Liptauer "Cheese" Spread

Back to the roots

Liptauer is something that is typically eaten in Austria and is a fixed part of the “Heurigen” (a simple Viennese wine tavern where regional wine and simple dishes are being served). However, it actually has its origins in today’s Slovakia, namely in the “Liptov” region (in German “Liptau”).

Since the origin is in the territory of the former Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, Liptauer cheese can also be found in some neighboring countries such as Hungary, Croatia, and Slovenia. A German once told me that Liptauer is typically German. It seems everyone wants to claim this delicacy.

Liptauer cheese without cheese

The “base” of Liptauer cheese is usually made out of curd and butter. I am going to show you how to make Liptauer cheese without animal “products”. For a vegan Liptauer cheese spread, use either soy yogurt and vegan butter or, if you want it to be healthy, cashew nuts. Both alternatives are in no way inferior to the original, taste very authentic, and are also thick and creamy.

You can easily make soy yogurt firmer by draining it with a cheesecloth. And the cashew nuts are soaked and then mixed with water and vinegar (liquid from the pickles) in a powerful mini blender. It will become like cream cheese.

No matter which variant you choose as a base, the spices remain the same, namely onion, capers, and pickles – all three chopped as finely as possible. Further ingredients of Liptauer are sweet paprika powder, mustard, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. Simply combine everything in a mixing bowl. If you prefer a hot Liptauer cheese spread, you can add a pinch of chili powder. A pinch of smoked paprika powder also tastes nice with it. As a topping, you can use chives and a bit more paprika powder.

I have seen some English recipes with anchovies. Please – no! That’s never the case here in Austria, even when you are buying or making Liptauer cheese in a non-vegan version. Liptauer is at least always vegetarian.

How to eat Liptauer cheese

We already know that Liptauer is a savory spread. It tastes delicious on a slice of typical Austrian bread, like rye bread. But Liptauer cheese spread is also commonly used as a dip for “ Soletti” (salted pretzel sticks). This way I like to offer it when I am making a party for friends, which I like to do for my birthday or New Year’s Eve. I always received the best feedback from my non-vegan friends.

On the day my daughter was born (or the night before we went to the hospital) I wanted to eat the Liptauer I made with baked potatoes. I already had the potatoes in the oven. Why wanted and didn’t have? Because I suddenly went into labor, and we had to go to the hospital.

Perhaps you will think “pfff, Liptauer with potatoes. Typical food for pregnant women at the peak of their heyday”. Then you just don’t know how good this stuff is! I would eat it even now, not being pregnant.

By the way: this homemade vegan Liptauer cheese spread keeps for three days in the fridge if it is kept sealed. I haven’t tried it to keep it any longer.

I wish you happy cooking and bon appétit. I would be very happy if you would let me know how you liked the Liptauer spread by leaving a rating in the recipe box or by commenting below it.

Did you try this recipe?

I would love to see the result. Please do not forget to tag me on Instagram: @plantbased.redhead.cooks

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