Ignite your taste buds with the show-stopping flair of Saganaki Flambé, a classic Greek appetizer that combines bold flavors with a touch of theatricality. This irresistible dish features a golden-crusted slice of Kasseri, Kefalograviera, or Halloumi cheese, perfectly pan-fried to achieve a crunchy exterior and gooey center. The highlight? A dramatic flambé moment where brandy or ouzo is ignited, creating a sizzling spectacle that's as entertaining as it is delicious. Finished with a drizzle of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of black pepper, this savory masterpiece is best served hot with warm pita or crusty bread for dipping. Ideal for impressing guests or indulging in a taste of the Mediterranean, this easy 10-minute recipe will transport you straight to a Greek taverna.
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Slice the cheese into a 1/2-inch thick piece, ensuring it remains intact. Pat the cheese dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Spread the flour on a plate and evenly coat the cheese on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
Carefully add the cheese to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes on one side, until a golden-brown crust forms. Flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes until crisp and golden.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully pour the brandy or ouzo over the cheese.
Using a long lighter or a match, ignite the liquor to flambé the cheese. Once the flame burns out (after a few seconds), squeeze the lemon juice over the cheese to enhance the flavor and extinguish any residual heat.
Season the Saganaki with a pinch of black pepper, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately with warm pita bread or crusty bread for dipping.
Calories |
887 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.7 g | 69% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.7 g | 123% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 89 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 1038 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 61.7 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.5 g | ||
| Protein | 33.9 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 775 mg | 60% | |
| Iron | 3.4 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 191 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.