Last minute circumstances prevented me from attending the Wies’n this year. So I’m throwing my own Oktoberfest on my blog. Becasue I can.
The first dish in my Oktoberfest Recipes 2017 series of recipes is an appetizer. I’m offering up a fried twist on Obatdza. A visit to Bavaria is not complete without sampling Obatzda. Just typing the word makes my mouth water.
What is Obatzda?
Obatzda is a traditional Bavarian cheese spread that’s especially popular in southern Germany, particularly in Bavaria. It’s a staple at beer gardens. Often, it is enjoyed with a pretzel and a cold beer.
A mix of ripe Camembert or Brie cheese, butter, and seasonings. It has paprika powder, salt, pepper, and sometimes caraway seeds. So, this gives it a rich, creamy texture and a slightly tangy, spicy flavor. Furthermore, some recipes include a splash of beer, onions, or chives for added taste.
Obatzda has a distinctive orange color. This comes from the paprika, and its creamy, spreadable consistency. It’s a quintessential part of Bavarian culinary tradition, often served as a snack or appetizer.
I like it on a platter with daikon or red radish, soft pretzels, and a selection of German bread. I always order this local treat at Munich’s Oktoberfest. Because it’s part of the whole experience for me.
 Appetizer Platter at the Marstall Tent, Oktoberfest, Munich Germany 2015 |
The rumor is that Obatzda is the creation of Bavarian housewives finding a creative use for scraps of leftover cheese. I don’t know how true that is. However, undeniably, I just know it’s delicious.
Make and refrigerate the mixture overnight. Then coat with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs and fry in oil. Purists will probably hate this recipe. Regardless, I encourage you to try it out. Alternately, stop and serve it before the frying stage.
Pair this Fried Obatzda Oktoberfest Appetizer with a combination of traditional white Daikon radish and red radish slices. Because the Obatzda is coated with bread crumbs before frying, so no added bread is needed. Though this Bavarian appetizer is self-contained, however, eating it with a soft pretzel may make you feel more like a local.
Fried Obatzda Oktoberfest Appetizer
Ingredients
- 1 - 8 oz wheel of ripe camembert cheese room temperature
- 1 -8 oz package cream cheese room temperature
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion.
- 1 tablespoon dark beer
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons of sweet paprika plus a pinch for garnish
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives divided.
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- canola or vegetable oil for frying.
- 1/2 cup plus 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, divided divided
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1/4 cup flour
- Soft Pretzels and red or daikon radish suggested pairings
Instructions
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Remove the rind from the camembert cheese. Discard the rind and place the cheese in a bowl.
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Add the cream cheese, and butter and mash together to combine.
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Mix in the chopped onion.
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Mix in the beer, lemon zest, paprika, and caraway seeds.
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Mix in the chives.
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Season with salt and pepper.
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Place in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
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Mix the 1 oz of breadcrumbs into the obatzda
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Place a layer of paper towels and three shallow bowls by the stove.
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Place the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs separately in each.
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Heat the oil in a deep saucepan.
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Form the obadza into small balls, about the size of meatballs. Roll each first in the flour, then the egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs.
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Place the obatzda balls in the hot oil and fry briefly until golden brown on the outside.
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Transfer the fried obatzda from the hot oil to the paper towels to drain.
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Plate, sprinkle with paprika and fresh chives. Serve with soft pretzels and sliced radishes.
Like this Fried Obatzda Oktoberfest Appetizer? Also, check out some of these other recipes:
WHITE HORSERADISH OBATZDA SPREAD
CHEESY SAUERKRAUT BEER ONIONS
BASIL OBATZDA CHEESE SPREAD
1 comment
You are inspiring me to have an oktoberfest!