Obatzda: A creamy cheese spread typically served with pretzels

Welcome to a culinary journey inspired by the hearty flavors of Bavarian cuisine — perfect for Oktoberfest celebrations or simply indulging in an authentic German snack. This traditional German beer cheese, known as Obatzda, is a rich and creamy spread that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, pretzels, and, of course, a cold pint of beer. Experience the essence of German comfort food with this simple recipe from Our Gabled Home.

Ingredients

- 1 wheel of Brie or Camembert cheese (very ripe), room temperature

- 1/4 cup of homemade or store-bought butter, room temperature

- 1/4 cup of cream cheese, room temperature

- 1 shallot, finely diced

- 1 teaspoon of paprika (more or less to taste)

- 1/2 cup of German beer

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh chives, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep Time:15 minutes

2. Cook Time: N/A (No cooking required)

3. Total Time:15 minutes

Equipment

- Large mixing bowl

- Cutting board and a sharp knife

- Measuring spoons

Instructions

1. Begin by cutting the Brie or Camembert cheese into small pieces, placing them into a large mixing bowl. If you prefer not to eat the rind, feel free to remove it, but it is edible and adds flavor.

2. Add the room-temperature butter into the bowl in chunks.

3. Incorporate the cream cheese by cutting it into wedges and adding it to the mix.

4. Peel and finely dice the shallot. If you'd prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the chopped shallot in salted water for a few minutes before adding it to the cheese mixture.

5. Use your hands or a fork to combine the cheeses and butter. You're aiming for a well-mixed but still somewhat chunky consistency.

6. Season the cheese mixture with paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust these to taste, but remember that the paprika also provides a lovely color, so you may add a bit more for visual appeal.

7. Gradually pour in the German beer, mixing as you go until you reach a spreadable but not too runny consistency.

8. Transfer the mixture into a serving bowl.

9. Garnish with freshly chopped chives for a burst of color and mild onion flavor.

Cooking Tips

- All ingredients should be at room temperature to ensure they combine smoothly.

- The beer cheese is best enjoyed spread on rustic bread or with traditional soft pretzels.

- If you don't have all the ingredients listed, Obatzda is flexible. Feel free to adjust the quantities or omit items based on your preference.

Servings: 4-6 as an appetizer

This recipe is proudly brought to you by Anya from Our Gabled Home. For a printable recipe and more delightful kitchen creations, visit her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OurGabledHome.

#easyrecipes #appetizer #snack #cheese

YouTube channel - Our Gabled Home: https://www.youtube.com/@OurGabledHome

Obatzda: A creamy cheese spread typically served with pretzels