Bavarian (German) Cheese Spread, also called Obazda or Obatzda – the perfect quick cheese spread for parties, super bowl/family gatherings or birthdays. A classic Bavarian delicacy to serve on cheese boards, as a dip with homemade crackers or as a stand alone appetizer. It’s made with soft cheese like Camembert, butter, paprika, white beer and onions – no cooking required.
Today we’re preparing a simple cheese spread from the beautiful region of Bavaria. This delightful dip – or spread, if you prefer – is an absolute godsend when you’re short on time or utterly drained after a long day’s work, yet still fancy something hearty and delicious.
It’s wonderfully satisfying, effortlessly comforting, and remarkably easy to put together. What’s more, it makes a splendid addition to family gatherings, parties, or birthday celebrations, whether at home or in the office.
Behind the Bites
Obatzda (or Obazda) is a traditional cheese spread from the region of Bavaria in southern Germany. It is believed to have originated in the 1920s within the beer gardens around Munich. The delicacy was created as a way to use leftover soft cheeses that were becoming too ripe to serve alone. Traditionally, the spread is prepared with Camembert, butter, paprika, onions, and a careful blend of seasonings.
The Bavarian innkeeper Katharina Eisenreich is widely credited with bringing the recipe into popular favour. Obatzda became especially popular when served with pretzels and beer in Bavarian beer halls. In 2015, the European Union granted it Protected Geographical Indication status. This designation ensures that authentic Obatzda must still be produced in Bavaria according to established traditional methods.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Camembert cheese – or brie cheese, a soft mellow cheese is what you need
- Butter – soft room temperature, should be like a cream
- Shallots – or other mild salad onion variety
- White beer – best if authentically German
- Sweet paprika – very tasty
- Cumin powder – optional, but super tasty too
- Salt – sea salt of choice
How to prepare Obazda at home?
1st: Remove the outer layer of the camembert cheese (my preferred method), mince in small pieces. Add in the soft butter (should be like a cream).
2nd: Add in the rest of the ingredients, stir well to combine, or pulse with immersion blender a few times to obtain a smoother spread consistency. Refrigerate before serving.
How to STORE Obatzda?
Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container at all times. Ideally, store it at around 4°C (39°F) or colder.
It will usually stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Because it contains soft cheese and onions, avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than 1–2 hours. For the finest flavor and texture, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before serving.
Bavarian Beer Cheese Spread (Obazda)
Ingredients
- 300 g camembert cheese, room temperature
- 70 g butter, room temperature
- 1 medium shallot
- pinch sea salt
- pinch sweet paprika
- pinch cumin powder
- 1 tbsp. white German beer, optional
Instructions
- First, remove the coating of the camembert cheese (or leave as is if preferred) and cut the cheese into small chunks.
- Then, mash in the soft butter (should be soft like a cream), sprinkle the minced shallot, sea salt, paprika and cumin powder.
- Optional: using an immersion blender, blend the spread a few times to make it more homogenous. Add in the German beer as well.
- Finally, let the spread sit in a cool place (fridge) for about 20 minutes, then serve with (homemade) pretzels or crackers.
Notes
Nutrition
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