Liptauer is a delicious paprika-infused cheese spread which is perfect for entertaining. It’s easy to make and popular throughout Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary.
8ounces(225 grams) cream cheeseat room temperature
2ounces(55 grams / 4 tablespoons) unsalted butterat room temperature
1clovegarlicminced or crushed
1tablespoonminced white or brown onion
2teaspoonssweet paprika(substitute hot paprika if you prefer a spicy spread)
1 ½teaspoonsDijon mustard
1 ½teaspoonschopped capers
1teaspoonscaraway seedswhole or ground with a spice grinder
½teaspoonkosher salt
To Garnish (any combination of the following):
Finely diced red bell pepper
Finely diced cornichons or pickles
Sliced scallions or chives
Capers
Paprika
Instructions
Add the soft cream cheese and butter to the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or to a mixing bowl using a handheld mixer. Beat together until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and beat until well combined.
Transfer to a bowl and garnish if desired. Serve at room temperature with rye or pumpernickel breads, crackers, warm pretzels, or veggies for dipping/spreading. It’s especially great paired with red or white wine!
Liptauer tastes even better after resting for at least 2 to 3 hours in the fridge to allow the flavors to develop. Return to room temperature before serving to allow it to soften back up. Liptauer will last about 1 week in the refrigerator.
Notes
In Slovakia, this spread is traditionally made with bryndza, a soft, sheep’s milk cheese, but many recipes use quark, cottage cheese, cream cheese, or even goat cheese as a stand-in. I use cream cheese in this recipe because it's easy to find and very versatile. If you use a different type of cheese from this list, the texture and thickness of the cheese spread may vary.
Instead of simply serving Liptauer in a bowl, you can unmold it onto a cheeseboard or plate. Line a small bowl with plastic wrap and fill it with the Liptauer, smoothing out the surface. Cover and refrigerate until set, about 3 hour to overnight. Then flip the cheese onto your board or plate and peel off the plastic wrap.