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Crisp on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside, and best served while flaming — this fried cheese dish of humble Greek origins is a far cry from the mozzarella stick appetizer made popular by various chain restaurants.

Ingredients

• ¹/₂ lb kasseri cheese, sliced ¹/₂“ thick (haloumi or the strongly-flavored kefalotyri may be substituted)
• ¹/₄ C flour
• 3 Tb olive oil for frying

Procedure

1. Dredge the cheese slices in the flour, and shake to remove any excess. Chill while oil heats.
2. In a large cast-iron skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the cheese slices and sauté until golden brown on both sides — about 45 seconds per side. Keep warm in oven while browning remaining slices. Transfer cheese to a heat-proof serving platter.

Serving suggestions

• 4 Tb Metaxa (a traditional Greek brandy) (optional)
• lemon wedges
• fresh parsley

To serve, pour heated brandy over saganaki tableside and ignite; use lemon wedges to extinguish the flames (optional). Serve with pita bread that has been toasted and broken into quarters. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley.