Authentic Austrian Brettljausenplatte: A Hearty Platter Recipe

Ingredients

400g assorted Austrian cold cuts (including Speck, ham, salami, and sausage)
200g assorted Austrian cheeses (such as Bergkäse, Emmentaler, and Tilsit)
2-3 Pickles
2-3 Pickled onions
2-3 Radishes
2-3 slices of dark bread
1 Apple, sliced
50g Butter
1 small bunch of fresh chives
1 small bunch of fresh parsley
1 small jar of Liptauer spread
1 small jar of mustard
1 small jar of horseradish sauce

Steps and instructions

Start by arranging the cold cuts on a large wooden serving board. They should be evenly distributed and cover most of the board.
Then arrange the cheeses, ensuring they are spread out amongst the cold cuts.
Next, distribute the pickles, pickled onions, and radishes evenly across the board.
Place the slices of bread and the sliced apple on the board. You can put them together or separately, depending on your preference.
Put the butter in a small dish and place it on the board.
Chop the chives and parsley finely and sprinkle them over the cold cuts and cheeses.
Place the jars of Liptauer spread, mustard, and horseradish sauce on the board, either amongst the other items or on the side.
The Brettljausenplatte is now ready to serve. It's best served with a glass of Austrian white wine or a pint of beer.

Tools for making

Large wooden serving board - This will be used to arrange and present the Brettljausenplatte.
Knife - A sharp knife will be needed to slice the cold cuts, cheeses, pickles, pickled onions, and radishes.
Cutting board - A cutting board will provide a stable surface for slicing ingredients.
Small dish - This will be used to hold the butter on the serving board.
Chopping board - A chopping board will be used to finely chop the chives and parsley.
Small bowls or jars - These will hold the Liptauer spread, mustard, and horseradish sauce on the serving board.
Glasses - These will be used to serve Austrian white wine alongside the Brettljausenplatte.
Beer mugs - Alternatively, beer mugs can be used to serve a pint of beer alongside the Brettljausenplatte.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian Variation: Replace the assorted cold cuts with vegetarian alternatives such as marinated tofu, seitan slices, or grilled vegetables.
Seafood Variation: Add smoked salmon or trout to the assortment of cold cuts for a seafood twist.
Gluten-Free Variation: Substitute the slices of dark bread with gluten-free bread or gluten-free crackers.
Regional Variation: Use local cheeses and cold cuts from your region to give the Brettljausenplatte a unique and authentic taste.
Spicy Variation: Add sliced jalapenos or other spicy peppers to the board for those who enjoy some heat.
Charcuterie Variation: Include a variety of cured meats, such as prosciutto, coppa, or bresaola, for a more Mediterranean-inspired charcuterie board.
Vegan Variation: Replace the cheeses and cold cuts with vegan alternatives, such as vegan cheese and plant-based deli slices.
Seasonal Variation: Incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables into the board, such as sliced figs, grapes, or roasted pumpkin cubes.
Sourdough Variation: Serve the Brettljausenplatte with slices of flavorful sourdough bread instead of dark bread.

Recipe overview

Discover the delights of Austrian cuisine with this traditional Brettljausenplatte recipe. This platter is a quintessential part of Austrian gastronomy, often enjoyed in taverns across the country. Predominantly a cold dish, it boasts an array of flavors that perfectly complement each other, from various cold cuts and cheeses to pickles and fresh herbs. This recipe provides a comprehensive guide on how to create your own Brettljausenplatte at home. Enjoy the process of arranging the ingredients beautifully on a wooden board, and savor the delicious combination of tastes this platter offers. Paired with a glass of Austrian white wine or a pint of beer, it's a meal that's sure to impress. Get ready to dive into this delightful culinary experience!

Common questions

What is Brettljausenplatte? Brettljausenplatte is a traditional Austrian dish consisting of a wooden board (Brettl) filled with an assortment of cold cuts, cheeses, pickles, bread, and condiments.
What are some common cold cuts and cheeses used in Brettljausenplatte? Some common cold cuts include Speck (smoked bacon), ham, salami, and sausage. As for cheeses, popular choices include Bergkäse, Emmentaler, and Tilsit.
Can I use other types of meats and cheeses? Absolutely! The beauty of Brettljausenplatte is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of cold cuts and cheeses based on your preferences or what is available to you.
How do I arrange the items on the serving board? Start by arranging the cold cuts and cheeses evenly on the board. Then distribute the pickles, pickled onions, and radishes across the board. Place the bread and sliced apple on the board. Finally, add any condiments such as butter, Liptauer spread, mustard, and horseradish sauce.
What should I serve with Brettljausenplatte? Brettljausenplatte is typically enjoyed with a glass of Austrian white wine or a pint of beer. It can also be accompanied by fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, or peppers.
Can I make Brettljausenplatte in advance? Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the Brettljausenplatte just before serving. Keep the cold cuts, cheeses, and pickles refrigerated until ready to use.
Can I customize the Brettljausenplatte based on dietary restrictions? Of course! You can adapt the ingredients to suit various dietary preferences. For example, you can choose vegetarian cold cuts or opt for gluten-free bread.

Serving dishes and utensils

Serving board - A large wooden board that is used to arrange and present the Brettljausenplatte.
Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the cold cuts, cheeses, and bread.
Small dishes - Small dishes to hold the butter, Liptauer spread, mustard, and horseradish sauce.
Chopping board - A sturdy chopping board to chop the chives and parsley.
Cheese slicer - A tool specifically designed for slicing cheese.
Small spoons - Small spoons for spreading the Liptauer spread, mustard, and horseradish sauce.
Wine glasses - Wine glasses for serving Austrian white wine to accompany the Brettljausenplatte.
Beer glasses - Beer glasses for serving a pint of beer with the Brettljausenplatte.

Origin stories

Brettljause is a traditional Austrian dish that is deeply rooted in the country's culinary history. The word "Brettljause" can be traced back to the combination of "Brett", meaning board, and "Jause", referring to a light meal or snack. This dish, typically served on a wooden board, is a staple of Austrian Heurigen culture. Heurigen are wine taverns in Eastern Austria, where local winemakers serve their new wine under a special licence in alternate months during the growing season. Brettljause is traditionally enjoyed in these wine taverns alongside a glass of the new season's wine, offering a hearty counterpoint to the light, fresh vintages. Monasteries also played a significant role in shaping the Brettljause tradition. Monks would often prepare this simple, hearty meal for travelers seeking shelter, utilizing local products that were readily available. Today, Brettljause remains a beloved dish for both locals and tourists seeking a taste of authentic Austrian culture and cuisine. It's a culinary expression of Gemütlichkeit, an untranslatable Austrian term that conveys a sense of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.