The basic version of this traditional Polish spread consists of fresh cottage cheese, yogurt, milk, and chives, while some varieties occasionally incorporate radish, onions, or hard-boiled eggs. The seasonings and the texture of gzik are easily adjusted to taste and preference, and even though it can be used as a dip or a sandwich spread, it is traditionally served alongside boiled potatoes.
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Called hackepeter or mett, this unusual German specialty consists of raw pork mince which is meant to be eaten as it is - fresh and raw. The raw meat is typically seasoned with salt and pepper, though it is usually enhanced with crushed caraway, marjoram, nutmeg, and garlic for added flavor.
When raw onions are added to the basic mett, the resulting concoction is called zwiebelmett, while the addition of onions and marjoram makes what is known as a thüringer mett. In Germany, seasoned raw pork mince is typically enjoyed slathered over bread rolls (mettbrötchen) or slices of bread, usually sprinkled with raw onion rings on top.
MOST ICONIC Mett
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Although it is sometimes confused with a steak due to its unusual name, filet Américain is a spread made with raw beef. This popular dish is a close cousin to the more famous steak tartare, but the difference is that filet Américain uses meat which has been minced in a meat grinder.
Only lean and premium beef cuts are used in this Belgian classic, and because the meat is served raw, it should be as fresh as possible. When the meat is ground, it is usually generously seasoned and enriched with onions, capers, mustard, mayonnaise, raw eggs, tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce, which also help in holding the spread together.
MOST ICONIC Filet Americain
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Originally from Mainz, meenzer spundekäs is a type of traditional cream cheese dip or spread. It typically consists of a mixture of cream cheese, quark, sour cream, finely chopped onions, and garlic, seasoned with sweet paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
The dip is usually topped with sliced onions and served with salty pretzels. It is typically paired with a glass of wine or a cold beer. Boiled potatoes and radishes can also accompany the dip, or they can be smeared on bread. Rich and creamy, this cheese dip is a staple at restaurants and wine taverns throughout the region.
This Bavarian cheese spread was originally invented to make use of ripened soft cheese. It consists of a creamy combination of butter, paprika, and typically Camembert and Brie, or optionally Romadur, Limburger, and sometimes even cottage cheese.
The spread is usually enriched with onions or shallots, caraway, or various herbs, while some versions may include beer, wine, or milk-based products. It is believed that obazda was popularized in the 1920s by Katharina Eisenreich, who served it at her Braustuberl pub in Freising.
Nowadays, the spread is a Bavarian staple that is served in numerous restaurants and pubs, usually alongside pretzels and various snacks.
MOST ICONIC Obazda
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Verhackert is an Austrian spread originating from the region of Styria. It is made with finely chopped speck that is combined with salt, minced garlic, and (not always) pumpkin seed oil, which is a true gem of Styria. This speck-filled spread can sometimes be bought in the form of sausages with a plastic casing, and more rarely in cans or jars.
It is recommended to serve verhackert with thick slices of bread.
MOST ICONIC Verhackert
Smalec is a traditional spread originating from Poland. The spread is based on rendered pork fat, onions, and spices. For centuries, it was a hearty and inexpensive meal for the working class, and over time it became a symbol of Polish hospitality.
Although there are many versions of the spread, it's usually made with a combination of pork fat, onions, diced apples, prunes, garlic, marjoram, salt, and pepper. The onions, apples, and prunes are fried in pork fat over low heat. The mixture is then enriched with minced garlic, marjoram, and seasonings.
Described as a simple, paprika-spiced cheese spread, liptauer is one of the classic dishes that usually consists of different type of fresh or cream cheeses, blended with ground paprika and a variety of fresh herbs and spices. Even though there has been a long dispute over the true origin of this classic Central European spread, its name certainly derives from the German term used for the Slovak Liptov region.
Due to its presence in traditional Hungarian and Austrian cuisine, it is believed to have been created during the period of Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. Today, it appears in numerous variations throughout many European countries, and it is usually enjoyed as a dip, a spread, or a creamy, spicy accompaniment to grilled meat.
MOST ICONIC Liptauer
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Pašteta od čvaraka is a Croatian spread made with pork rinds as main ingredients. The spread is a specialty of Slavonija and Baranja region, but in recent years, it has started to appear on the menus of restaurants throughout the country.
Although the recipe may vary from one cook to another, it is usually prepared with pork rinds, pickles, hard-boiled eggs, ground red paprika, salt, and pepper. The ingredients are blended, and the spread should then be chilled before consumption. Pašteta od čvaraka is traditionally served as an appetizer with toasted garlic-rubbed bread.
When eaten at home, it is often served with bread, bacon, and raw onions.
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Griebenschmalz is a traditional spread that consists of rendered pork fat (schmalz) and cracklings (grieben). The crunchiness of the pork cracklings perfectly complements the smooth and creamy texture of the lard, and the spread is often flavored with apples, onions, and spices such as marjoram, thyme, bay leaves, allspice, salt, and pepper.
Griebenschmalz is typically spread on a slice of sourdough or rye bread or atop a pretzel bun. It is often topped with caramelized onions and served with pickled gherkins and a glass of beer on the side. Usually associated with the region of Bavaria, this German specialty is commonly available in beer pubs, beer gardens, and numerous traditional restaurants in the country.
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