Brettljause

Brettljause - Austrian National Food

A beloved meal from Austria, Brettljause is a rustic, filling snack platter ideal for a laid-back get-together or a comforting dinner. Usually presented as a cold meal with a variety of meats, cheeses, bread, pickles, and spreads, this is a classic portrayal of Austrian culinary history. Brettljause is a feast for the senses and the palate since the traditional wooden board (“Brettl”) on which the ingredients are presented defines its name.

Brettljause
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Brettljause

Recipe by Travel S HelperCourse: Appetizers, MainCuisine: AustrianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4-6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Calories

500

kcal

Typical Austrian snack platter, Brettljause is ideal for laid-back events or comforting dinners. This is a cold dish featuring bread, cheeses, meats, cheeses, pickles and spreads. The meal is named for the conventional wooden board upon which it is presented. Fresh vegetables (e.g., tomatoes, cucumber), mustard, horseradish, olives (optional), herbs (parsley or chives), and butter; cured meats (e.g., Speck, salami, or ham); cheeses (e.g., Tyrolean mountain cheese, Emmental); pickled vegetables (e.g., gherkins, pickled onions, sauerkraut); Arrange a large wooden board, thinly slice the cured meats, cut the cheeses, slice the bread, add pickled vegetables, and mix mustard, horseradish, butter, and herbs. For a real taste, present with a bottle of Austrian wine, beer, or fruit juice.

Ingredients

  • Assorted cured meats: 200g (e.g., Speck, salami, or ham)

  • Cheeses: 200g (e.g., Tyrolean mountain cheese, Emmental, or a strong local cheese)

  • Bread: 1 baguette or a rustic loaf (crusty and sliced)

  • Pickled vegetables: 100g (e.g., gherkins, pickled onions, or sauerkraut)

  • Fresh vegetables: 1-2 tomatoes, 1 cucumber (sliced)

  • Spreads: 2 tbsp mustard, 2 tbsp horseradish

  • Olives: 100g (optional)

  • Herbs: A handful of fresh parsley or chives for garnish

  • Butter: 2 tbsp (optional)

Directions

  • Prepare the Board: Start by arranging a large wooden board (or platter). This is the centerpiece of your Brettljause.
  • Assemble the Meats: Thinly slice the cured meats of your choice. You can add different textures and flavors by mixing Speck (smoked ham), salami, and other regional favorites. Place them on the board in an organized, fan-like arrangement.
  • Cheese Placement: Cut the cheeses into small blocks or wedges. The rich, creamy varieties like Tyrolean mountain cheese or sharp cheeses like Emmental are ideal. Scatter them alongside the meats.
  • Prepare the Bread: Slice the crusty bread or baguette into thick, bite-sized slices. Arrange the slices around the meats and cheeses so guests can easily reach for them.
  • Add Fresh and Pickled Vegetables: Slice tomatoes, cucumbers, and arrange them on the board. Add small bowls or scattered pickled gherkins, onions, or sauerkraut to balance the richness of the meats and cheeses.
  • Include Spreads and Garnishes: Place small bowls of mustard and horseradish on the platter for an extra zing. If you like, add butter on the side for spreading on the bread. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.
  • Serve: Serve the Brettljause immediately with a nice bottle of Austrian wine, beer, or fruit juice for the authentic experience.

Notes

  • Customization: This dish is highly customizable based on personal preference and regional variations. You can swap different meats or cheeses depending on availability or taste.
  • Serving Tip: The dish is traditionally enjoyed with friends and family, often in a relaxed, informal setting. Don’t be afraid to mix different types of bread, spreads, and veggies.
  • Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, simply replace the meats with more cheese, olives, and hearty roasted vegetables.
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