Liptauer cheese is a flavourful Central European dip or spread, renowned for its rich blend of spices and deep delicious flavour. You can easily make and enjoy it at home.
For many years I remembered eating a delicious cheese spread at my Grandparents’ home, and assumed it was just one of my Grandma’s home-made concoctions. I never encountered it anywhere but at their table, and I believed this tasty dish would live on only in my memory.
Imagine my delight then, to discover it was actually Liptauer cheese! Enjoyed across much of Central Europe, this tangy, savoury spread is easy to make and wonderful enjoyed with rye bread, bagels, crackers or scooped onto cut vegetables or chips.
You can even make a vegan version!
The origins of Liptauer cheese
Typically called simply “Liptauer” in the central European countries where it is most enjoyed, this creamy spread originated in Austro-Hungary. It is named after a region in what is now central Slovakia.
Beloved for its bold taste and creamy consistency, Liptauer cheese is firmly embedded in Central European culinary tradition. Although it originated in the regions of Hungary and Slovakia, variations of this delectable spread have been adopted by cooks and consumers in Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Serbia, Croatia and Romania – where my Grandma’s family originated.
Share the good times
On both festive occasions and in everyday life, Liptauer cheese brings people together as a shared dish. It’s a staple in traditional Austrian wine taverns, and it appears during celebrations throughout the year in Hungary and Slovakia. More than a mere appetiser, for many people – me included! – it evokes memories of happy family meals and shared good times and togetherness.
What goes into Liptauer cheese?
Liptauer cheese stands out for its rich ingredients, each contributing to the spread’s distinctive flavour. It is traditionally made from a soft sheep’s milk cheese. Variations using cow’s milk cheeses like quark or cottage cheese are also common. I use a dairy-free cheese spread which works brilliantly to create a vegan (and parve!) version of this dish.
The cheese base is heavily seasoned and flavoured with a variety of robust ingredients, which combine to give a distinct ‘Central European’ flavour. Sweet paprika – ideally Hungarian – is a must, and caraway seeds and finely chopped onions or chives are very common. Other ingredients, such as capers or pickles, may be added for their punchy flavour or crunchy texture, which contrasts the creaminess of the cheese.
Robert Carlton-Brown, in The Complete Book of Cheese (2009), describes it as “A classic mixture with condiments, especially the great peppers from which the world’s best paprika is made. Liptauer is… salty and spready… a fairly sharp taste.”
Optional extra ingredients
Some recipes, including the “Viennese” one shared by Evelyn Rose in her New Complete International Jewish Cookbook, call for anchovies or anchovy paste. This adds saltiness and depth which complement the bright and aromatic flavours of the fresh cheese and other ingredients. Of course it does mean that the finished product is not vegetarian.
In some recipes, mustard and a touch of softened butter are incorporated, enhancing the Liptauer’s spreadability and savoury character. Additional ingredients such as hard-boiled eggs or a splash of beer might also be included. The cheese is finally seasoned with salt and black pepper to taste.
What to do with Liptauer cheese
The culinary appeal of Liptauer cheese lies in its impressive versatility. It’s traditionally used as a spread on rye bread or crackers. However its robust flavour makes it an excellent addition to various appetisers and snacks. It makes wonderful sandwiches, and can also serve as a zesty dip for fresh vegetables or chips.
You can make a simple but sophisticated starter by spooning Liptauer cheese into hollowed-out cherry tomatoes or mini sweet peppers. Serve with a slice of pumpernickel or rustic sourdough bread to complement its rich and piquant character.
The multi-layered flavour of the cheese also works wonders in a potato salad. Simply thin the Liptauer with a little milk, yogurt, or a non-dairy alternative, then stir this tangy dressing through cooked, cooled potatoes. Dust with paprika and garnish with snipped chives or parsley, and serve!
When to serve Liptauer
This delicious, tangy, richly flavoured spread makes a terrific starter, as described above. Serve it with fresh sliced challah as the first course of a Summertime Shabbat lunch or relaxed supper.
You can serve Liptauer as a dip with crudités or chips, as informal finger food with drinks, or as part of a buffet. It also makes a terrific sandwich filling with some leafy salad and sliced egg, and works well for packed lunches and picnics.
Since it’s made with soft creamy cheese, it’s also a perfect choice for Shavuot, when dairy dishes are featured.
Making your own Liptauer at home
Creating your own Liptauer cheese at home is a simple process. Start with a base of good quality cream cheese, or a non-dairy alternative. Then add Liptauer’s key spices and seasonings to create its signature flavour.
Essential to the mix are sweet paprika, which provides a distinctive warmth and colour, and caraway seeds, known for their unique fragrant flavour. I like to add crunch and tang with finely chopped cornichons or pickles, and freshness with a little chopped parsley. By tinkering with the quantities of each, I’ve homed in on the delicious flavour I remember from childhood.
The ingredients should be thoroughly combined. Once mixed, the spread should be refrigerated for at least an hour to allow the flavours to meld together and the mixture to firm up.
The end result is a homemade Liptauer cheese that can be used in a multitude of dishes or served as a delightful spread or dip.
Ingredients in Liptauer cheese
To make Liptauer cheese yourself, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Cream cheese, soft sheep or goats cheese, or a non-dairy alternative.
- Sweet paprika – Hungarian paprika is most authentic, but any sweet paprika is fine.
- Caraway seeds – crush slightly in a mortar and pestle before adding for a more pungent flavour.
- Dijon mustard for a little spicy heat.
- Cornichons – these small pickled cucumbers have a crunchier texture and tangier flavour than most pickled cucumbers. However you can use whichever you prefer.
- Spring onions (sometimes called scallions ) – or use a finely diced white onion.
- Fresh parsley to add colour and freshness.
- Lemon juice – optional. If your pickles are sufficiently acidic, you may not need it.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
To prepare the Liptauer, simply combine all the ingredients thoroughly, then taste and adjust the lemon or seasoning as desired. That’s it!
More than just a spread!
Liptauer cheese is more than just a spread! This childhood favourite is an essential part of Central European cuisine. It’s a wonderful dish to share with friends and family.
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📖 Recipe
Liptauer cheese
Ingredients
- 150 g cream cheese or non-dairy alternative (I used Oatly creamy oat spread)
- 3-4 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 2 teaspoon caraway seeds (crush slightly if you like a more pungent flavour)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cornichons (or other tangy pickled cucumbers)
- 2 spring onions, halved lengthways and finely sliced (sometimes called scallions)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- lemon juice to taste (optional – I used about 2tsp)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 150 g cream cheese or non-dairy alternative, 3-4 teaspoon sweet paprika, 2 teaspoon caraway seeds, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon finely chopped cornichons, 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley, 2 spring onions, halved lengthways and finely slicedThoroughly beat together the cream cheese (or non-dairy spread), paprika, caraway seeds, mustard, spring onion, chopped cornichons and parsley until very well mixed.
- lemon juice to taste, salt and pepper to tasteTaste, and add lemon juice, salt and pepper as desired.
- Spoon the Liptauer cheese into a bowl or airtight container, cover, and chill for at least an hour before serving.
Nutrition
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Liptauer Cheese FAQs
Liptauer cheese is a savoury, spiced cheese spread beloved in Central Europe, particularly in Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Its origins trace back to the influence of various cultures in the Austro-Hungarian empire, and it has become a regional delicacy enjoyed in a variety of dishes.
Liptauer cheese is suitable for vegetarians when made with cream cheese. It is suitable for vegans when a dairy-free alternative spread is used. The spread is naturally gluten free, but many of the traditional accompaniments such as sourdough bread or crackers, are not suitable for celiacs and those with gluten sensitivity.
If you have specific dietary restrictions please check the ingredients list to ensure it aligns with your dietary needs.
Yes! The essential ingredients like cream cheese, paprika, caraway seeds, and pickles are easy to find, so it’s a simple job to prepare this dish yourself.
Traditionally, Liptauer cheese is served as a spread with rye or whole grain breads, or used as a dip for vegetables and crackers. It is often eaten alongside drinks and can be found on menus in taverns and bars.
Store your Liptauer cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When properly stored, homemade Liptauer can last for a few days, although it is best eaten on the day it is made. Always check for freshness before consuming and discard if there are any signs of microbial growth, or any strange or unexpected odours.
dana
I’m all about a cheese dip, and this one did NOT disappoint. So many flavors! We all absolutely loved this. Thanks for the recipe!
Helen
Thanks Dana, that’s great to hear, especially from a connoisseur of cheesy dips!
Ned
I’d never had this before until now. Wow, the flavor of this cheese was incredible. Thank you so much for the recipe!
Helen
Thanks Ned, so happy to hear that you enjoyed this.
Kimberly
I’m from Germany where this is likewise popular. I love this thickly spread (“thickly” is key, lol) on some good crusty bread. Heaven!
Helen
Love the emphasis on THICKLY! LOL! I agree – just heavenly on good bread.
TAYLER ROSS
I’ve never had liptauer cheese, but after trying it last night, it’s a new favorite! So so delicious!
Helen
That’s great to hear Tayler! So glad you loved it 🙂