Entree: Germany – Bavaria – Obatzda mit Brezen (Bavarian camembert cheese spread flavored with butter, paprika, and beer served with soft pretzels)

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 0 min

Total 15 min

Ingredients

- 8 oz (225 g) ripe camembert, rind removed and mashed
- 2 oz (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) cream cheese or quark (optional for creaminess)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) pale lager or Märzen beer
- 1 small onion, very finely chopped, about 3 oz (85 g)
- 1 tsp (5 g) sweet paprika (preferably Hungarian)
- 1/4 tsp (0.5 g) hot paprika or cayenne (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) ground caraway or 1 tsp (2 g) lightly crushed whole caraway seeds
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp (0.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp (8 g) finely chopped chives, plus extra for garnish
- 4 soft Bavarian pretzels (Brezen) for serving
- Cornichons or radish slices, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the mashed camembert, softened butter, and cream cheese or quark (if using). Beat with a fork or small whisk until creamy but still slightly chunky.
2. Stir in the beer a little at a time until the mixture reaches a spreadable consistency.
3. Add the finely chopped onion, sweet paprika, hot paprika (if using), crushed caraway, salt, and pepper. Mix until ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Fold in the chopped chives, then taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Transfer the Obatzda to a shallow serving bowl, smooth the top, and sprinkle a little extra paprika and chives over it.
6. Serve at room temperature with warm soft pretzels (Brezen) and optional cornichons or radish slices on the side.