Twaróg
(Tvarog, White Cheese, Bialy Ser, Ser Twarogowy, Biały Ser , Polish White Cheese)
Classified as fresh cheese, this skimmed milk cheese is one of Poland’s most famous products. This white cow cheese is often compared to curd, quark, or cottage cheese, but twaróg is a unique creation not found anywhere else in the world.
It is white in color, springy and lumpy in texture, and has a slightly tart flavor. Twaróg can be more or less sharp depending on how it is made, and three different skimming techniques result in the partially skimmed półtłusty, fully skimmed chudy, and full-fat tłusty.
Versions of twaróg have been eaten in Poland for centuries, and it is one of the rare authentic Polish products that is consumed across the entire country. Even though it can be eaten plain, merely spread on a piece of bread, it is most often added to other dishes, including some of Poland’s classics. Read more
One of the most common breakfasts in Poland is twarozek – a combination of twaróg, spices, chives, and finely chopped vegetables such as radishes, onions, or cucumbers – served with cold cuts and bread. Twaróg is also commonly used as a stuffing in the famous Polish pierogi, which can come in both savory and sweet versions.
Because of its neutral taste, it is often used in Polish desserts, most famously as a filling for the famous naleśniki crepes and as an ingredient in sernik, the Polish version of a cheesecake. Whether enjoyed sweet or savory, twaróg is a staple in any Polish household and a crucial element in traditional Polish cuisine.
