Obatzda - Bavarian Cheese Spread



Obatzda.  Photo by Rob Robitaille

 My mom is Bavarian, so this snack showed up from time to time, usually when we had guests.  It goes very well with beer, as do many German dishes.  It is basically a cheese spread made with a soft cheese, butter, paprika, onion, beer, and salt that is served with crackers.  There are other variations, but this is most similar to the way Mom makes it.  Although you could probably make it in a food processor, I like to make it the traditional way, which is to mash it all together with a fork on a plate.  That way it will have some small chunks of cheese in it, which is a nice contrast.  I hope you give it a try.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. room temperature Brie, with the rind.  (See note)
• 4 oz. butter
• Sweet Paprika, to taste
• 2-3 TB minced onion
• Beer (I prefer something lighter, like lager, but you can use whatever you want)
• Salt to taste

Place the cheese and butter on a plate, and mash with a fork, starting on the outside and working inward.  Mash and fold together until all the large pieces are incorporated.  Add the paprika and onion, and continue to mash and fold together.  Add enough beer until the mixture loosens up and becomes spreadable.  Add salt if needed and either push together in the center of the plate, or place it into another serving bowl or plate.  Garnish with some more paprika and server with crackers, bread, or pretzels.  Guten Appetit!

Note: Traditionally this is made with Camembert, but we like Brie better.  Also, the rind adds a lot of flavor, but if you are not a big fan of the rind, you can remove it.