Saganaki Flambe

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.

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 200 grams Kasseri, Kefalograviera, or Halloumi cheese
• 60 grams All-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
• 30 milliliters Brandy or Ouzo
• 1 pinch Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• 2 pieces Pita bread or crusty bread

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

Spread the flour on a plate and evenly coat the cheese on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully pour the brandy or ouzo over the cheese.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(483.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1785.0

Total Fat 109.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 49.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 178.6mg	0%
Sodium 2074.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 121.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.8g	0%
Total Sugars 2.9g
Protein 67.4g	0%

Vitamin D 42.9IU	0%
Calcium 1542.1mg	0%
Iron 6.9mg	0%
Potassium 365.6mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.5%

Protein: 15.5%

Carbs: 28.0%