5-Minute Gzik Recipe! Traditional Polish Farmer's Cheese Dip (2024)

FAQs

Where is Gzik from? ›

This is a simple dip with infinite possibilities. The classic version, called gzik, comes from the Wielkopolska province in Poland. It's built from a farmer's cheese called twarog, which is essentially a dry version of what Americans know as cottage cheese.

Farmer's Cheese is often used in recipes for Blintzes or Pierogies. It also works well in pasta shells and ravioli. One popular local use is to lightly fry Farmer's Cheese and use it in a sandwich, but our favorite use is to slice it very thinly and roll it with our flavorful smoked meats.

How to Make Cheese Dip. This dip can be mixed and served immediately but the flavor is even better if you have time to allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes. Beat softened cream cheese with mayonnaise, sour cream, and seasonings. Stir in shredded cheese (per the recipe below).

What's a good substitute for farmer's cheese? We've already mentioned that cottage cheese is a good alternative, but Indian paneer and ricotta work too. That said, certain Slavic recipes (like pierogis, blintzes, and vareniki) are simply not as authentic without it.

Also called twaróg, tvorog, or syr, among other names. Found in almost every Slavic, Baltic, and Germanic country. American-Style Farmer's Cheese. This is basically cottage cheese that has been pressed to remove water.

Both Farmer Cheese and cottage cheese are equally good sources of protein. And while there is no difference in quality and amount, consuming the fermented variety could be easier on the stomach for some.

Did you know Arkansas is believed to be the birthplace of cheese dip? Little Rock lawyer and filmmaker Nick Rogers has done his research and believes it to be. He tracked the background of the spicy concoction to see if it could be “the dish” for which Arkansas could be famous.

Though Velveeta is no longer an FDA-defined genuine cheese, it does have some similarities, namely pasteurized milk and cheese culture.

Some claim that cheese dip was actually invented either at a Mexican restaurant in Hot Springs or in Texas, while others claim that cheese dip is native to Mexico. Mexicans have many cheese-based dishes in which cheese acts as a filling or topping for tortillas, such as Queso Chihuahua.

Is farmers cheese good for melting? ›

Farmer's cheese is a very mild semi-soft white cheese without a rind. It's springy in texture with a subtle milky flavor and can be melted or used as a simple everyday cheese.

Cottage cheese and Farmer's cheese are casein cheeses produced from using an acid like vinegar, while ricotta is a whey cheese made from the leftover sweet whey after making rennet based cheeses.

The Good: Farmer's cheese is lower in calories, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium compared to cream cheese and sliced hard cheese.

Taste Notes

Farmhouse Cheddar delivers a force of flavor. Nutty and buttery smooth notes will satisfy all your savory cravings.