Liptauer

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A serving of Liptauer

Liptauer or Liptov cheese is a Slovak dish of spiced, white cheese made from a mixture of sheep's and cow's milk. This type of cheese is called Brindza which is similar to feta cheese. It has a soft, milky flavor.

The cheese has very little flavor, so it is commonly seasoned with herbs, garlic, onions and paprika (which turns it red). Other frequently used flavorings include anchovies, capers and mustard.

Also used in Hungarian cuisine and Austrian cuisine. The original name for "Liptauer" in Slovak language is "Šmirkáš" /schmirkasch/. Name "Liptauer" is derived from the German word for the region of Liptov in Slovakia (Liptau in German, before 1918 part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire). In Austria, it is a typical snack served at a Heuriger. In Hungary it is called körözött or Liptai Túró. In the province of Trieste in Italy, the cheese is also known as Spuma di formaggio all'ungherese (English: Cheese mousse in the Hungarian style).^[1]

Liptauer is made from bryndza (brimsen),^{[citation needed]} a Slovak salty cheese made from sheep's milk (Topfen/Quark is sometimes used as a substitute). The cheese is sieved and mixed with an equal quantity of softened, beaten butter. Salt, pepper, paprika, caraway, capers, mustard and chives (all finely chopped) are added, and this is mixed to form a cream. Some recipes also include chopped onion. Liptauer may be spread on bread or used as a dip.