Obatzda (Bavarian Cheese Spread)
In short: Ripe Camembert mashed with butter, onion, paprika and caraway into a creamy, sharp beer-garden spread for pretzels and rye bread. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 260 kcal
Obatzda is the cheese spread of Bavarian beer gardens. Very ripe Camembert is mashed with butter, onion, sweet paprika and caraway, then loosened with a splash of wheat beer. The name comes from a dialect word for mashed. It is served mounded on a plate with pretzels, rye bread and radishes. The cheese must be soft and fully ripe, or the spread turns chalky.
Instructions
- Let the Camembert and butter sit out for 1 hour so they are soft. Cut off any thick, dry rind, but leave the thin white rind on.
- Mash the Camembert with a fork in a bowl. Add the butter, cream cheese, paprika, caraway, salt and pepper and mash until creamy with a few small lumps left.
- Stir in the chopped onion, then add the beer a spoonful at a time until the spread is soft but still holds a mound.
- Taste and adjust the salt and paprika. Chill for 1 hour, then take it out 20 minutes before serving.
- Mound the spread on a plate, dust with paprika and scatter with chives and onion rings. Serve with pretzels, rye bread and radishes.
Tips
- The Camembert must be fully ripe and soft all the way through. Underripe cheese tastes chalky and will not mash smoothly.
- For a version without alcohol, use milk, buttermilk or a little sparkling water in place of the beer.
Questions and answers
What does Obatzda taste like?
It is creamy and savory, with mild heat from paprika and a hint of caraway and onion. The ripe cheese gives it a rich, slightly sharp flavor.
How long does Obatzda keep?
Up to 4 days in a covered container in the fridge. The flavor develops and gets sharper after the first day.
Can I make Obatzda without beer?
Yes. Use milk, buttermilk or a little sparkling water. The spread will taste slightly milder.
How long does it take to make Obatzda (Bavarian Cheese Spread)?
About 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Obatzda (Bavarian Cheese Spread)?
About 260 kcal per serving, with 9 g of protein, 2 g of carbohydrates and 24 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 260 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
