I’ve done it again. Today I present yet another twist on traditional German food. I saw a version of this recipe in a German food magazine and knew I had to revamp it and present it to you. Basil Obatzda Cheese Spread is a summer herb-spiked version of the Bavarian appetizer specialty Obatzda.
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Bavarian Obatzda is a blend of soft, ripe Camembert cheese, cream cheese, and butter. The traditional version contains a little beer and paprika. My favorite way to eat Obatzda is with large curls of Daikon radish and soft pretzels. This Basil Obatzda Cheese Spread take is no different. However, you can also serve it with crackers, hard or soft pretzels or flatbread.
I used a splash Weissbier in this dip recipe. the beer adds a special bit of flavor to the dip. However, you can use whatever light beer you have on hand. If you are alcohol adverse, leave it out entirely.
The spices:
To accentuate the green theme in this Basil Obatzda Cheese Spread, I used green pepper in this recipe. I had some green peppercorns on hand I ground up and added to the mix. Alternatively, use white if you have it on hand. If not, use black pepper but moderately. the other spices are a small amount of crushed caraway seeds and some cayenne pepper for a bit of kick. To finish the recipe, add salt to taste. My go-to version is kosher salt. I believe it adds a huge difference in taste.
When you finish creating this Basil Obatzda Cheese Spread recipe, let it sit at room temperature for about a half hour. Then, place it in the refrigerator if you are not serving immediately. Alternatively, if you plan to use it later, keep the Spread cold until serving. However, make sure you take it out of the refrigerator at least 20 minutes before serving. Additionally, for presentation purposes, sprinkle extra ground green pepper over the top and garnish with extra fresh basil leaves.
Basil Obatzda Cheese Spread
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup basil leaves, packed.
- 8 oz camembert, room temperature
- 6+1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/3 cup cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon weißbier
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed caraway seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons green pepper powder, plus a few pinches for garnish
- Salt to taste.
- Your choice of pretzels, crackers, bread
Instructions
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Rinse the basil leaves and pat them dry, chop into small pieces
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Cut the camembert in pieces, mix with the chopped basil.
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Place in a food processor or blender, add the butter, cream cheese, and beer. Pulse until blended.
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Season with the caraway and papers and pulse until combined.
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Season with salt to taste.
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Transfer to a container and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
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Refrigerate if not serving immediately.
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Remove from the refrigerator 20 minutes before serving.
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Transfer to a serving plate and serve with your choice of pretzels, crackers, bread.
Like this Basil Obatzda Cheese Spread? Also, try some of these other German-inspired appetizers:
