Braunschweiger Spread

On the Menu Today~
Braunschweiger Spread
Game Day Recipe~

Personally, I love Braunschweiger.
When it comes to Braunschweiger, you either like it or you hate it.
I even know a few people who are "closet" Braunschweiger lovers...
They would never admit to it in public!
(You know who you are)


If you're from the Midwest,
you undoubtedly know of or
have heard of Braunschweiger.
Your parents eat it and
your grandparents love it!

I remember going to the corner meat market with my Grandma and
having the butcher behind the counter
cut us a "chunk" of Braunschweiger from a huge red or yellow roll.
When we got home,
my Grandma and I would have Braunschweiger sandwiches.
Thin round slices of Braunschweiger...
on thick slices of white bread...
spread with a thin layer of mayonnaise and
topped with a thin slice of onion or
a sprinkling of minced onions.
To this day,
I still eat my Braunschweiger sandwich this same way.

Braunschweiger.
What the heck is Braunschweiger?

Braunschweiger,
named after Braunschweig, Germany,
is a type of German pork sausage,
sometimes called liverwurst,
found in the deli department of grocery stores and
available at most meat markets.
It's usually found between the rolls of summer sausage,
bologna, thuringer and the dreaded olive "loaf."
It is a soft, spreadable and nearly always smoked.

Braunschweiger has a very high amount of Vitamin A, iron and protein.
The meat has a very soft, spread-like texture and
a distinctive spicy liver-based flavor.
It's very similar to the Nordic, leverpastej.
It's usually spread on toast but
can also be used as a filling for sandwiches,
often paired with stone-ground mustard, sliced tomatoes, onions and cheese.

In the Midwest,
Braunschweiger is typically enjoyed in a sandwich with various condiments such as:
ketchup, mustard, dill pickles, mayonnaise, onions and cheese.
In some restaurants here in Wisconsin,
you can find Braunschweiger Sandwiches on the menu.

The USDA requires that Braunschweiger contain a minimum of 30 % liver (pork, calf, veal, beef),
binders and seasonings.
Added seasonings include salt, white pepper, onion powder, and mace.

Braunschweiger can also be served as a dip or spread.
I have noticed that men tend to devour this tasty dip.
Next time you need to make a dip for a bunch of hungry guys,
give this dip a try....
You might be surprised at how fast it disappears~
Braunschweiger Spread is a great choice to serve during football games or
to send along with your significant other during hunting season.
When it comes to buying Braunschweiger,
buy the best you can find.....
this will most likely be at a German meat market.
You simply can't beat the quality and taste.

 

Braunschweiger Spread

Ingredients

• 12 ounces braunschweiger, (buy a good quality brand)
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 green onions, sliced, plus 2 tablespoons for garnish
• 2 to 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Assorted crackers, rye bread and/or vegetables

Cooking Directions

1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until creamy. Add braunschweiger; cream together. Add remaining ingredients and beat until smooth. Refrigerate for several hours before serving. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sliced green onions. Serve with crackers, bread and assorted veggies.

Braunschweiger, Dip, Appetizer, Cream Cheese, Liver, German

*Most, if not all meat markets in Wisconsin make their own Braunschweiger.
I have listed a few of my favorite places to buy Braunschweiger:
Jacob's Meat Market   Nueske's Applewood Smoked Meats   Louie's Finer Meats   Usinger's