Flaming Saganaki

Flaming saganaki is an American appetizer originating from Chicago's Greektown. Essentially, it's a different way of preparing saganaki – a dish that's originally from Greece, made by frying cheese in a small pan. Flaming saganaki was invented in 1968 at The Parthenon restaurant – after it has been fried, the cheese is flambéed with Metaxa or Ouzo and the flames are extinguished with a squeeze of lemon juice.

The cheese used in this dish is usually sheep's milk feta, halloumi, graviera, kasseri, or kefalotyri. This appetizer is traditionally prepared tableside.