This Quince Obatzda Cheese Spread goes perfectly with the quince almond bread from my previous post. There is some recipe mania happening in my kitchen. As a result, my next posts will feature this lovely ingredient. This sweet and seasonal spread riffs on traditional Bavarian obatzda, a soft beer and cheese dip.
History of Obatzda:
Originating in Bavaria in the 1920s Obatzda has roots in the thrifty practice of using up leftover cheese. Popularized in a pub by Katharina Eisenreich, the landlady of Weihenstephaner Bräustüberl, supposedly, the world’s oldest brewery tavern. To avoid wasting cheese that had become too ripe or soft, she mashed it with butter and seasonings to create a spread. The name “Obatzda” comes from the Bavarian word “obatzn,” which means “mashed together.”
The spread is now a Bavarian classic, especially during Oktoberfest. Dipping soft pretzel pieces in obatzda alongside a cold Maß of beer is heaven. Its popularity has spread throughout Germany and even beyond, but it still holds a special place in the hearts of Bavarians and beer garden enthusiasts.
Obatzda is traditionally served with a variety of German bread slices or a large soft pretzel. Often it is also presented on a large platter of meats and sausages as well as thinly cut large slices of daikon radish.
This Quince Obatzda Cheese Spread is a more elegant, sweet, savory interpretation. It also contains toasted walnuts and is the perfect appetizer for your winter holiday guests. The quince and camembert cheese flavors work so well together. Caramelize the fresh quince in brown sugar for maximum flavor. Additionally, toasting those walnut pieces releases their deeper flavor. This is a lovely spread to serve at Thanksgiving or any fall celebration or gathering.
Quince Obatzda (Cheese Spread)
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons chopped raw walnuts
- 1 quince
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 5 ounces camembert cheese, room temperature
- 4 ounces 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Lightly toast the walnuts in a naked frying pan. over a low flame. Set aside.
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Peel, quarter, and core the fresh quince.
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Cut the fruit into very small pieces.
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Add the fresh quince pieces to the pan, and sprinkle with the brown sugar.
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Cook, stirring frequently until caramelized. Let cool completely.
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Cut the camembert cheese into small pieces. Combine with the cream cheese.
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Mix in 2 tablespoons each of the walnuts and quince.
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Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
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Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl. Cover with plastic cling film and chill until ready to serve.
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Garnish with the remaining walnuts before serving.
Like this Quince Obatzda Cheese Spread Recipe? Also, check out some of these other obatzda variations:
WHITE HORSERADISH OBATZDA SPREAD
FRIED OBATZDA
BASIL OBATZDA
