Obatzda is a delicious savory Bavarian beer cheese spread that is perfect for Oktoberfest and many other occasions.
The aromatic cheese spread is made of soft cheeses and butter that are flavored with beer and spices and mixed to creamy perfection.
If you're looking for more authentic Oktoberfest recipes, check out this large collection of my best Oktoberfest recipes here.
Jump to:
Cultural Background
Obatzda, also known as Obazda, is traditionally prepared with the hands.
It gets it´s name from the Bavarian word "obazda," which means "blended."
The Obazda first gained popularity in the 1920s, when hostess Katharina Eisenreich served it to her guests at the "Weihenstephaner Bräustüberl" in Freising/Munich, and it has since become a standard on all Bavarian menus.
This spicy cheese specialty can be found in any Munich beer garden.
How is this Bavarian Cheese Spread called in German?
The creamy spread is called either "Obazda" or "Obatzda" or "Obatzter". In Germany, depending on the region, all three variations of the name are used.
How to pronounce "Obatzda" the correct way in German?
Listen to this audio file to hear how to say "Obatzda" the right way.
Ingredients
The ingredients for obatzda are simple and can be found in almost any supermarket.
Use only high-quality brie or Camembert. This is essential for this savory cheese spread.
- Camembert cheese or brie cheese
- soft cream cheese
- butter
- red onion
- paprika powder
- caraway seeds
- salt
- pepper
- wheat beer, dark beer, apple juice or milk (optional)
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
The ingredients for obatzda are simple and can be found in almost any supermarket.
Use only high-quality brie or Camembert. This is essential for this savory spreadable cheese specialty.
For this German cheese spread start by cutting the cheeses and the butter into small pieces, and finely dice onion.
Place all of the prepared ingredients in a large mixing bowl, add the spices, and mash with a large fork or clean hands until smooth. If you prefer a smoother spread, add beer, apple juice, or milk.
Hint: cheese spreads like Laughing Cow or other brands are not an ingredient of this authentic Bavarian beer cheese delicacy.
Substitutions
- Onions - if you have trouble digesting raw onions, caramelize the finely diced onion in a teaspoon of butter. This makes the onion easier to digest and adds a delicious flavor to the dish.
- Caraway Seeds - caraway seeds add a distinct flavor to the spread, but some people dislike the flavor. If you don't like the flavor of caraway seeds or can't find them in your local supermarket, simply leave them out.
Variations
Give the dish a unique spin.
- Walnuts or Pecans - add some crushed walnuts or pecans to the spread for a crunchier, deluxe version.
- Spicy - Cayenne pepper, to taste, can be used to spice up the dish.
Equipment
This dish requires only a few kitchen utensils to prepare.
- cutting board
- knife
- medium sized bowl
How to Serve
Serve obazda with homemade farmer´s bread, pretzels, or rustic artisan crackers and a mug of cold German beer as an appetizer or happy hour snack.
Alternatively, serve the creamy cheese spread on a small ramekin on your charcuterie board.
Served on little slices of pumpernickel, this recipe makes a fantastic addition to your German buffet and looks much like anything served in a fine dining restaurant.
Try my obatzda deviled eggs recipe; they take deviled eggs to a whole new level.
Storage
You can store the Bavarian spread for up to a week in the refrigerator after preparing it.
You can freeze leftover obazda in an airtight container. The refrigerator is a good place to defrost it.
I like to spread leftover obazda on fresh bread and broil it in the oven for a couple of minutes until golden brown. So good! Place the bread on a baking sheet to prevent the cheese spread drippings from splattering all over the oven floor.
Top Tip
Brie or Camembert gets creamier and more intense in flavor as it ages. The rich flavor can be overpowering to some. Go with what you enjoy the best.
Recipe
Obatzda - Authentic Bavarian Recipe
Ingredients
- 9 oz. Camembert/brie cheese ripe at room temperature
- 6 oz. cream cheese soft
- 4 tbsp. butter soft
- ½ small red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp. paprika powder
- ½ tsp. caraway seeds, whole or ½ tsp. ground caraway seeds
- ½ tsp. coarse Kosher salt or ¼ tsp. fine salt
- ½ tsp. coarse ground pepper
- 1 tbsp. beer or apple juice or milk, (optional)
Instructions
- Cut Camembert/brie, cream cheese and butter into ½ inch cubes.
- Chop the onion finely.
- Place all prepped ingredients into a large bowl, add spices, and mash together with a large fork or clean hands until smooth.
- Add beer, apple cider or milk if you prefer a smoother spread.
- Place the mixture into ramekins or sturdy muffin liners.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. Keeps in the fridge several days.
