Liptauer

Liptauer is a spicy cheese spread made with sheep milk cheese, goat cheese, quark, or cottage cheese. The name is derived from the German name Liptau for the region of Liptov (Liptó) in northern Slovakia, a former county in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

History

Liptauer originated in the Liptov region of northern Slovakia. It was traditionally made with sheep milk cheese, but today, it is often made with a mixture of sheep and cow milk cheese. The spread became popular throughout the Austro-Hungarian Empire and is still widely enjoyed in many countries that were part of the empire, including Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

Ingredients and Preparation

The main ingredient in Liptauer is cheese. Traditionally, sheep milk cheese was used, but today, it is often made with a mixture of sheep and cow milk cheese. Other ingredients can include capers, onions, mustard, and paprika. The ingredients are mixed together and then allowed to rest so that the flavors can meld together. The spread is often garnished with chopped chives or parsley before serving.

Liptauer is typically served as a spread on rye bread or crackers, but it can also be used as a dip for vegetables. It is often served as an appetizer or snack, but it can also be used as a sandwich filling.

Variations

There are many variations of Liptauer throughout the countries where it is popular. In Austria, for example, it is often made with quark or cottage cheese and flavored with garlic, caraway seeds, and anchovy paste. In Hungary, it is often made with goat cheese and flavored with hot paprika.

See Also

• List of cheese dishes
• List of spreads