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Körözött – Hungarian Cheese Spread Recipe

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Körözött is a creamy and delicious cheese spread from Hungary originally made with sheep milk cheese and paprika spices.

Like húsleves (Hungarian meat soup), I first discovered körözött from my Hungarian mother-in-law, Marta. Traditionally, she would use bryndza, sheep’s milk cheese, and cottage cheese in equal proportions. However, I made some adjustments since sheep milk cheese may not be readily available everywhere.

Serve with chips, crispy crackers, pita chips, toasted bread slices

Körözött or Liptauer?

Both names refer to the same cheese dip. While Hungarians call it Körözött, Austrians Liptauer.

Interestingly, this cream cheese spread has gained popularity throughout Europe, and is also found in countries such as Italy, Slovakia, Serbia and Romania.

The origins of this dip can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Since then, each region and family has its own variations.

I found that this dip is both healthy and easy to make. You can enjoy it as a dip with crackers, fresh vegetable sticks or even spread it on Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes.

Cottage cheese dip or spread

Why you will love this Hungarian recipe?

Healthy and nutritious dish with a traditional twist

Don’t need to cook it and this recipe can be prepared in just 5 minutes. The best part is that you don’t need a blender or food processor. 

Combining cottage cheese, paprika and feta cheese provides a kid-friendly healthy option.

sour cream and feta cheese dip

Ingredients you will need

Cottage cheese:

This ingredient has been used in the traditional recipe. I want to keep it because it provides a subtle tangy flavor and a smooth texture to the dip. Moreover, it is a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, as I’ve noticed in other recipes.

If you are using dry curd cottage cheese sometimes sold as farmer’s cheese, curd cheese or túró (in hungary), you’ll need to add more sour cream to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.

sour cream and feta cheese

I used a combination of sour cream and feta cheese to replace the traditional sheep milk cheese. Feta cheese provides a similar tangy and salty flavor profile, while sour cream adds creaminess and tanginess. Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste or use sheep milk cheese instead.

Variations for a smoked paprika dip or bell peppers.

Ground sweet paprika

The main spice in this recipe is a sweet paprika powder that gives a warm flavor and nice orange hue to the dip. You will find this spice very often in Hungarian kitchen in number of dishes like gulyash.

fresh chive

I love using fresh chive or chive oil in dips, as it adds a mild onion flavor with a hint of freshness and brightness.

red onion

To add vibrant color and a pleasant crunch.

How To Make Körözött cheese spread

How To Make Körözött cheese spread

First step: Combine soft cheeses and paprika

Combine the cottage cheese, crumbled feta cheese, sour cream, and sweet paprika in a small bowl.

Second step: chop red onion and chive.

Finely chop red onion and fresh chives and stir everything together until all the ingredients are well combined. Keep some chives pieces on the side for decoration

chop red onion and chive.

Third step: Transfer and serve

Transfer the paprika feta dip to a serving bowl or a jar and garnish with additional paprika and chives. 

Transfer it to an airtight container for later use; you can keep it in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Make sure to give it a quick stir before serving.

serving suggestions

Tips and Tricks for a best creamy appetizer

Opt for a feta cheese that is creamy and not too dry, as it will provide a smoother texture to the dip. Alternatively, blend it for a smoother texture.

If you prefer a milder onion taste, you can soak the finely chopped red onions in cold water for a few minutes, then drain and pat dry before adding to the dip.

If you prefer a creamier dip, add a little more sour cream or even a splash of milk or butter

To enhance the flavors even more, refrigerate the dip for an hour or two before serving; this allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.

 Tips and Tricks for a best creamy appetizer

Variations for a smoked paprika dip or bell peppers.

Smoked Paprika Dip: Substitute the regular ground paprika powder with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor; this will add a delicious smokiness to the dip, enhancing its overall taste profile.

Paprika Greek Yogurt Dip: If you prefer a tangier and creamier dip, you can replace the sour cream with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or quark.

Dijon mustard and anchovy or capers: it makes an interesting combination that is popular in some regions

Garlicky flavor: Add 1-2 minced garlic cloves for a touch of garlic flavor. Make sure to finely mince the garlic or use garlic powder or garlic-flavored oil to distribute the garlic flavor evenly throughout the dip.

Caraway Crunch: There are often caraway seeds in the traditional Hungarian cuisine. I didn’t use them as my kids don’t like them, but if you want them, include one teaspoon of ground caraway seeds in the dip.  They give its unique taste.

Chili Kick: If you enjoy some heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce or spicy ketchup to spice up the dip. 

Lemon Juice, powder, or Zest: For a refreshing citrus twist, grate some lemon zest or add a splash of lemon juice to make whipped feta dip with lemon and honey.

The main spice in this recipe is a sweet paprika powder

Serving suggestions

  • Serve with fresh bread, crispy crackers, rye bread, flatbread pizza, protein bread or vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, cucumber, or bell peppers. 
  • Use thus culinary speciality as a spread for sandwiches or wraps. I like it without additional fillings, but you can add grilled vegetables or roasted chicken too.
  • Create a vibrant vegetable platter by arranging fresh, sliced vegetables around a bowl. It makes for a healthy and colorful hungarian appetizer or party snack.
  • Toast slices of baguette or hemp bread then spread a generous amount of the Paprika Feta Dip on each piece. Top with diced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, or additional chopped chives.
  • It is perfect for dipping Greek chicken kebabs or grilled meats such as Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets or beef. It can be served as a dipping sauce or spread on the side.
Körözött or Liptauer?
Körözött

Körözött – Hungarian Cheese Spread Recipe

Vladka Merva
This creamy and delicious 5-minute paprika dip is a perfect fun appetizer to dip your chips or fresh veggies in. Made with cottage cheese, paprika, feta cheese, and red onion, this paprika feta dip is my favorite and easy to make. 
4.67 from 3 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Additional Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 15 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 175 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup Feta cheese
  • 1 cup Cottage cheese
  • 2 tbsp chive finely chopped, fresh
  • 1 tablespoon paprika Ground, sweet
  • 1 red onion medium, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • [mv_schema_meta name="Combine soft cheeses and paprika"]Combine the cottage cheese, crumbled feta cheese, sour cream, and sweet paprika in a small bowl.
  • [mv_schema_meta name="chop red onion and chive."]Finely chop red onion and fresh chives and stir everything together until all the ingredients are well combined. Keep some chives pieces on the side for decoration.
  • [mv_schema_meta name="Transfer and serve"]Transfer the paprika feta dip to a serving bowl or a jar and garnish with additional paprika and chives. 

Video

Notes

For later Use: Transfer it to an airtight container; you can keep it in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Make sure to give it a quick stir before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 175kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 381mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4g
Keyword Hungarian Cheese Spread Recipe, Körözött, paprika dip, paprika feta dip
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Vladka on June 25th, 2023

2 Comments on “Körözött – Hungarian Cheese Spread Recipe”

4.67 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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