Baked Kasseri Cheese Spread Recipes

BAKED KASSERI CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees; cut cheese into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
• Layer cheese in the bottom of a shallow 1-quart quiche dish or a 9-inch pie plate, overlapping if necessary.
• Toss together the olives, oregano, garlic, and red pepper.
• Sprinkle over the cheese.
• Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until cheese just begins to melt.
• Serve immediately on bread, apples, or crackers; rewarm cheese as needed.

KASEROPITA (TIROPITA USING KASERI CHEESE)

Steps:

• In a large metal baking pan (I don't have measurements- approximate at about 15x12-inch and anything close), layer 1/2 of phyllo sheets, brushing each one generously with butter before adding next, and staggering across pan to get all corners covered.
• Combine cheeses well and place in pan.
• Spread out evenly.
• Cover with remaining phyllo sheets, brushing each one generously with butter before adding next, and staggering across pan to get all corners covered.
• Tuck in loose edges and brush top of pastry generously with more butter.
• With the tip of a pointy knife, mark lines where you'll eventually want to cut the pieces once baked.
• These act as steam vents.
• Make sure you don't cut all the way into bottom layer of pastry- you just want to cut through the top layer.
• Pour over any remaining butter.
• Combine milk with the eggs and beat well.
• Pour over pastry and allow to sit, at room temperature for 30 minutes to absorb the custard.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• After 20 minutes, place pastry in oven and bake till golden-brown on top.
• For the last 10 minutes of baking, place pan on floor of oven to ensure a crisp, properly-baked bottom crust.
• Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting pieces.

FLAMING GREEK CHEESE (SAGANAKI)

Steps:

• Brush each side of the kasseri cheese with water. Dredge both sides in flour, making sure the surface is completely covered.
• Preheat a well seasoned cast iron skillet on medium-high heat until smoking. Pour in olive oil. Carefully place the floured cheese in the hot oil. Cook until cheese begins to ooze and a golden brown crust forms, about 2 minutes. Quickly flip cheese over with a spatula. Fry until bottom is golden brown, about 30 seconds more.
• Remove skillet from heat and transfer onto a napkin-lined plate. Pour brandy over the cheese. Light the brandy using a fireplace lighter. Now you can exclaim "Opa!" and marvel at the fire. Squeeze some lemon juice on top to extinguish the last few flames and garnish with parsley.