Categories Appetizer
Time 25m
Yield serves 6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400˚F.
- Heat an ovenproof skillet, (cast iron pan would work great here) over medium heat. Add the olive oil and then stir in the onion. Cook for about 4 minutes and then add the garlic and cook for another minute or so, until the garlic is soft. Next, stir in the tomatoes, season with salt and pepper and cook for another 5 minutes, crushing them with the back of a wooden spoon. Stir in the wine and tomato paste (if using--see note) and cook for 5 minutes more, until sauce is reduced and the alcohol has evaporated. Add the shrimp and the parsley and continue to cook, stirring from time to time, until the shrimp just begins to turn pink, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- If you do not use an ovenproof skillet, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and crumble the Feta cheese over the top. Place in the hot oven on the medium rack. Bake until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Serve with plenty of crusty bread to sop up the sauce!
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.
SAGANAKI
Provided by Food Network
Time 10m
Yield 1 serving.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Dip the cheese slices in cold water, then flour them lightly.
- Heat 1/4-inch olive oil in a wide pan until smoking. Fry cheese slices 30 to 40 seconds on each side until golden brown. Remove and drain briefly on paper towels. Warm ouzo over a low flame. Put slices of cheese in a cast metal serving dish, pour ouzo over the slices and, standing clear, ignite the ouzo.
- Allow to burn briefly, then extinguish fire with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately.
- Suggested drink: Kourtakis Retsina of Attica
GARIDES SAGANAKI (GREEK SHRIMP WITH FETA)
Make and share this Garides Saganaki (greek shrimp with feta) recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Poppy
Categories Greek
Time 20m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Peel and devein shrimp.
- Sprinkle with lemon juice and garlic set aside.
- Melt butter in large skillet.
- Saute garlic green onion and tomato.
- Add shrimp and season with oregano salt and pepper to taste.
- Turn shrimp frequently and saute until pink.
- Add feta cheese and cream.
- Bring to boil and cook 3 to 4 minutes.
- Remove shrimp carefully to casserole.
- Spoon cheese mixture over shrimp.
- Serve with rice.
HALLOUMI SAGANAKI
Halloumi is pan-fried in olive oil and finished with fresh lemon juice and dried oregano for a tangy, salty, and savory meze. Serve with crusty bread for mopping up the pan juices.
Provided by Diana Moutsopoulos
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Greek
Time 15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet big enough to fit all halloumi slices.
- Once oil is hot but not smoking, add halloumi. Cook until well browned on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until browned, about 3 minutes. Pour lemon juice over browned halloumi and let reduce slightly.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with oregano. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 262.8 calories, Carbohydrate 4.9 g, Cholesterol 46.8 mg, Fat 22.5 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 13.6 g, SaturatedFat 10.3 g, Sodium 687 mg
GREEK FETA SAGANAKI
Saganaki is a cheese-based Greek appetizer. The original Greek version is typically fried. The cheese is typically made from sheep's milk. Delicious regional variations include the use of Formaella cheese in Arachova and cheese in Cyprus. In the United States, saganaki is made differently. Instead of being fried, the cheese is usually covered with Brandy extract, and set aflame at the table when served (typically with a shout of "Opa"). The cheese is then extinguished with the juice of a fresh-squeezed lemon and sometimes served with pita bread. The invention of the "Flaming Saganaki" is usually attributed to Chicago restaurateur Chris Liakouras. What we're going to be making is a pan-fried version with slices of ripe tomatoes.
Provided by tha ARTIST
Categories Cheese
Time 10m
Yield 8 slices, 2-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Slice your feta into small squares, about 2×4 inches- you should be able to get 8 slices out of the 8 ounces.
- In a small bowl- beat egg with oregano. Dip each slice of feta in egg, shake of excess and coat with flour till evenly covered.
- In a large frying pan- heat olive oil over medium heat. Quickly cook cheese in oilve oil, until golden on both sides. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Arrange feta on a large (& pretty) plate with thick tomato slices, season with S & P, garnish with basil.
- Enjoy!
OVEN ROASTED SAGANAKI
Fifteen minutes in the oven and these cheeses are transformed into hot savory mezethes, appetizers, or even side dishes. Feta and kasseri cheeses are most common. A saganaki is a small, two-handled pan, which gives its name to these oven- or stove-to-table dishes that use it. In the market, look for small paella pans or small au gratin dishes. Taken from Nancy Gaifyllia, former About.com Guide.
Provided by alligirl
Categories Cheese
Time 20m
Yield 1 ramekin, 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the slice of feta cheese in a small oven-proof serving dish.
- Sprinkle the oregano over the cheese and add a grind of black pepper; drizzle with olive oil.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes depending on the thickness of the cheese slice, and serve hot with pita wedges.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 59.7, Fat 6.8, SaturatedFat 0.9, Sodium 0.1
SHRIMP SAGANAKI (GREEK SHRIMP)
This spicy tomato sauce, salty feta cheese and succulent shrimp combo is so good! The recipe calls for Ouzo, which is a Greek anise flavored liqueur. Although you do not taste the ouzo in the final product, unless you use a lot of it, it adds that something to the dish that just makes it better.
Provided by Marsha Gardner
Categories Seafood
Time 10m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- 1. Heat the oil in a pan. Add the onion and saute until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes and garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
- 2. Add the tomato, oregano and ouzo and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Add the shrimp and simmer for 30 seconds per side. Remove from heat and stir in the parsley.
- 3. Transfer to a baking dish and top with the feta cheese. Bake in a preheated 425-degree oven until the sauce is bubbly, about 10 minutes.
- 4. Must be served with a great bread to sop up all the luscious tomato and feta sauce.
MUSSELS SAGANAKI
This delicious Greek dish makes a wonderful presentation and has a sauce to die for. Though many people are familiar with Flaming Cheese Saganaki, there is no flaming involved in this dish! The word saganaki refers to the utensil used to cook the food in. It's a two-handled frying pan used for cooking a wide range of meze, since it can be transferred from range to table. I personally like this served in a beautiful, hand-thrown and glazed ceramic bowl.
Provided by Jostlori
Categories Mussels
Time 1h
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Scrub the mussels with a stiff brush and pull out the hairy beards. Discard any broken mussels or open ones that don't close when tapped on the counter. Rinse well.
- In a large pan, bring the wine, thyme and bay leaf to a boil. Add the mussels and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until just opened.
- Pour the mussel liquid through a fine strainer into a heatproof container and set aside. Discard any unopened mussels. Remove the top half shell from each mussel and discard.
- Heat the oil in a saucepan, add the onion and stir over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, or until it starts to turn golden. Pour in the reserved mussel liquid, increase the heat and bring to a boil, then boil for 2 minutes or until almost dry.
- Add the tomato, tomato paste and sugar, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the vinegar and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add the mussels to the saucepan and cook over medium heat for 1 minute , or until just heated through. Spoon into a warm serving dish. Top with the crumbled feta and fresh thyme leaves. Serve hot.
CYPRIOT FRIED HALOUMY CHEESE (SAGANAKI HALOUMI)
With gluten free option. A very quick to prepare tasty meze. We enjoy this as a delicious breakfast item or it could always be a snack! I serve it with pita bread but a crusty bread would be very good. Modified from The Complete Middle East Cookbook by Tess Mallos, Cyprus section.
Provided by UmmBinat
Categories Breakfast
Time 8m
Yield 4 , 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Cut cheese into 1/4 inch slices, dip in water and dredge in flour if desired (I do like it this way).
- Heat enough oil in a small frying pan to cover base, fry cheese until slightly golden on each side.
- Squeeze some lemon on top and serve with rest of the lemon wedges and a crusty bread or some pita to dip into the lemon flavoured oil.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 192.2, Fat 13.9, SaturatedFat 8.7, Cholesterol 36.4, Sodium 549, Carbohydrate 6.1, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 0.4, Protein 11.3
CLASSIC SAGANAKI WITH OLIVES AND LEMON
Steps:
- Rinse cheese slices under cold water (do not pat dry). Coat with flour. Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat until almost smoking. Add cheese and cook until beginning to brown, about 1 minutes per side. Transfer to plates.
- Squeeze lemon over cheese; sprinkle with oregano and pepper. Serve with tomatoes, pita and olives.
GREEK SALAD WITH SAGANAKI
Provided by The Hearty Boys
Categories side-dish
Time 35m
Yield 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 38
Steps:
- Put all the romaine into a large mixing bowl. Add half of the tomatoes, kalamatas and cucumbers and toss to combine. Put the salad into a large decorative bowl, toss with 1 cup of the vinaigrette and garnish with the remaining tomatoes, cucumbers, pepperoncini, kalamatas, and red onion. Serve with the remaining vinaigrette and Saganaki on the side.
- Put all the romaine into a large mixing bowl. Add half of the tomatoes, kalamatas and cucumbers and toss to combine. Put the salad into a large decorative bowl, toss with 1 cup of the vinaigrette and garnish with the remaining tomatoes, cucumbers, pepperoncini, kalamatas, and red onion. Serve with the remaining vinaigrette and Saganaki on the side.
- Put the shallot into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until well chopped. Add the lemon juice, feta, oregano, salt and pepper and pulse again to combine. With the processor running, add the oil in a steady stream. Pour into a small pitcher and set aside.
- Put the shallot into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until well chopped. Add the lemon juice, feta, oregano, salt and pepper and pulse again to combine. With the processor running, add the oil in a steady stream. Pour into a small pitcher and set aside.
- Preheat the broiler.
- Put the kasseri slices onto a baking sheet and brush with the melted butter. Place under the broiler until the cheese starts to bubble, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the oven, douse with the brandy and ignite. Let the flame die down, sprinkle with lemon juice, transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately.
- Preheat the broiler.
- Put the kasseri slices onto a baking sheet and brush with the melted butter. Place under the broiler until the cheese starts to bubble, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the oven, douse with the brandy and ignite. Let the flame die down, sprinkle with lemon juice, transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately.
Tips:
- Choose the right cheese: Traditionally, saganaki is made with kefalotyri, a hard, salty cheese that melts well. You can also use other hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, Romano, or Gruyère.
- Use a non-stick skillet: This will help prevent the cheese from sticking and burning.
- Heat the skillet over medium heat: This will help the cheese melt evenly.
- Cook the saganaki for 2-3 minutes per side: This will give it a crispy crust and a gooey center.
- Serve the saganaki immediately: It is best enjoyed hot and bubbly.
Conclusion:
Saganaki is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Whether you prefer it simple or topped with your favorite ingredients, saganaki is sure to please everyone at the table.
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