Cheese and Paprika Spread with Capers (Slovakian Liptauer)

Liptauer is a seriously addicting, paprika-infused cheese spread that is perfect for game day or a fancy appetizer party, and everything in between. The names comes from the Liptov region of Slovakia. There, this spread is traditionally made with bryndza, a soft, sheep's milk cheese. The soft cheese base is blended with butter, to create a creamy and fluffy spread. Seasonings, including a good amount of paprika, capers and minced onion, give the spread a smoky, salty,and slightly tangy flavour. While a soft farmer's cheese is most traditionally used when making authentic liptauer, farmer's cheese can be a bit hard to come by in North America. But, don't worry if you can't find some farmer's cheese. Goat cheese or cream cheese have become perfectly acceptable substitutes when making a liptauer cheese spread. Since liptauer is quite popular across multiple countries, it is no surprise that there are many variations on the spread.

8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 oz butter, softened
1 clove garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. onion, finely chopped
1 Tbsp. capers, chopped
1½ tsp. sweet paprika
1 tsp. caraway seeds, ground
1 tsp. prepared mustard
¼ tsp. sea salt

Combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and blend using an electric hand mixer, until everything is well mixed and the cheese is fluffy.

Refrigerate the spread in an airtight container for at least 1 hour before serving.

Liptauer is traditionally served on rye or pumpernickel bread, but we found it to be tasty when spread on any kind of bread or crackers.

Spread will last for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Makes 8 servings.

Cook's Notes: Your regular paprika is most likely a "sweet" paprika. But, if you happen to have some Hungarian sweet paprika standing by in your pantry, it will give this spread a touch of extra, authentic flavour.