Obatzda

thumb|Obatzda in a Paulaner Brewery|Paulaner pub

Obatzda (also spelt Obazda, Obatza, and Obatzter) is a Bavarian cheese spread. It is prepared by mixing two parts aged soft cheese, usually Camembert (Romadur or similar cheeses may be used as well), and one part butter. Sweet or hot paprika powder, salt and black pepper are the traditional seasonings, as well as a small amount of beer. An optional amount of onions, garlic, horseradish, cloves and ground or roasted caraway seeds may be used and some cream or cream cheese as well. The cheeses and spices are mixed together into a more or less smooth mass according to taste. It is usually eaten spread on bread or pretzels. Obatzda is a classic example of Bavarian biergarten food.