National Dish Norway: Geitostkrem (Recipe)
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Meet Geitostkrem, Norway’s caramel-sweet answer to the cheeseboard! This silky spread turns the country’s famous brown goats’ cheese into something you can scoop straight onto a slice of bread, and its gentle sweetness — warmed with honey and cinnamon — makes it every bit as welcome at breakfast as on a party platter. A few minutes of mixing is all it takes to bring a little Scandinavian tradition to your table.
About Geitostkrem
Geitostkrem is a genuine Norwegian classic, set apart by a flavour you will not find anywhere else. The combination of creamy goats’ cheese and soft, sweet notes makes this spread ideal for all sorts of occasions. On fresh bread, on crisp crackers or as part of a generous buffet, its uses are wonderfully varied. Over the years geitostkrem has become a firm favourite among cheese lovers and a fixture of the Scandinavian kitchen, sitting comfortably alongside sweet treats such as Multekrem.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g geitost (Norwegian goats’ cheese)
- 100 g cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for geitostkrem, pay close attention to the quality of the cheese. Authentic Norwegian geitost is sold in specialist delis and in well-stocked supermarkets, often under the name brunost. Cream cheese comes in both standard and lactose-free versions, which makes the recipe easy to adapt for anyone who is lactose intolerant. Do not skimp on the honey or maple syrup either — a good one rounds off the sweetness beautifully.
Preparing the dish
Preparing geitostkrem could hardly be simpler, and it takes very little time. Make sure all the ingredients are properly chilled to begin with, particularly the cream cheese. To coax out the best flavour, take everything out of the fridge about half an hour before you start. The ingredients then blend far more readily and give you an even, creamy consistency.
Step-by-step instructions
- Cut the geitost into small cubes and put it into a bowl with the cream cheese.
- Add the honey or maple syrup, the cinnamon and a pinch of salt.
- Blend everything thoroughly with a hand mixer or stick blender until you reach a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Spoon the geitostkrem into a serving bowl and dust with a little extra cinnamon if you like.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free and lactose-free take on geitostkrem, reach for lactose-free cream cheese at the shops. Gluten-free bread and crackers are widely stocked these days and make an excellent base for the spread — as does a batch of homemade Flatbrod using a suitable flour blend. That way anyone with particular dietary needs can still enjoy this Norwegian classic.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegans can adapt geitostkrem without much trouble by turning to plant-based alternatives. The goats’ cheese can usually be swapped for a vegan cheese or a nut-based spread, while cream cheese has excellent dairy-free versions made from tofu or cashews. Instead of honey, choose a plant-based syrup that delivers the same gentle sweetness and works just as well with the spices.
More tips and tricks
There are plenty of small tips and tricks that lift geitostkrem further. Adding spices such as nutmeg or vanilla gives the spread a personal signature. It is also worth playing with the texture: a little more cream cheese or a splash of liquid loosens it, while less makes it firmer. Fresh herbs are another route to a different flavour and give the whole thing a lively kick.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Geitostkrem can be tailored entirely to your own preferences. Some cooks like to replace the honey with agave syrup or date paste, which shifts the sweetness in an interesting direction. The amount of cinnamon can be increased or dialled back depending on how pronounced you want that warm, spiced note. Whether it is for a quiet evening or a festive buffet, the recipe is flexible enough to allow endless variations.
Ingredient substitutions
There are some inviting alternatives to the standard ingredients here, so let your creativity run. In place of goats’ cheese you might use a milder option such as brie or camembert if you prefer something less tangy. Feel free to experiment with herbed quark or ricotta as well. Each variation opens up a new flavour direction worth exploring — much as a topping of Tyttebaersyltetoy adds a sharp, berry-bright contrast.
Drink pairing ideas
To round off the geitostkrem experience, give some thought to the drinks. A dry white wine or a fruity rosé works beautifully against the sweet, spiced character of the spread. For something alcohol-free, a fresh apple juice or a herbal tea brings the aromas out nicely, while a warming glass of Glogg makes a fine winter partner. These pairings lend the meal an extra touch of polish.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation makes a real difference to how geitostkrem is received. Serve the spread in a pretty decorative bowl and garnish it with fresh herbs or fruit. Arrange a selection of breads — wholemeal, rye, or soft rounds of Lefse — at different heights for a more inviting spread. We eat with our eyes first, so do not hesitate to give the arrangement a personal flourish.
A bit of history
Geitostkrem has its roots in Norwegian tradition and has long been part of the Scandinavian table. Cheeses of every kind have been made in Norway for centuries, and the goats’ cheese stands out in particular for its sweetness and creaminess — the same cheese that flavours the beloved Vafler Med Brunost. The dish reflects the close bond Norwegians have with nature and with traditional, hand-crafted methods, making it a small but genuine piece of cultural heritage within Norwegian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Geitostkrem
Geitostkrem is a versatile and thoroughly tasty spread that captures the flavours of Norway in a single bowl. Its straightforward preparation and its willingness to be adapted to personal taste make it an ideal addition to any celebration, or simply a very good snack. Choose good ingredients, present it with a little care, and it will delight your guests every time. Discover the flavours of Scandinavia and enjoy this lovely dish to the full.
