Quark Dip with Herbs (Kräuterquark)

A refreshing quark dip is quick and easy to prepare yet has so many uses. In Germany, this dip is one of the staple sauces. Internationally quark cheese is quickly becoming more popular. I am happy to share two of my favourite quark dip recipes with you.

What is Quark?

Technically quark is a cheese. However, if you taste it you will quickly realise it tastes more like a creamy light kind of yoghurt. It is produced from soured milk that is warmed until the desired amount of curdling is met. 

Is Quark healthy?

Yes, it is! This is one of the best benefits of quark. Not only does it taste delicious but it is also naturally low in fat. (You can get some versions in Germany up to 40% fat, so check the labels. Most are low fat though.)

The other benefit is that it is high in protein, so it is popular with many athletes. It contains twice as much protein as Greek Yoghurt. 

Lastly, quark is good for your gut. It is full of good bacteria ("mesophilic bacteria" to be scientific). It helps you to absorb all the nutrients in your food. 

Quark Dips for Slimming World. 

Those of you who do not know Slimming world - it is a UK dieting programme. Essentially it is a low-fat diet and quark is great for this diet. I used to be a member when I was living back in the UK. As this quark dip recipe is essentially made of quark (which is usually fat-free in the UK) and herbs, it is easy to incorporate into your meal plans.

How to make these quark dips

This quark dip is called 'Kräuterquark" in Germany. Kräuter is the word for "Herbs". Käuterquark would be pronounced "Crow-ter-Kwa-k". It is a simple recipe that has no fixed set of ingredients and instructions. There are many ways to make this sauce. 

I am going to give you two versions of a quark dip. One uses plain quark and the other uses a mix of quark and sour cream.

Authentic German Quark Dip with Herbs (Käuterquark)

Ingredients

• 250 gr/ 8.8oz quark if you cannot find any use fromage frais or ricotta
• 30 gr/ 1 oz chopped herbs (i.e. parsley and chives) 
• 4 tablespoon milk
• salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps: 

1. Make sure that you clean and chop the herbs finely. 
2. Carefully stir the milk into the quark to make it creamier. 
3. Add the herbs and carefully fold them into the mix. 
4. Season with salt and pepper. 

Recipe Variation: Quark and Sour Cream Dip

Ingredients:  

• 250 gr/ 8.8oz quark if you cannot find any use fromage frais or ricotta
• 30 gr/ 1 oz chives finely chopped
• 150 gr / 5oz sour cream
• 2 small crushed garlic cloves
• salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps: 

1. Combine the quark and sour cream and mix well. 
2. Fold in the chives
3. Add the crushed garlic
4. Add salt and pepper to taste

 

Add vegetables to your dip. 

Vegetable sticks are great for dipping. However have you ever thought about chopping them up finely and adding them to your quark. 

Here are some recommendations: 

• Carrots 
• Celery 
• Tomatoes 
• Radishes 
• Cucumber 
• Peppers  

What does Quark Dip go with?

This kräuterquark dip is used in a variety of German dishes. Here are the most common ones. 

• Käuterquark mit Pell kartoffeln (Herb quark dip with boiled potatoes) 
• Kartoffelpuffer with quark dip and smoked salmon
• Herb quark spread on rye bread 
• Using simple vegetables sticks for dipping. 
• Crisps and Doritos taste great with this dip 
• As a refreshing sauce on the side for your BBQ meat

How to store this quark dip

I recommend storing your dip in an airtight container in the fridge. The dip should stay good up to three days.

Can I freeze Quark?

You can freeze an unopened packet of store-bought quark. It should keep up to 3 months. I don't recommend freezing a made up quark dip or an opened packet of quark.

This recipe was first published in February 2014 and updated in May 2021

Recipe