Czech Pickled Cheese (Nakládaný Hermelín or Camembert) Recipe
Czech Pickled Cheese (Nakládaný Hermelín or Camembert) is a flavorful appetizer featuring camembert cheese marinated in a spiced mixture of paprika, mustard, and chili peppers. The cheese absorbs the vibrant spices and aromas from ingredients such as onion, garlic, bay leaves, and whole peppercorns, making it a popular snack or appetizer in Czech cuisine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 days to 1 week (including marinating time)
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Czech
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cheese
- 2 wheels of camembert cheese, 125 grams each
Marinade
- 1 large onion, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned (optional)
- 1 piece chili pepper (red or green), sliced crosswise
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Korean red pepper flakes, gochugaru (optional)
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon allspice, whole berries
- 2 teaspoons peppercorn, whole
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 pieces bay leaves
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable or sunflower)
- Neutral oil (vegetable or sunflower), to fill the jar
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables and spices. Julienne the onion and red bell pepper (if using), slice the chili pepper crosswise, and mince the garlic cloves. Gather the spices: paprika, dijon mustard, chili flakes, allspice, peppercorn, salt, and bay leaves.
- Mix the marinade. In a bowl, combine the dijon mustard, paprika, red chili flakes, Korean red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and 1-2 tablespoons of neutral oil to form a slightly thick marinade. Stir well until fully combined.
- Layer in the jar. In a clean jar, place one layer of julienned onion, red bell pepper, sliced chili, garlic, and some whole spices (allspice, peppercorn, bay leaves). Then add a wheel of camembert cheese.
- Add marinade and repeat layering. Pour a portion of the prepared marinade over the cheese and vegetables, ensuring they are well coated. Repeat the layering with remaining vegetables, spices, and the second camembert wheel. Pour the rest of the marinade on top.
- Fill with oil. Pour neutral oil into the jar until all ingredients are fully submerged, which helps preserve the cheese and enhances the flavor infusion.
- Marinate. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 3 days, preferably up to a week, to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to absorb the marinade fully.
- Serve. Once marinated, serve the pickled cheese chilled or at room temperature with fresh bread or crackers as an appetizer or snack.
Notes
- The red bell pepper and garlic are optional but add extra flavor and texture.
- You can adjust chili spices to your preferred heat level.
- Ensure the cheese is fully submerged in oil to prevent spoilage.
- Marinating time affects flavor intensity; longer marination results in a stronger taste.
- This cheese pairs well with rustic bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
