Flaming Greek Cheese (Saganaki)

Valentines's Day - Holidays and Events

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.

Brief

Prep 10 mins

Cook: 3 mins

Total: 13 mins

Servings: 2

Yield: 1 small cast iron skillet

Flaming Greek Cheese (Saganaki)

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

Chef John's Butter Puff Biscuit Dough

Holidays and Events

Directions

Step 1

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

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.

Nutritional Information

Flaming Greek Cheese (Saganaki)

Servings Per Recipe:2

Calories: 391.2

% Daily Value *

Protein: 16.3g 33%

Carbohydrates: 15g 5%

Dietary Fiber: 1.8g 7%

Sugars: 0.1g

Fat: 25.4g 39%

Saturated Fat: 11.2g 56%

Cholesterol: 61.2mg 20%

Vitamin A Iu: 778.6IU 16%

Niacin Equivalents: 1.3mg 10%

Vitamin C: 24.1mg 40%

Folate: 33.4mcg 8%

Calcium: 430.5mg 43%

Iron: 1.1mg 6%

Magnesium: 7.8mg 3%

Potassium: 68.1mg 2%

Sodium: 543.5mg 22%

Thiamin: 0.1mg 14%

Calories From Fat: 228.3

*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.

(-)Nutrition information is provided for reference only. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.