Authentic Bavarian Obatzda: A Traditional German Cheese Spread Recipe

Ingredients

250 grams of ripe camembert
2 tablespoons of butter
100 grams of cream cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon of caraway seeds
2 tablespoons of beer
1 tablespoon of sweet paprika
1 tablespoon of chopped chives
Salt and pepper to taste
Pretzels or bread, for serving

Steps and instructions

Cut the camembert into small pieces and place in a bowl.
Add the butter and cream cheese to the bowl with the camembert.
Using a fork, mash the cheeses and butter together until they form a smooth paste.
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the cheese mixture and mix well.
Add the caraway seeds, beer, sweet paprika, chopped chives, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, remove the obatzda from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
Serve the obatzda with pretzels or bread.

Tools for making

Cutting board - A surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Knife - Used for cutting the camembert, onion, and garlic.
Bowl - A container to mix and combine the ingredients.
Fork - Used to mash the cheeses and butter together.
Lid or plastic wrap - Used to cover the bowl and refrigerate the obatzda.
Serving platter - A dish or plate to present the obatzda.

Recipe variations

Use different types of cheese such as brie or blue cheese instead of camembert.
Add chopped pickles or pickled jalapenos for a tangy twist.
Include a dash of Worcestershire sauce or mustard for added flavor.
Replace the caraway seeds with cumin seeds or celery seeds.
Add chopped cooked bacon or ham for a meaty variation.
Sprinkle some smoked paprika or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
For a vegetarian option, replace the camembert and cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, such as vegan cream cheese.
Experiment with different herbs like parsley, dill, or basil for unique flavors.
Spread the obatzda on toasted baguette slices or crackers instead of pretzels or bread.
For a gluten-free option, serve the obatzda with gluten-free bread or crackers.

Recipe overview

Obatzda is a savory and delicious cheese spread from Bavaria, Germany. Known for its rich and flavorful profile, it's traditionally made with a blend of ripe camembert, cream cheese, butter, and a variety of spices. This recipe adds a bit of beer for an extra hint of character. Obatzda is a delightfully creamy and tangy spread that's perfect for serving with pretzels or bread. With its unique taste and texture, it makes for an excellent appetizer or snack for any occasion. Follow this easy to make recipe and revel in the authentic Bavarian culinary experience right at your home.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of camembert? Yes, you can substitute camembert with brie or any other soft and creamy cheese.
Can I omit the caraway seeds? Yes, if you're not a fan of the flavor of caraway seeds, you can omit them from the recipe.
Can I use a different type of beer? Yes, you can use any type of beer you prefer or have on hand. However, a light or wheat beer works best for this recipe.
How long can I refrigerate the obatzda for? You can refrigerate the obatzda for up to 3 days before serving.
Can I make obatzda in advance? Yes, obatzda can be made in advance. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What can I serve with obatzda? Obatzda is traditionally served with pretzels, but you can also serve it with bread, crackers, or vegetables.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A bowl to combine the ingredients and mix them together.
Fork - To mash the cheeses and butter together and mix the ingredients.
Knife - To finely chop the onion and cut the camembert into small pieces.
Cutting Board - A surface to safely chop the onion and camembert.
Plastic Wrap - To cover the bowl with the obatzda mixture and refrigerate it.
Lid - An alternative to plastic wrap to cover the bowl while refrigerating the obatzda.
Serving Plate or Bowl - To present the obatzda when serving.
Pretzels or Bread - To serve alongside the obatzda for dipping.

Origin stories

Obatzda, this appetizing Bavarian cheese delicacy, has a humble origin. It was born out of necessity in the beer gardens of Bavaria in Germany. To combat the waste of over-ripe or leftover pieces of cheese, ingenious Bavarian innkeepers came up with the idea of blending these cheese morsels with butter, beer, and spices to create a piquant spread. Since then, Obatzda has become a staple of Bavarian Biergarten cuisine and is traditionally enjoyed with a pretzel and a hearty mug of beer. Just as Bavaria is known for its charming traditions and hearty fare, Obatzda embodies the spirit of Bavarian ingenuity and the joy of never letting good food go to waste.

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.