Kefalograviera cheese flambeed with vodka served alongside pita bread. Great as a starter or side.
Flaming saganaki is a dramatic and beloved Greek appetizer named after the small pan (saganaki) in which it’s prepared. While kefalograviera is the most traditional cheese used, other Greek cheeses such as kasseri, graviera, or even halloumi are also commonly prepared this way—each offering its own balance of saltiness, firmness, and melt.
The cheese is pan-seared until golden and bubbling, then finished tableside with a splash of brandy and ignited in a brief flambé, creating a warm flame and the classic celebratory shout of “Opa!”. The fire quickly burns off, leaving behind a rich, savory cheese with a crisp exterior and soft center, often finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
At our table, we prepare flaming saganaki using kefalograviera, a traditional Greek cheese prized for its firm texture and rich, salty flavor. Both a culinary tradition and a dining experience, flaming saganaki is bold, indulgent, and unmistakably Greek — meant to be shared and enjoyed hot.