Traditional Lithuanian Breakfast: Farmer’s Cheese with Sour Cream and Sugar

Looking for a simple, wholesome, and authentic breakfast? Discover the charm of a traditional Lithuanian breakfast featuring one of the country’s most beloved dishes: farmer's cheese with sour cream and sugar. This comforting morning meal is creamy, lightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying — a true staple of Lithuanian kitchens for generations. Whether you're reconnecting with your roots or just curious about Eastern European cuisine, this dish brings rustic simplicity and heartwarming flavor to your breakfast table 🧀🍞☀️

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What Do Lithuanians Eat for Breakfast?

In Lithuania, breakfast isn’t just a quick grab-and-go affair — it’s often a hearty and nourishing start to the day. Dairy plays a starring role, especially farmer’s cheese (known as varškė), which features in both savory and sweet variations. You’ll often find:

• 🥚 Omelettes or pancakes on special occasions
• 🥖 Dark rye bread topped with cheese, meats, or spreads
• 🐟 Even cold fish or leftovers from dinner – Lithuanians aren’t picky when it comes to breakfast!

But when it comes to comfort and tradition, nothing quite beats a generous serving of farmer’s cheese with sour cream and sugar, served with a slice of fresh buttered rye bread or even a spoonful of jam 🍓.

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What Is Lithuanian Farmer’s Cheese?

Lithuanian farmer’s cheese (varškė) is a lightly tangy, crumbly curd cheese that closely resembles quark. It’s rich in protein, slightly dry in texture, and incredibly versatile. You’ll find it used in everything from:

• 🥐 Pastries like grietiniečiai (sour cream buns)
• 🍰 Cheesecakes and sweet rolls
• 🧆 Savory spreads and dumpling fillings

Farmer’s cheese is also popular across Eastern Europe: in Poland it’s called twaróg, and in Russia, tvorog. In Lithuania, you’ll find three common varieties:

• Extra light (0.5–1% fat)
• Half-fat (around 9%)
• Full-fat (around 18%)

👉 For the most authentic flavor and best texture, go for a half-fat or full-fat version.

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Ingredients for Lithuanian Farmer’s Cheese Breakfast

You only need three ingredients to make this simple, comforting dish. Here's what to gather:

🧀 Farmer’s Cheese

• Ideally Lithuanian-style (varškė)
• If unavailable, substitute with twaróg or quark
• Use half-fat or full-fat for best flavor and creaminess

🥣 Sour Cream or Crème Fraîche

• Go for full-fat to keep things rich and indulgent
• Crème fraîche offers a milder tang if preferred

🍚 Granulated Sugar

• Classic white sugar or caster sugar (superfine)
• Adjust the sweetness to your taste

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How to Make Farmer’s Cheese with Sour Cream

This Lithuanian breakfast recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Ready in under 5 minutes!

📝 Ingredients:

• 150 g (¾ cup) farmer’s cheese, fluffed with a fork
• 80 g (4 tbsp) sour cream or crème fraîche
• 2 tsp granulated or caster sugar

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Break up the cheese:
   Place the farmer’s cheese in a shallow bowl or plate. Use a fork or spoon to break it apart and fluff it up.
2. Add the sour cream:
   Spoon sour cream generously over the cheese.
3. Sprinkle sugar:
   Scatter sugar evenly across the top. You can either leave the layers as they are or mix everything together – it’ll taste like a sweet, creamy cottage cheese dessert!
4. Serve:
   Enjoy with a slice of buttered black rye bread, or toast. Add a dollop of jam (strawberry, raspberry, or traditional lingonberry) for an extra treat! 🍓🍞

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How to Serve Lithuanian Farmer’s Cheese Breakfast

Traditionally, this dish is eaten just as described – cheese, cream, and sugar, with a side of bread. Optional additions:

• Lingonberry, strawberry, or raspberry jam
• A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
• Fresh berries or seasonal fruit
• Toasted nuts for crunch

It's rustic, flexible, and full of possibilities!

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FAQs About Farmer’s Cheese & Sour Cream Breakfast

🧠 Is Farmer’s Cheese Healthy?

Yes! It’s rich in protein and calcium, and lower in fat compared to many other cheeses – especially if you use the light version. Combined with sour cream, it becomes a balanced and satisfying breakfast.

🕒 Can I Make This Breakfast in Advance?

Absolutely! In fact, many Lithuanians prepare it the night before. The sugar slightly dissolves into the sour cream overnight, turning it a pale golden yellow – that’s totally normal and actually enhances the flavor!

🛒 Where Can I Find Farmer’s Cheese?

Check Eastern European grocery stores or specialty markets. Look for it in the refrigerated section, often packaged in white cylindrical blocks or tubs.

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Final Thoughts 🇱🇹

This Lithuanian Farmer’s Cheese and Sour Cream Breakfast is more than just a recipe – it’s a taste of tradition, a nostalgic hug from home, and a beautiful example of how simple ingredients can create a soul-satisfying meal. Whether you're starting your day the Lithuanian way or just trying something new, this dish is sure to become a cozy favorite.