Traditional Austrian Brettljause: A Hearty Platter Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500g of assorted Austrian cold cuts (like Speck, Geselchtes, Saumaise)
  • 150g of Austrian mountain cheese
  • 150g of Liptauer (spicy cheese spread)
  • 1 fresh loaf of Bauernbrot (dense Austrian sourdough bread)
  • 1 jar of pickled gherkins
  • 1 jar of pickled pearl onions
  • 1 jar of pickled beetroot
  • 1 bundle of fresh radishes
  • 1 bundle of fresh chives
  • 2 fresh tomatoes
  • 2 fresh cucumbers
  • 1 fresh bell pepper
  • 1 jar of horseradish sauce
  • 1 jar of mustard
  • 1 bundle of fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. First, prepare all the ingredients: slice the cold cuts into thin slices, cut the cheese into cubes, and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Next, slice the Bauernbrot into thick slices and arrange them on a large wooden board.
  3. Spread the Liptauer cheese over half of the bread slices and arrange them on the board.
  4. Arrange the cold cuts and cheese cubes on the board next to the bread.
  5. Place the pickled gherkins, pearl onions, and beetroot in small bowls and place them on the board.
  6. Arrange the fresh radishes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell pepper on the board.
  7. Place the horseradish sauce and mustard in small bowls and place them on the board.
  8. Garnish the board with fresh chives and parsley.
  9. Finally, season the Brettljause with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Enjoy your Brettljause with a nice glass of Austrian wine.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - A large wooden board to arrange the ingredients and assemble the Brettljause.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the cold cuts, cheese, and vegetables.
  • Bread knife - A serrated knife specifically for slicing the Bauernbrot.
  • Small bowls - Bowls to hold the pickled gherkins, pearl onions, beetroot, horseradish sauce, and mustard.
  • Serving board or platter - A large board or platter to present the Brettljause.
  • Utensils - Forks and knives for guests to serve themselves.
  • Napkins - Napkins for guests to use while enjoying the Brettljause.

Recipe variations

  • Replace the Bauernbrot with a different type of bread, such as rye bread or baguette.
  • Experiment with different types of cold cuts, such as prosciutto, salami, or ham.
  • Try using different types of cheese, such as Gouda, Emmental, or Brie.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the cold cuts with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
  • Add different types of spreads or dips, like hummus or tzatziki, alongside or instead of Liptauer cheese.
  • Include additional pickled vegetables like pickled mushrooms or pickled peppers.
  • Add sliced fruits, such as apples or grapes, for a touch of sweetness.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as dill, basil, or paprika, to enhance the flavors.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread or substitute the bread with lettuce wraps.
  • Customize the toppings based on personal preferences, such as adding olives, capers, or sun-dried tomatoes.

Recipe overview

Brettljause is a traditional Austrian dish, typically enjoyed at a "Heuriger" - a wine tavern in Austria. This dish is a hearty platter loaded with a variety of cold cuts, cheeses, and pickled vegetables, served on a wooden board or "Brettl" in German, hence the name. The mainstay of Brettljause are the various cold, smoked, and cured meats, complemented by sharp cheese, pickles, fresh and pickled vegetables, and spicy spreads. All these are enjoyed with thick slices of rustic sourdough bread and horseradish mustard, making Brettljause a delicious and satisfying experience. This recipe will guide you through preparing your own Brettljause at home, allowing you to experience a taste of Austrian tradition in your own kitchen. Enjoying Brettljause is not just about the food, but also about coming together, so enjoy this meal surrounded by friends and family, ideally paired with a nice glass of Austrian wine.

Common questions

  1. What is Brettljause? Brettljause is a traditional Austrian dish that consists of an assortment of cold cuts, cheese, spreads, pickles, and vegetables served on a wooden board.
  2. What types of cold cuts can I use for Brettljause? You can use assorted Austrian cold cuts such as Speck, Geselchtes, and Saumaise.
  3. What type of cheese should I use? Austrian mountain cheese is commonly used for Brettljause, but you can also use other types of hard cheeses.
  4. What is Liptauer? Liptauer is a spicy cheese spread that is a popular accompaniment to Brettljause. It adds a delicious flavor to the dish.
  5. Can I use any type of bread? It is recommended to use a fresh loaf of Bauernbrot, which is a dense Austrian sourdough bread. However, you can use a similar type of bread if Bauernbrot is not available.
  6. What other vegetables can I include? Fresh radishes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers are commonly included in Brettljause. Feel free to add any other vegetables of your choice.
  7. What are some common garnishes? Fresh chives and parsley are often used as garnishes for Brettljause. They add a touch of freshness and color to the dish.
  8. What sauces or condiments should I serve with Brettljause? Horseradish sauce and mustard are typically served alongside Brettljause. They complement the flavors of the cold cuts and cheese.
  9. Is there a specific way to arrange the ingredients on the board? There is no strict rule, but traditionally, the bread slices and spreads are placed on one side of the board, and the cold cuts, cheese, pickles, and vegetables are arranged on the other side. Use your creativity and arrange them in an appealing way.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large wooden board - A spacious wooden board to arrange and display the Brettljause ingredients.
  • Sharp knife - To slice the cold cuts, cheese, and bread.
  • Cutting board - To chop the vegetables and prepare the garnishes.
  • Small bowls - To serve the pickled gherkins, pearl onions, beetroot, horseradish sauce, and mustard.
  • Serving platters - Optional, for arranging the cold cuts, cheese, and bread slices separately.
  • Small spoons - To scoop and serve the Liptauer cheese, horseradish sauce, and mustard.
  • Tongs - To handle the cold cuts and cheese cubes while arranging them on the board.
  • Salt and pepper shakers - To season the Brettljause to taste.
  • Serving plates and utensils - For individual servings of Brettljause.
  • Wine glasses - To enjoy the Brettljause with a glass of Austrian wine.

Origin stories

Brettljause is a traditional Austrian dish that hails largely from the country's rustic countryside, particularly its alpine areas. The name itself directly translates to "board snack" in English, echoing the dish's presentation on a wooden cutting board. This dish evolved from the food that farmers and workers would have during their break, typically mid-morning or mid-afternoon, thus forming a significant part of Austrian culinary history. It was a convenient way for them to consume the produce available from their farms and gardens, thereby creating a meal that was not only practical but also delicious. The combination of cold cuts, pickles, cheeses, and breads served on a wooden board is now a beloved staple in Austrian taverns and wine taverns, often enjoyed with a glass of local wine. Its flexible composition allows for various regional interpretations, making each Brettljause experience a unique one.

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.