Austria By Food Enthusiasts · 5 min read

National Dish Austria: Mostviertler Schofkas (Recipe)

Sliced Mostviertler Schofkas sheep's cheese on toasted farmhouse bread with herbs

In this article

Say hello to Mostviertler Schofkas, a hearty artisan sheep’s cheese from the rolling orchard country of Lower Austria. With its savoury bite and wonderfully creamy texture, it is a true mouthful of regional craftsmanship. Whether laid out on a rustic board or simply piled onto warm, toasted bread, this cheese turns a simple snack into a small celebration. Here is everything you need to enjoy it the way the Mostviertel does.

About Mostviertler Schofkas

Mostviertler Schofkas is a real treat, made in the Austrian region of the same name. It counts among the country’s traditional cheeses and wins people over with its savoury seasoning and creamy texture. Produced from sheep’s milk, it represents the handcrafted cheese culture of the Mostviertel. Above all, it is the combination of artisan production and the quality of the raw ingredients that makes Schofkas such a special pleasure, much like other proud regional specialities found across Austrian cuisine.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

200 g Mostviertler Schofkas
1 baguette or farmhouse bread
1–2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh herbs (e.g. thyme or rosemary)
A squeeze of lemon juice
Fresh vegetables to serve (e.g. tomatoes, peppers)

Shopping for the ingredients

To find the very best ingredients for your spread, it is worth buying from a shop you trust. Mostviertler Schofkas is available from many specialist cheesemongers and at regional farmers’ markets. Look out for cheese made from fresh sheep’s milk, as this has a decisive influence on its quality. You can also find similar, high-quality ingredients in organic shops to bring the freshness your dish deserves.

Preparing the dish

Preparing a plate of Mostviertler Schofkas is wonderfully simple and takes just a few steps. First, take the cheese out of the fridge and let it stand at room temperature for around 15 minutes so the aroma can fully develop. In the meantime, slice the bread and prepare the vegetables. This may shorten the active preparation time, but it makes for a far better tasting experience.

Step-by-step instructions

Slice the baguette or farmhouse bread and lightly toast it.
Arrange the toasted bread slices on a plate.
Cut the Mostviertler Schofkas into thin slices and distribute them evenly over the bread.
Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs.
Arrange the fresh vegetables alongside as a side and serve.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

For a gluten-free or lactose-free version, you can use gluten-free bread in place of the baguette. Many organic shops now offer tasty alternatives. The Mostviertler Schofkas itself stays the same, as it is naturally low in lactose, though it is still worth reading the labels carefully. Among lactose-free breads you will often find exactly the right ingredients for completely carefree enjoyment.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

For vegans who cannot enjoy Mostviertler Schofkas, there are plant-based cheese alternatives made from nuts or soya. Many of these products are now just as aromatic and offer a similar tasting experience. Be sure always to use fresh ingredients and to combine them well. Adding herbs also boosts the depth of flavour and helps you achieve a lovely result.

More tips and tricks

To get the very most out of your Mostviertler Schofkas, think about adding other flavours. Fine chutneys, for instance, are a brilliant match and complement the bold cheese aromas in a harmonious way. Special spice blends can broaden the experience too. Of course, any pairing should always suit the cheese, so the whole spread stays balanced and coherent.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

You can easily tailor the basic Schofkas recipe to your own preferences. Perhaps you fancy a crispier version with a particular spice blend, or you would rather grill the bread. The vegetables, too, can be chosen entirely to your liking, depending on the season and what is available. Let your creativity run free and experiment with different combinations.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have certain ingredients to hand, there are plenty of alternatives. Instead of olive oil, you could use walnut oil or avocado oil to create a new flavour. Capable cheeses that substitute very well are also an option for working Mostviertler Schofkas into the dish, as long as you bear the different aromas in mind — a good sheep’s cheese with pumpkin seed oil makes an excellent stand-in. Dried herbs work nicely in place of fresh ones too, provided you use them in moderation.

Drink pairing ideas

A range of drinks goes wonderfully with a savoury cheese such as Mostviertler Schofkas. An Austrian white wine is an outstanding choice, as the balance of acidity and fruit lifts the flavour beautifully. A delicate cider often harmonises very well with the creamy consistency of the cheese, too. For an alcohol-free option, a fresh herbal tea underscores the aromas of this cheese variety nicely.

Serving and presentation ideas

To present Mostviertler Schofkas attractively to your guests, lay it out on a rustic wooden board. A colourful selection of fresh vegetables brings not only colour but also freshness to the table. Offer a few different cheese knives so guests can help themselves. Accompanying dips and spreads in small bowls create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, much like a classic Austrian Brettljause.

A bit of history

Mostviertler Schofkas has its roots in the old tradition of Alpine pasture farming in Austria. This region is known for its sheep husbandry, which offers perfect conditions for producing high-quality cheese. Over the centuries, the art of cheesemaking developed steadily, with many recipes and techniques passed down from generation to generation. Today, the making of Schofkas combines traditional craftsmanship with modern influences to create a unique cheese that truly represents the region.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Mostviertler Schofkas

Mostviertler Schofkas is far more than just a cheese; it stands for tradition and for the enthusiasm of the cheesemaking craft in Austria. With its unique texture and full-bodied flavour, it can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether as part of a hearty dish or simply on its own with fresh bread, this cheese brings a piece of home to the table. Give it a try and let yourself be charmed by the sheer versatility of Schofkas!