Now that we’re solidly into football season, you might be ready to mix up your snack spread. We're never going to say no to wings and nachos, but it's fun to try something new every now and then. One new-to-me dish I ran across recently is German beer cheese, which is a great way to change up your game-day dips. It's also a perfect snack for Oktoberfest (and fall in general), if you'd like to serve it when football isn't on TV.
Also known in German as Obatzda, German beer cheese has a few key differences from your average cheese dip, including one in particular that makes it especially tailgate-friendly. Obatzda has enough elements to feel familiar and cozy—this is cheese dip, after all—but with a few surprises thrown into the mix to make it memorable.
I knew I had to try Obatzda after I came across an irresistible-sounding German beer cheese from Sophie Sadler, German food blogger and author of theGerman Home Kitchen. The snack features Camembert and cream cheese, along with chives and onions for a powerhouse flavor combination.
Sander’s recipe for authentic German beer cheese is super easy to toss together, making it perfect for last-minute entertaining. But there is a little flexibility in how you create your own Obatzda. Here’s what I discovered when I chatted with Sander about the traditional recipe and when I made the snack for my game-day crew.
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Obatzda originated in the southern German state of Bavaria, Sadler tells Parade. “It is made using a soft-rind cheese—typically Camembert, although Brie works—cream cheese, butter, onion, chives, paprika powder and a splash of beer,” she says.
Sadler says she thinks German beer cheese resonates with people because it is “surprisingly addictive” and “ultra creamy.” Obatzda is usually served with pretzels, bread or sausages.
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The Difference Between German and American Beer Cheese
Beer cheese isn’t a new thing. There are plenty of American beer cheese recipes, like Kentucky beer cheese, which uses sharp cheddar, Worcestershire sauce and spices.
“The biggest difference is that Obatzda is served cold, unlike American beer cheese,” Sadler says. “The cheese is also a huge distinguishing factor.” (Again, Camembert is the traditional cheese of choice for Obatzda.)
You have some flexibility in the type of beer you choose for making German beer cheese. “I typically use a lager or pilsner for Obatzda,” Sadler says. Wheaty Hefeweizen or an Oktoberfest beer would also work, she says.
Related: Get Ready to Oktoberfest! 20 Authentic German Recipes Fit for the Ultimate Bavarian Feast
Does the Alcohol Cook Off in German Beer Cheese?
In Obatzda, the beer is added as one of the last steps, so the alcohol does not cook off. “But you will use a small amount, especially if you like your Obatzda like me, more of a spreadable consistency compared to a dippable consistency,” Sadler says. Think of the beer more as a flavor-enhancer than a way to get tipsy. If you prefer that your dip be alcohol-free, Sadler says that non-alcoholic beer works just fine, too.
Ingredients You Need to Make German Beer Cheese
You only need a few ingredients to make German beer cheese at home. To make it, grab some Camembert cheese, cream cheese, butter, chives, an onion, paprika powder and a pilsner or a lager.
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How to Make German Beer Cheese
To make German beer cheese, you’ll need your ingredients to be at room temperature. (You can either leave them out for a few hours or put the cheese, cream cheese and butter in the microwave for a few seconds to soften. Be sure to heat the ingredients in short 5- to 10-second bursts so you don't melt the ingredients.)
Finely chop onions and chives, then set them aside. Using a fork, mash the Camembert, cream cheese and butter to create a paste-like texture. Next, stir in the onions, chives and paprika until the ingredients are well combined. Slowly add in enough beer to create a spreadable consistency. Sprinkle chives on top for garnish. Serve with pretzels.
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What I Thought About German Beer Cheese
I’ve eaten a lot of cheese dips in my life, including beer cheese dips. Obatzda stands out with its rich, creamy texture and nutty, slightly sharp flavor from the aged cheese, balanced by the sweet bite of onions and a hint of paprika. Unlike Kentucky beer cheese, which is spicy and tangy, Obatzda is savory, mellow and subtly smoky, making it a comforting, crowd-pleasing dip or spread.
In terms of assembly, this dip was a dream to pull together! I had it ready to go in just five minutes. The fact that it’s served room temperature or even cold also makes it easy to prep in advance and then serve on demand. I ended up making it the morning of a football game, popped it in the fridge and then whipped it out a few minutes before kickoff to get it to room temperature before it was served. All it needs is a quick stir and you’re good to go.
In my opinion, German beer cheese looks and tastes a little fancier than your standard cheese dip, which means you can whip this out at a party to impress your guests. The flavor is bolder than standard American beer cheer, but the taste is still approachable enough that practically anyone will eat it.
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Let your ingredients sit out. While you can use the microwave to warm things up in a pinch, letting the elements sit out for 30 minutes or so will make them soft enough to mix together easily. If you use the microwave, you run the risk of actually melting your ingredients.NA is a-ok. If you have kids around or any guests who don’t drink, non-alcoholic beer is a great substitute. I used Athletic’s non-alcoholic Free Wave IPA, which has a strong hoppy taste, and it worked perfectly.Choose your own paprika adventure. Traditional German beer cheese gets its classic orange color from paprika. I'm not the biggest paprika fan, and I didn't think it added much to the dish. If you're not into paprika, you can probably skip the spice.
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Sophie Sadler, German food blogger of dirndlkitchen.com and author of The German Home KitchenHence then, the article about german beer cheese will be the the mvp of your game day party was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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