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–+ servings
Greek kefalotyri cheese in a cast-iron skillet served with a Greek village salad and crusty bread.

Greek Fried Cheese🔥Saganaki with Kefalotyri Cheese

This is one of those dishes my wife and I always order when we go out for Greek food. It hits all the notes: salty, melty, crispy, dramatic. What makes this Greek fried cheese version extra special is how quickly it comes together with high heat, whether that’s in a pizza oven like our Ooni, a hot grill, under the broiler, or even in a hot skillet on the stovetop.
It’s a super simple Greek appetizer, but it looks (and tastes) like something you’d get at a taverna in Athens. And yes, you can light it on fire and yell “OPA!”
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 9 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Greek
Servings 2 -4

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g (7 oz) Kefalotyri cheese, cut into a ½” thick rectangle or square Tip: Be sure to cut the cheese into an even slab not a wedge, so it cooks evenly and crisps up on all sides.
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lemon wedge seeds removed
  • 1 oz ouzo or brandy
  • Optional: chopped parsley or oregano for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Cheese: Pat it dry and lightly coat the cheese on all sides with flour, shaking off any excess flour.
  • Preheat the Skillet: Place a small cast iron skillet in your Ooni pizza oven, preheating to about 450°F (230°C) with a medium flame.
  • Sear the Cheese: Add olive oil to the hot skillet, then carefully place the cheese in. Cook for about 90 seconds per side, or until golden brown, crispy, and bubbling.
  • Optional FlambĂ©: Remove the pan from the oven. Pour ouzo or brandy over the cheese, ignite carefully with a long lighter (always use caution), shout “OPA!”, and squeeze the lemon juice over the flame to extinguish.
  • Serve Immediately: Garnish with herbs if desired. Serve right in the skillet with grilled pita or crusty bread for scooping up the cheese or dipping into the delicious pan sauce.
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Video

Notes

Tips for Success
  • Cut evenly: Keep the cheese slab a uniform ½” thick. Wedges or thin ends will burn or melt too fast.
  • Don’t over-flour: A light dusting is all you need to help it crisp without creating a doughy coating.
  • FlambĂ© safely: Always remove the skillet from the oven before adding alcohol and igniting.
  • Heat matters: Ooni ovens give the perfect sear, but you can also use a stovetop cast iron skillet if needed.
Keyword flaming cheese recipe, flaming greek cheese, greek fried cheese, kefalotyri cheese, ooni recipes not pizza, sanganki recipe
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