Contents
This traditional Lithuanian farmer’s cheese dip (Varškės Užtepėlė) is creamy, tangy, and bursting with garlic and dill flavor. Made with fresh farmer’s cheese, sour cream, and herbs, it's perfect as a dip with veggies or spread on rye bread. Quick, healthy, and full of rustic Eastern European charm!
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or spoon for mashing
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board (for garlic and herbs)
Ingredients
- 100 g (3.5 oz) farmer’s cheese (Varškė or Twaróg)
- 100 g (½ cup) sour cream, crème fraîche, or Greek yogurt
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¾ tsp dried dill (or 1.5 tsp fresh dill, finely chopped)
- 1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
Instructions
- Place the farmer’s cheese in a medium bowl and mash with a fork into a rough paste.
- Add the sour cream, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve as a dip with vegetables or as a spread on bread. Garnish with olive oil and extra dill or chives, if desired.
Notes
Looking for a creamy, tangy, and ultra-satisfying dip or spread that’s packed with Eastern European flavor? Meet your new favorite snack: Lithuanian Farmer’s Cheese Dip! 🇱🇹
This delightful spread is made with rich farmer’s cheese, smooth sour cream, aromatic garlic, and fresh dill. Whether you're scooping it with crisp veggie sticks 🥕 or spreading it on hearty rye bread 🍞, this traditional dish is a must-try!
🧀 What Is Farmer’s Cheese?
Farmer’s cheese — known as "Varškė" in Lithuanian and "Twaróg" in Polish — is a fresh, unripened cheese made by curdling milk with an acid like lemon juice or vinegar. The result is a creamy, crumbly, slightly tangy cheese that’s as versatile as it is delicious.💡 Quick Homemade Farmer’s Cheese Tip:
Heat whole milk, stir in lemon juice, and strain through a cheesecloth once curds form. What’s left is homemade farmer’s cheese — soft, fresh, and ready to use! Not only is this cheese flavorful, it’s rich in protein, calcium, and often contains probiotics, which support gut health 🦠.🥣 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make this ultra-creamy dip or spread:- 100 g (3.5 oz) farmer’s cheese (Varškė or Twaróg preferred)
- 100 g (½ cup) sour cream, crème fraîche, or thick Greek yogurt
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¾ tsp dried dill (or 1.5 tsp finely chopped fresh dill)
- 1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
🧂 Optional Add-Ins: chopped chives, green onions, or even radishes and cucumbers for a Polish-style “Twarożek” variation.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Mash the Cheese
In a medium bowl, place the farmer’s cheese and mash it with the back of a fork until it becomes a rough paste. -
Mix it Up
Add sour cream, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined. -
Let It Rest
Cover and refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. -
Serve & Garnish
If serving as a dip, transfer to a small bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and top with extra dill or chopped green onions 🌿.
🥄 How to Serve Lithuanian Farmer’s Cheese Dip
This spread is a staple in Lithuanian homes and can be served in multiple delicious ways:As a Dip:
- With crispy veggies like carrots 🥕, cucumber 🥒, or celery sticks
- Alongside boiled potatoes, potato pancakes, or buckwheat fritters
- As a creamy condiment with grilled meats or smoked fish
As a Spread:
- Slather on rye bread, baguette slices, or toast
- Top with sliced cucumbers, radishes, or chives
- Add to a brunch board with eggs and smoked salmon 🐟
💡 Tips for the Best Results
- Use quality cheese – Farmer's cheese is the star here, so go for the best!
- Adjust sour cream – Some cheese varieties are drier than others. Add sour cream gradually to get your ideal texture.
- Flavor melds over time – It tastes even better the next day!
- Go Polish! – Add diced radish and cucumber for a Polish-style version: Gzik or Twarożek 🇵🇱.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Avoid freezing — the texture won’t survive it!
- Cover well — garlic is pungent and can make your fridge smell 🧄😉.
🔁 Recipe Recap (Quick View)
Ingredients:- 100 g farmer’s cheese
- 100 g sour cream
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ¾ tsp dried or 1.5 tsp fresh dill
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Mash cheese
- Mix in other ingredients
- Chill for 30 min
- Garnish and serve!
Ready to impress your guests or just enjoy a cozy Eastern European treat at home? ✨ This Lithuanian Farmer’s Cheese Dip is rustic, healthy, and full of soul. Let me know if you want to add more serving ideas or include a printable recipe card!
