Austria By Food Enthusiasts · 5 min read

National Dish Austria: Bacon-Wrapped Sheep's Cheese (Recipe)

Golden, pan-fried bacon-wrapped sheep's cheese parcels garnished with fresh herbs

In this article

Few nibbles capture the warmth of an Austrian table quite like Bacon-Wrapped Sheep’s Cheese. Creamy, tangy cheese is bundled in slices of aromatic bacon, then fried until the wrapping turns gloriously crisp and golden. The contrast of soft, melting centre and crackling outside makes it a firm favourite at family gatherings and relaxed evenings alike. Quick to put together and endlessly moreish, it brings a little slice of the Alps straight to your kitchen.

About Bacon-Wrapped Sheep’s Cheese

Bacon-Wrapped Sheep’s Cheese is a much-loved speciality of Austrian cuisine. It pairs the creamy flavour of good-quality sheep’s cheese with the crisp texture of aromatic bacon, and that harmonious combination makes it equally at home as a starter or as a hearty snack. Whether at a family celebration or a sociable evening with friends, this dish never fails to win over everyone at the table.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

200 g sheep’s cheese
100 g bacon (e.g. streaky or round-cut bacon)
Olive oil, for the pan
Pepper, to taste
Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

Shopping for the ingredients

When shopping for Bacon-Wrapped Sheep’s Cheese, it pays to focus on the quality of your ingredients. Choose fresh sheep’s cheese, ideally from a local producer or farm shop, to get the very best flavour. The bacon should likewise be fresh and not cut too thickly, so that it wraps neatly around the cheese. A thoughtful selection of seasonings and fresh herbs will round everything off perfectly. The same care for good dairy shines in the regional Sheep’s Cheese with Pumpkin Seed Oil.

Preparing the dish

Preparing Bacon-Wrapped Sheep’s Cheese is straightforward and takes only a few steps. Start by cutting the sheep’s cheese into even pieces so they are pleasant to eat. If you are using fresh herbs, chop them roughly and work them into the cheese for an extra layer of aroma. Next, lay the bacon out on a clean work surface so you can wrap the cheese in it quickly and easily.

Step-by-step instructions

Cut the sheep’s cheese into even pieces.
Separate the bacon slices and lay them out, overlapping slightly.
Wrap the cheese pieces in the bacon, pressing firmly to seal.
Heat a little olive oil in a pan and fry the wrapped parcels until golden brown.
Season to taste with pepper and fresh herbs.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

A gluten-free and lactose-free version of Bacon-Wrapped Sheep’s Cheese is relatively simple to achieve. Sheep’s cheese is often made from pure sheep’s milk and is therefore naturally lactose-free, or contains only very small amounts of lactose. Just take care that the bacon you use contains no gluten-bearing additives. Prepared this way, the dish can be enjoyed by anyone who needs to keep an eye on particular food intolerances.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

Vegans and vegetarians can swap the bacon for a plant-based alternative to recreate the dish. Smoked tempeh or grilled aubergine, for example, works beautifully as a wrapping around the cheese. You can also use a nut-based vegan sheep’s cheese to capture the same creamy texture. With these substitutions, plant-based eaters can enjoy this classic recipe too.

More tips and tricks

A few tips and tricks will help your Bacon-Wrapped Sheep’s Cheese turn out perfectly. Lightly frying the bacon before wrapping intensifies its flavour and makes it crisper. A pinch of smoked paprika can lend the dish an extra dimension of taste. Keep the cheese pieces on the smaller side, too, so they cook evenly and the bacon crisps up nicely.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

This recipe is easy to tailor to different tastes and preferences. Experiment with various cheeses to suit your palate — feta, for instance, brings a pleasantly salty note. The choice of seasonings can vary as well, so you might refine the cheese with hot chilli flakes or fragrant herbs. That flexibility makes the dish a welcome option for all sorts of culinary leanings. For a different cheesy bite, try a crisp Baked Camembert.

Ingredient substitutions

If some ingredients are not to hand, there are alternatives that keep the dish every bit as delicious. Instead of bacon you can use thin slices of Serrano ham or even pancetta. For the cheese, other good-quality options such as brie or camembert offer a similarly creamy consistency. Substitutions like these add variety and exciting new flavours while staying true to the original recipe.

Drink pairing ideas

To round off the experience of Bacon-Wrapped Sheep’s Cheese, choosing the right drink is key. A glass of Austrian white wine or a light regional red harmonises perfectly with the savoury flavours of the dish. A fresh apple must or a sparkling cider also makes a lovely match. These drinks complement the bacon and cheese beautifully and help make your evening a memorable one.

Serving and presentation ideas

Presentation can play a decisive role in how a dish is received. Serve the Bacon-Wrapped Sheep’s Cheese on an elegant wooden board, garnished with fresh herbs and a lightly fruity sauce for an appetising contrast — much in the spirit of a generous Austrian Brettljause platter. Colourful vegetables on the side help lift the look of the dish, and arranging the portions evenly leaves an inviting overall impression.

A bit of history

The tradition of Bacon-Wrapped Sheep’s Cheese has its roots in the rural heart of Austrian gastronomy. Sheep’s cheese, an important staple in many alpine regions, has been made by families for centuries. Bacon — once a way of preserving meat — complements the cheese perfectly and offers a hearty, well-balanced combination. The popularity of this dish reflects the Austrians’ fond relationship with regional ingredients and speaks to the variety of Austrian cuisine.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Bacon-Wrapped Sheep’s Cheese

In short, Bacon-Wrapped Sheep’s Cheese is an outstanding example of hearty, flavourful Austrian cooking. Made with quality ingredients, it is simple to prepare and shines both as an appetiser and as a savoury snack. It marries the bounty of the countryside with the cooking traditions of the region, and it is an invitation to savour the delicious flavours of fine produce. Let this recipe inspire you and conjure up a little piece of Austria on your own table.