Saganaki, a quintessential Greek dish, is a delightful appetizer or main course that showcases the bold flavors of salty, tangy cheese. Typically made with kefalotyri or halloumi cheese, saganaki is pan-fried until golden and crispy, creating a delectable contrast between its soft, melted interior and its firm, slightly charred exterior. The dish is often flambéed with brandy or ouzo, adding a dramatic and flavorful touch. In this article, we present a collection of saganaki recipes that explore different variations of this classic dish. From traditional recipes to creative twists, these recipes offer a journey through the diverse culinary landscape of Greece. Whether you prefer the simplicity of classic saganaki or are looking to experiment with unique flavor combinations, you'll find a recipe here that suits your taste buds. So, prepare to indulge in the irresistible cheesy goodness of saganaki and embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Greece.
Let's cook with our recipes!
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!
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
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
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: FLAMING CHEESE
This is so very simple, very impressive and fun to make! "Opa"... (Prep time includes marinade time)
Provided by rosie316
Categories Spreads
Time 2h5m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Slice the cheese into 1/2" thick triangles or 3-4" squares (depending on the style you buy).
- Place brandy into a zip-lock baggie and add cheese portions, seal and let marinate for 2 hours).
- Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over a med/high heat. Remove cheese portions from marinade, reserving marinade for later use.
- Dredge cheese thru the flour, shaking off excess.
- Fry the cheese slices approx 2 minutes, flip with spatula and fry an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat when nicely seared on each side and gooey.
- Now here is where you need to heed a caution -- Carefully carry the cast iron skillet to the dinner table. Pour 1 ounce of the brandy marinade over the top of the fried cheese, and immediately set ablaze with a lighter. (Be sure to yell "Opa". Immediately squeeze a lemon slice over the top to dowse the flames.
- Serve with warmed pita slices and additional lemon wedges. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 229, Fat 5.1, SaturatedFat 0.7, Sodium 215.2, Carbohydrate 28.1, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 1, Protein 4.4
Tips and Conclusion
Tips:
- Use a heavy-bottomed, ovenproof skillet to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Make sure the cheese is cold before slicing it, as this will help it to keep its shape when it is fried.
- Fry the cheese in a single layer so that it cooks evenly.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet, as this will prevent the cheese from cooking properly.
- Be careful not to overcook the cheese, as it can easily become rubbery.
- Serve the saganaki immediately with your favorite accompaniments, such as bread, tomatoes, and olives.
Saganaki is a delicious and impressive dish that is sure to please your guests. It is perfect for a special occasion or a casual get-together. With its unique flavor and dramatic presentation, saganaki is a dish that you will not soon forget. So next time you are looking for a new and exciting appetizer or main course, give saganaki a try. You won't be disappointed.
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