Grilled Oštiepok with Cranberry Sauce – A Traditional Slovak Delight
A simple yet delicious Slovak appetizer featuring grilled sheep cheese and tangy cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 whole Oštiepok cheese (or smoked sheep’s cheese alternative)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup water
- A pinch of salt
- Fresh bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese: If using a whole Oštiepok, slice it into thick rounds (about 1-inch thick) to ensure even grilling.
- Heat the grill or pan: Preheat your grill or non-stick pan over medium heat and brush it lightly with olive oil or melted butter.
- Grill the cheese: Place the cheese slices on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown with a crispy crust. Avoid overcooking to keep the inside gooey.
- Make the cranberry sauce: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, honey (or sugar), water, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries break down and the sauce thickens (about 10 minutes).
- Assemble and serve: Place the grilled Oštiepok on a serving plate, drizzle with warm cranberry sauce, and serve with fresh bread.
Notes
Grilled Oštiepok with Cranberry Sauce – A Traditional Slovak Delight
Oštiepok is one of Slovakia's most iconic cheeses, recognized as a national culinary treasure. This semi-hard, smoked sheep’s milk cheese is loved for its rich, slightly salty flavor and distinctive oval shape, traditionally crafted using carved wooden molds. When grilled, Oštiepok develops a crispy golden crust on the outside while turning irresistibly soft and gooey inside, making it a true delicacy.
Enjoy! 🍷🌟
This dish is perfect for cozy evenings, festive gatherings, or simply treating yourself to an authentic taste of Slovakia.
More Slovak recipes
A Cheese with Deep Slovak Roots 🌏🇸🇰
Oštiepok has been a staple in Slovak shepherding culture for centuries. Traditionally, it is made by:- Pressing fresh sheep’s cheese into a decorative wooden mold to create its signature patterns.
- Brining the cheese in salted water to enhance its flavor and firmness.
- Smoking the cheese to develop its golden-brown exterior and rich smoky aroma.
How is Grilled Oštiepok Served?
Once grilled, Oštiepok forms a crispy crust while keeping a creamy, melted interior, offering the perfect balance of textures. It is typically served:- With fresh bread – perfect for scooping up its cheesy goodness.
- Topped with cranberry sauce (brusnicová omáčka) – adding a sweet-tart contrast to the smoky, salty cheese.
- As an appetizer or main dish – ideal for cheese lovers looking for a rich and flavorful experience.
