Boards Around the World German Bavarian Charcuterie Board
Around the World
German Bavarian Charcuterie Board
An Oktoberfest spread built the way Munich beer gardens do it: warm sausage, soft pretzels, a bowl of Obatzda and two kinds of mustard.
- Serves
- 8–10
- Board
- 16–18 inch
- Prep
- 20–25 min
- Cost
- $45–$70
- Level
- Beginner
Open this board in the Board Builder Get amounts for your own guest count, free.
What's on the board
Cheese
- Räucherkäse (Bavarian smoked cheese)
- Obatzda (Bavarian cheese spread)
- Aged Emmentaler
Meat
- Weisswurst (white sausage)
- Landjäger
- Black Forest ham
Condiments
- Bavarian sweet mustard
- Spicy brown mustard
- Honey
Bread & crackers
- Soft pretzel bites
- Dark rye bread
- Pumpernickel
- Pretzel sticks
Extras
- Cornichons
- Radishes
- Green grapes
- Fresh chives
Amounts and prices for each item are in the book, or open the board in the Board Builder for amounts sized to your guest count.
Why it works
Bavarian beer-hall food is all about salt, fat and something sharp to cut it. Weisswurst is a mild, fresh veal-and-pork sausage that is poached and served warm, so it gets its own bowl of hot water and a pot of sweet mustard beside it. Landjäger and Black Forest ham bring smoke and chew, and the spicy brown mustard is there for them.
The cheeses cover three textures: firm, smoky Räucherkäse, nutty Emmentaler and creamy Obatzda, a paprika-spiked Camembert spread made for pretzels. Cornichons and peppery radishes, a Bavarian beer snack in their own right, cut the richness, and green grapes add a sweet, fresh bite.
Timeline
- 20 min beforeTake the cheeses and cured meats out of the fridge.
- 15 min beforeSlice the Emmentaler, radishes and grapes.
- 10 min beforePoach the Weisswurst and warm the pretzel bites.
- 5 min beforeFill ramekins with Obatzda, mustards and honey.
- Serving timeArrange the board, add the Weisswurst in hot water, and scatter chives.
The seven-step placement plan (what goes where, and why) is in the book.
New book
Build it exactly, with the new book
This board's exact shopping list with amounts and prices, the prep countdown, all seven placement steps, five swaps and five upgrades are in Charcuterie Lab: Around the World in 16 Boards, with 15 more international boards.
Questions
Where can I buy Weisswurst and Obatzda?
German delis and butchers often carry fresh Weisswurst, and some large grocery stores stock it near the bratwurst. Obatzda is easy to make: mash ripe Camembert with soft butter, sweet paprika, finely chopped onion and a splash of beer.
Do you eat Weisswurst cold?
No. Weisswurst is a fresh sausage that is gently poached and served warm. Guests peel off the casing and eat it with sweet mustard and a pretzel.
What beer goes with a Bavarian board?
A Märzen or Oktoberfest lager is the classic choice. Weissbier suits the Weisswurst and pretzels, and a dark Dunkel works well with the smoked cheese.
Can I make it ahead?
Make the Obatzda up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Slice the cheese and prep the radishes a few hours before, but poach the Weisswurst and warm the pretzels right before serving.
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