Obatzda Authentic Bavarian Recipes

OBATZDA (GERMAN BEER CHEESE SPREAD)

Steps:

• Cut the camembert and the butter into small pieces. Add them to a medium-sized mixing bowl and mince them with a fork or with a pastry cutter (works really well).
• Add the cream cheese, paprika, ground caraway, salt, and pepper and mix well.
• Now add the finely chopped onion and mix again.
• Finally add the wheat beer. We usually add two tablespoons, but depending on the consistency of your cheese spread you might want to add slightly more or less. Mix well.
• Cover the cheese spread and place it in the fridge for at least an hour to chill and allow the flavors to mingle.
• Before serving, try the spread and add more salt and/or pepper to taste. You can garnish it with some chopped parsley or chives.

OBATZDA (GERMAN CHEESE DIP)

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mash Camembert cheese with a fork to desired consistency. Beat in cream cheese, onion and seasonings. If desired, sprinkle with additional caraway seeds.

BAVARIAN CHEESE DIP (OBATZDA)

Steps:

• Place the brie or camembert in a medium bowl.
• Add the cream cheese, butter, ale, garlic, and caraway seeds.
• Add paprika, and salt and pepper to taste; beat well to combine.
• In a strainer, rinse the diced onion under cold water.
• Drain and transfer to a clean kitchen towel, squeezing out all the liquid.
• Fold the onion mixture into the cheese mixture.
• Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to melt, or store, covered and refrigerated, for up to 4 days.
• If using French bread, slice into 1/4 inch thick slices.
• if using German bread, halve lengthwise, then slice into 1/4 inch thick slices.
• To serve, top the obatzda with the Vidalia onion and radish slices, and surround with the fresh cut vegetables, olives and sliced of French or German hard bread.
• NOTE: To roast the garlic; peel off any papery coating from the garlic head.
• Using a large sharp knife, cut about 1/2 inch from the top of the bulb, exposing the tips of the garlic cloves.
• Place in a small baking dish, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and season with salt.
• Pour 1/4 cup of water in the bottom of the dish, cover tightly with foil, and roast in 375*F oven, about 1 hour.
• A sharp paring knife should insert into the garlic easily.