Maria’s Authentic Hungarian Cheese Spread
Ever since I said “I do,” this simple yet complex savory spread has been a staple during the holidays. The recipe, passed down from my husband’s grandmother Maria in Budapest, was shared with her daughter-in-law (my mother-in-law), who kindly passed it along to me.
With just a short list of ingredients and easy preparation, it delivers an explosion of color and layered flavors. The flavor of this spread is incredibly complex, both sweet and savory, smooth and creamy with the crunchy little caraway seeds provide a wonderful textural contrast.
The possibilities for this spread are endless. It’s a bright, happy addition to any charcuterie board, a delicious base for avocado toast, and the perfect complement to a sandwich, baguette, or bagel topped with smoked salmon and capers.
Background of Hungarian Cheese Spread
Hungarian Cheese Spread or “Körözött” is more than just a cheese spread—it’s a piece of Hungarian culinary history. This traditional dish has its roots in Hungary’s rural past, where it was a practical and delicious way to use fresh, local ingredients. This recipe is made with a combination of cream cheese and butter as the base but it was historically made with túró, a soft, farmer’s cheese that’s been made in Hungary for centuries. Over the years, it was combined with paprika (a spice deeply embedded in Hungarian culture), onions, and other seasonings to create a spread that’s both rich in flavor and vibrant in color. It was often enjoyed by farmers and rural families as a simple but satisfying meal, especially during colder months when hearty foods were needed. Today, körözött remains a beloved part of Hungarian gatherings, served at family dinners, holidays, or just as a quick snack with bread or crackers. It’s easy to see why this simple but scrumptious spread has stood the test of time and is such a beloved staple.
The Hungarian Collection
It’s hard to describe just how meaningful it was to discover a file folder overflowing with family recipes—typed and handwritten in Hungarian by my husband’s grandmother, Maria. He knew her well into his early teens when she lived in Montreal, but there’s so much about her life in Budapest that still remains a mystery. Finding these recipes felt like connecting with a part of her story we never really knew.
Interested in more Hungarian recipes?
Click on the link to learn more about my journey to translate and bring back to life dozens of rediscovered heirloom recipes. I am so excited to discover and share them with you.
Ingredients
- UNSALTED BUTTER (SOFTENED)
- CREAM CHEESE (SOFTENED)
- ANCHOVY PASTE (Can be found in most grocery stores near tuna fish)
- YELLOW MUSTARD
- MINCED SHALLOTS
- CARAWAY SEEDS
- SWEET HUNGARIAN PAPRIKA
NOTE: The quality of paprika is EVERYTHING! It’s the star of the show so you gotta get the real deal! Paprika from the grocery store won’t pack the same punch – both from a flavor or color perspective. I adore Penzy’s spices but tried this one and thought it was delicious.
Hungarian Cheese Spread Preparation
- Add softened butter and cream cheese to a large plate. Add sweet Hungarian paprika, anchovy paste, yellow mustard and minced shallots.
- Using a spoon or a fork, mix and mash the ingredients together until they become cohesive and a solid vibrant orange sunset color.
- Sprinkle the caraway seeds on top of the mixture and stir to incorporate.
Storing Hungarian Cheese Spread
Once it is mixed together, transfer to a ramekin or small bowl and sprinkle some caraway seeds on top. Cover it in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.
Or, if you aren’t going to use it right away, you can put it in an airtight container until ready to use. It will last for a week to 10 days in a refrigerated airtight container.
Enjoy!
I hope you enjoy this delicious Hungarian recipe as much as my family does! If you try it and like THANK YOU for rating it and leaving a comment!
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Maria’s Authentic Hungarian Cheese Spread
This versatile and scrumptious spread provides and explosion of color and flavor and is quick and simple to prepare. It is a happy addition to any charcuterie board and a wonderful base spread for sandwiches or avocado toast.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. package of cream cheese (softened)
- 1 stick of unsalted butter
- 2 inches of anchovy paste
- 2 TBSP of minced onions or shallots
- 1 rounded TBSP of Hungarian Sweet red paprika (*see notes for recommended brands).
- 2 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp of caraway seeds (plus a little to optionally sprinkle on top).
Instructions
- Mince the shallots very finely and set aside.
- On a large plate and with a fork, spoon or spatula mix the softened butter and cream cheese until they are incorporated and cohesive.
- Add sweet paprika, mustard, shallots, and anchovy paste. Mix completely until the color is consistently bright orange with no streaks of yellow or white.
- Add caraway seeds and mix until incorporated.
- Using a spatula, scoop all of the spread into a small ramekin or serving bowl.
- Optionally sprinkle with caraway seeds.
- Cover with plastic wrap (or store in an airtight container) and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Pull spread out about 10-15 minutes before serving.
I know this spread well, my mom made it all the time. The name of this is Kőrőzőtt in Hungarian. I had forgotten about it and how delicious it is until now. Thank you for bringing it back to me.
Oh how wonderful! Thank you for sharing that, Eva and telling me the Hungarian name for it. I’ll add that to the post. Does it seem like the same recipe your mom made – with caraway seeds? I love it as a sandwich spread or on avocado toast.