Obatzda (Bavarian Cheese Spread)
User Reviews
5
Obatzda (Bavarian Cheese Spread)
Description
Obatzda (Bavarian Cheese Spread) blends ripe Camembert cheese with cream cheese and softened butter to create a rich, creamy base. The addition of finely chopped yellow onion, crushed caraway seeds, and Hungarian paprika adds aromatic and slightly spicy notes. An optional splash of wheat beer and heavy cream enhances the creamy consistency without smoothing the mixture completely; it remains textured and chunky. Chilling the spread for several hours allows the flavors to develop fully. It's traditionally served garnished with sliced red onions, radishes, and chopped chives, making it visually appealing and adding freshness.
The texture balances creamy softness from the cheeses and butter with bite from chopped onions. The flavor is mildly tangy with warmth from paprika and caraway's subtle anise flavor. This combination makes Obatzda a flavorful spread suitable for serving alongside soft pretzels, rye bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Serving chilled with garnishes enhances freshness and contrasts the rich spread. Obatzda can be prepared a day ahead for best flavor melding, with onions added last to prevent watery texture. It is a practical appetizer or snack, especially at casual gatherings where dipping and spreading are favored.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Camembert cheese at room temperature, ripe, can substitute brie
- 4 ounces cream cheese (full fat)
- 5 tablespoons butter softened at room temperature, quality
- 1 yellow onion very finely chopped (about 1/2 cup, small
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds , coarsely crushed
- 2 teaspoons Hungarian paprika
- 2 tablespoons wheat beer (optional)
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- chive for garnish, chopped chives, sliced red onions, sliced radishes
- red onion
- radish
Instructions
- Place the camembert in a medium sized bowl and mash it thoroughly with a fork. Add the remaining ingredients except for the onion and continue to mash until the mixture reaches the desired consistency. It should not be completely smooth, it should be chunky. Let the spread chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, and then stir in the onions before serving. (The onions will release liquid if left in too long and will make the spread watery.) Add salt to taste.To serve, garnish the Obatzda with some onion slices, chopped chives, and some sliced radishes if desired.Serve with soft pretzels, rye bread, crackers or vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 284 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 284kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 74mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 649mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 150mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 1222IU | 24% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 178mg | 18% |
| Iron | 0.4mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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