Austria By Food Enthusiasts · 6 min read

National Dish Austria: Sheep's Cheese Spread (Recipe)

Creamy sheep's cheese spread in a bowl topped with fresh herbs and olive oil

In this article

Meet sheep’s cheese spread, a creamy little classic that brings a touch of Mediterranean sunshine to the Austrian table. Tangy sheep’s cheese is whipped together with fragrant herbs and a generous swirl of olive oil to make a spread that is as wholesome as it is moreish. Pile it onto crusty bread or crispbread, set it out as part of a buffet, or simply enjoy it for breakfast — it is the kind of effortless dish that disappears in minutes.

About Sheep’s Cheese Spread

Sheep’s cheese spread is a distinctive dish from the Austrian kitchen that wins people over with both its flavour and its easy preparation. It marries the creamy texture of sheep’s cheese with fresh herbs and a hint of olive oil, lending it a Mediterranean flair. That combination makes the spread not only delicious but also wholesome and nourishing. Whether on a slice of bread, on crispbread or as part of a spread, the sheep’s cheese spread becomes the highlight of any buffet or breakfast.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

200 g sheep’s cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1–2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives)
1 clove of garlic (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Shopping for the ingredients

The ingredients for sheep’s cheese spread are easy to find in most supermarkets or at a weekly farmers’ market. Take care to choose a good-quality sheep’s cheese that is as fresh as possible. If you can lay your hands on organic fresh herbs, they will lift the flavour of the spread considerably. When buying olive oil, opt for extra virgin — it is not only better for you but also offers richer, rounder aromas.

Preparing the dish

Getting the most out of your sheep’s cheese spread comes down to a little careful preparation. Begin by washing the fresh herbs thoroughly and patting them dry to release their aromas. If you decide to include garlic, prepare it by peeling and roughly chopping the clove. It is also a good idea to gather all your ingredients in one bowl beforehand, as this makes the whole process run far more smoothly.

Step-by-step instructions

Cut the sheep’s cheese into smaller pieces so it is easier to work with.
Place the sheep’s cheese in a bowl and add the olive oil.
Add the chopped herbs and the optional garlic.
Using a fork or a hand blender, mix everything well until you reach a creamy consistency.
Season the spread with salt and pepper and stir once more until thoroughly combined.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

Sheep’s cheese spread is naturally gluten-free, which makes it ideal for anyone with an intolerance. Just make sure any extra ingredients you add are gluten-free too. If you choose gluten-free bread or crispbread, you can treat yourself to a delicious and healthy meal. On this note, it is also worth trying a vegan or lactose-free cheese to create a slightly different version of the spread.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

For vegans, the classic sheep’s cheese spread can be a little tricky. A great alternative is to use vegan sheep’s cheese or avocado as the base. These ingredients produce a similarly creamy texture and offer plenty of flavour that harmonises beautifully with the herbs. For vegetarians, the spread remains an excellent choice, as long as the cheese you use comes from a vegetarian-friendly source.

More tips and tricks

To make your sheep’s cheese spread even more interesting, fold in some diced peppers or olives. These additions bring not only colour but also new dimensions of flavour. It is also worth letting the spread rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving, so the aromas have time to develop properly. Serve it alongside a selection of fresh vegetables or crackers for a healthy snack — much like the lighter bites you might find next to a Brettljause.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

Sheep’s cheese spread is wonderfully versatile and easy to tailor to personal preference. You can use different herbs depending on what you fancy or what happens to be in season. The seasonings can be varied just as freely; experimenting with chilli or smoked salt can give the spread an exciting new edge. Bear in mind, too, that the amount of olive oil you use influences the flavour — so you can adjust the consistency of the spread exactly to your liking.

Ingredient substitutions

If one of the ingredients in your sheep’s cheese spread is not to your taste or simply unavailable, there is always an alternative. Instead of garlic, you could reach for onion powder or chives to bring a different note. Beyond that, another vegetable oil can stand in for the olive oil, and even the sheep’s cheese could be swapped for cottage cheese to achieve a different consistency. Experiment with ingredients that agree with you and that you enjoy! For a richer, cooked take on sheep’s cheese, you might also try Sheep’s Cheese with Pumpkin Seed Oil.

Drink pairing ideas

Plenty of drinks pair wonderfully with a nicely arranged sheep’s cheese spread. A fresh, dry white wine from Austria, such as a Grüner Veltliner, is an ideal match for the spread. A well-chilled sparkling mineral water or a bittersweet iced tea also makes for a refreshing companion. And if you prefer it with a robust beer or a zesty lemonade, the tangy aromas of the spread offer a lovely contrast.

Serving and presentation ideas

A beautiful presentation can heighten the enjoyment of the sheep’s cheese spread considerably. Use pretty bowls or platters to serve the spread, and garnish it with fresh herbs or a pinch of paprika. You can also arrange different kinds of bread and vegetable sticks alongside, creating a colourful and inviting spread. A decorative serving platter with the spread in the centre and the accompaniments arranged in a ring around it looks superb and is sure to spark your guests’ curiosity.

A bit of history

The story of sheep’s cheese spread is closely tied to the alpine culture in which sheep’s cheese plays such an important role. Traditionally, sheep were kept in mountain regions, which led to the production of sheep’s cheese — a food that is both nourishing and long-keeping. Pairing it with herbs reflects the natural surroundings in which those plants grow. Over the centuries, the preparation grew into a popular dish, often relied upon as a homely remedy for a sudden craving — much like other hearty staples of Austrian cuisine.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Sheep’s Cheese Spread

In short, sheep’s cheese spread is a wonderful speciality of the Austrian kitchen that delights with its simple yet refined flavours. It is nourishing, versatile and easily tailored to personal taste. Whether as part of a buffet or as a small snack, the spread stands for pleasure and good health. With the right presentation and a few clever tips, it becomes a genuine taste experience that you and your guests will love.