Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup quark cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped dill
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped red onions
- 1/4 cup chopped white onions
- 1/4 cup chopped shallots
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer
- Skillet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and quark cheese. Mix until smooth.
2. Add chives, parsley, dill, green onions, red onions, white onions, shallots, salt, and black pepper to the mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
4. Add brown sugar to the skillet and stir until it dissolves.
5. Add all the chopped onions and shallots to the skillet. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and soft.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
7. Add the caramelized onions to the mixing bowl with the cheese mixture. Mix until well combined.
8. Transfer the Spundekäs to a serving dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Room temperature for mixing the cheese mixture
- Medium heat for caramelizing onions
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Quark cheese can be substituted with ricotta cheese
- Chives, parsley, and dill can be substituted with any herbs of your choice
- Olive oil can be substituted with any vegetable oil
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup
Variations:
- Add chopped bacon or ham to the Spundekäs for a meatier version
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a more flavorful version
- Add a splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar for a tangier version
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps
- Use a hand mixer to make the cheese mixture smooth and creamy
- Caramelize the onions slowly over medium heat to avoid burning them
- Chill the Spundekäs for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover Spundekäs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheating instructions:
- Spundekäs is best served cold, but if you prefer it warm, microwave it for 30 seconds or until heated through
Presentation ideas:
- Serve Spundekäs with crackers, bread, or vegetables for dipping
- Garnish with chopped herbs or a drizzle of olive oil
Pairings:
- Serve Spundekäs with a glass of Riesling or a cold beer
Suggested side dishes:
- German potato salad
- Pretzels
- Sausages
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out
- If the onions are burning, lower the heat and add a splash of water to the skillet
Food safety advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and properly stored
- Wash your hands and all utensils before and after handling food
Food history:
- Spundekäs is a traditional German cheese spread made with quark cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream. It is typically served with bread or crackers as an appetizer or snack.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, tangy, and savory with a hint of sweetness from the caramelized onions
Serving suggestions:
- Serve Spundekäs as an appetizer or snack at a party or gathering
- Pack it in a lunchbox with crackers or vegetables for a tasty and filling snack
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Region: German