Lithuanian Farmer's Cheese Dip and Spread

Farmer's cheese is extremely popular in Lithuania and across Central and Eastern Europe. And this Farmer's Cheese Dip is possibly one of the easiest ways to use it! Mixed with sour cream and flavored with pungent garlic and fresh dill, this recipe can be used as a side for dill potatoes, a dip for fresh veggies or as a delicious Farmers Cheese Spread for open sandwiches!

Jump to:

• But First, What Exactly Is Farmer's Cheese?
• Ingredient Notes
• Step-By-Step Method
• How To Serve Farmer's Cheese Dip?
• Tips For Best Results
• Storage
• More Lithuanian Recipes
• Lithuanian Farmer's Cheese Dip and Spread

But First, What Exactly Is Farmer's Cheese?

Farmer's cheese, also known as "Varškė" in Lithuanian and "Twarog" in Polish, is a type of fresh cheese that is soft, tangy, and versatile. It can be used in a variety of farmers cheese recipes, including dips and spreads, cakes and bakes and even casseroles and dumplings (see some delicious recipes below). 

To make this creamy cheese at home, you start by warming milk and then adding an acid such as lemon juice to curdle it. Once the curds form, you strain them through a cheese cloth to separate the whey, resulting in a homemade cheese with a dry, crumbly texture similar to dry curd cottage cheese. This fresh cheese can be used immediately or stored for later use.

Farmer's cheese is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits. It is rich in calcium and protein, contributing to bone health. Additionally, it contains probiotics, which can support gut health. The tangy flavor and beautiful texture make it a delightful addition to any meal, whether used as a spread on bread, a dip for vegetables, or an ingredient in other recipes.

Head to our dedicated article about recipes using farmer's cheese for more inspiration! And learn more about it in our article All About Lithuanian Farmer’s Cheese (Varškė).

Ingredient Notes

• farmer's cheese: we like to use full-fat Lithuanian Farmer's cheese (Varškė) or a Polish alternative (Twaróg). This recipe can also be made with cottage cheese but due to it being thinner, you won't need as much liquid in the recipe, so you will need to adjust the quantity of sour cream. If you have cottage cheese, try this Lithuanian Cottage Cheese Sauce instead.
• sour cream: or creme fraiche or thick and creamy Greek yogurt. 
• salt and black pepper.
• dill: you can use finely chopped fresh dill when it is in season, or use frozen or dried will in winter. You may also add green onions or chives to the mix. 
• garlic cloves: peeled and minced. 

​Find the ingredient quantities and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. 

Step-By-Step Method

1. Place the farmer cheese in a medium bowl, and mash it with the back of a fork into a rough paste.

2. Add the sour cream, salt, pepper, minced garlic and dill and mix everything together.

TIP: Farmer's Cheese varies in consistency, so you may need to adjust the amount of sour cream used in this recipe. The consistency of a dip should be slightly thinner than cream cheese at room temperature.

3. For best results, store it in the fridge for 30 minutes for the flavours to mend before serving.

4. If you're serving this farmer's cheese recipe as a dip, scoop it into a small bowl, drizzle the top with a little olive oil and garnish with extra dill or green onions!

How To Serve Farmer's Cheese Dip?

Traditionally, this farmers cheese recipe is served in one of two ways - as a dip or as a spread. 

Farmers Cheese Dip makes a delicious accompaniment to boiled or fried potato pancakes, buckwheat fritters, or as a dip for fresh veggies, like carrots and celery sticks. 

Alternatively, it is spread on a slice of rye bread, topped with cucumber and radishes and enjoyed as an open sandwich. It also works well with toasted baguette slices or toasted English muffins. 

Tips For Best Results

• Buy good quality ingredients. The special trio: farmer's cheese, sour cream and garlic are the three crucial elements here!
• You can make this farmer's cheese spread in a food processor if you want a less grainy end result.  
• This farmer's cheese dip needs time for the flavours to mend, so make sure to leave it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. I think it tastes even better the next day!
• Make a Polish version - Gzik or Twarożek - by mixing the farmers cheese spread with chopped radishes and/ or cucumber and chives. 

Storage

Once you made the dip, you can cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for the flavours to mend before serving it. To store it longer, scoop the farmer's cheese dip into an airtight container or else your whole fridge will smell of garlic. This recipe does not freeze well.  

More Lithuanian Recipes

Fancy a true Lithuanian feast? Here are some of the easiest ways to start cooking like a real Lithuanian: