Grandpa Joe's
Saganaki

Opa!

About this recipe

Saganaki is the classic Greek flaming cheese.  Absolutely delicious and very impressive to serve – assuming the cheese is the only thing that catches fire!

Ingredients

  • Kasseri cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon whole milk
  • all-purpose flour
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • brandy
  • freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions

  1. Slice the Kasseri cheese about ⅜ inch thick, and about 1½ ounces per person.
  2. Mix the egg with the milk in one bowl and put a cup of flour in a second bowl.
  3. Dip the cheese into the egg mixture, then dip it into the flour.
  4. Repeat by dipping the cheese into the egg mixture again and then into the flour. 
  5. Sauté the cheese in hot olive oil in a heavy fry pan on medium heat until golden brown, about two minutes. Then turn to brown the other side for another two minutes.
  6. Carefully add a jigger of brandy and set aflame.  Add a squirt of lemon juice as the flame begins to subside.
  7. Serve immediately with crusty bread.
At this point, the traditional response is, "Opa!".
Saganaki served with grilled crusty bread "anointed" with extra virgin olive oil.
Posted: March 2014; video and picture added: June 2016.