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Flaming Greek Saganaki: A Timeless Taverna Classic

Flaming Greek saganaki served in a small skillet, featuring golden pan-fried Kasseri cheese flambéed with Greek brandy. Bright orange flames rise above the crispy cheese, while fresh lemon wedges and warm pita bread complete this traditional Greek appetizer.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 225
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 Ounces Cheese Kasseri, Kefalotyri, or Halloumi cheese, cut into a ½-inch thick slice.
  • 1/2 Cup Flour
  • 2 Tbl Olive Oil
  • 1 1/2 Tbl Metaxa You can use Cognac, other brandy, or even whiskey. Metaxa, a Greek brandy, is traditional.
  • 1 Lemon Cut into wedges.
  • Pepper Freshly ground and optional.

Method
 

  1. Pat the cheese completely dry with paper towels.
  2. Place the flour in a shallow dish and lightly coat the cheese on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the cheese for 2–3 minutes until deep golden brown.
  4. Carefully flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  5. Pour 1–2 tablespoons of Metaxa brandy over the hot cheese.
    Metaxa Greek Brandy
  6. Using a long lighter or fireplace match, carefully ignite the brandy. Allow the flames to burn for 5–10 seconds. Extinguish the flame naturally or with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
  7. Serve carefully as it will be hot.

Notes

  • Best cheese: Kefalotyri is the traditional choice. Kasseri offers a creamier texture, while Halloumi is an excellent substitute and easy to find.
  • Don't over-flour the cheese—just a light coating creates the perfect crispy crust.
  • Always remove the pan from the burner before adding the brandy.
  • Never pour brandy directly from the bottle onto hot cookware or an open flame. Measure it into a small cup first.
Flambéing creates a dramatic presentation but should always be done carefully. Keep flammable items away from the cooking area, use only a small amount of brandy, and have a pan lid nearby in case you need to extinguish the flame quickly.

What to Serve With

  • Warm pita bread
  • Crusty artisan bread
  • Greek salad
  • Kalamata olives
  • Roasted red peppers
  • Tzatziki
  • Grilled lamb or chicken souvlaki