Braunschweiger Spread

Braunschweiger spread is creamy, savory and delightfully old-school—the kind of appetizer that quietly steals the show. Made from smoked liver sausage that’s blended with other ingredients until it’s smooth and spreadable, it has been a staple at Midwestern potlucks, supper clubs and family gatherings for generations.

This recipe includes cream cheese, Miracle Whip, pickle relish and several other seasonings. It’s rich, earthy and tangy—something you’d see on any relish tray worth its pickles, or on a more modernized supper club charcuterie board. Unlike liverwurst, which can be made from beef or pork, braunschweiger is typically made from smoked pork liver. This flavorful sausage gets its name from the German city of Braunschweig, where it originated.

Served with crackers, rye bread or crisp veggies, this nostalgic favorite proves that simple ingredients—and a little know-how—can still deliver big, comforting flavor.

Ingredients for Braunschweiger Spread

• Liver sausage: This recipe calls for an 8-ounce tube of braunschweiger liver sausage. This type of smoked German sausage is made from ground pork livers, pork trim and various seasonings.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds tangy flavor and creamy texture to the spread. If you forget to take the cream cheese out of the fridge in advance, try one of these tips to quickly soften cream cheese.
• Miracle Whip: Miracle Whip isn’t exactly mayo, and it adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the spread. You can substitute regular mayonnaise if you prefer.
• Dill pickle relish: Adding a couple tablespoons of dill pickle relish to the spread adds a tart and briny flavor.
• Chopped onion: You can use either a yellow or white onion for this recipe.
• Worcestershire sauce: This fermented condiment adds savory flavors to the spread.
• Garlic powder: This seasoning is one of our essential pantry spices. You can substitute a fresh clove of finely minced garlic if you prefer.
• Chopped fresh parsley: This fresh herb adds a pop of color and brightness to the dish.
• Assorted crackers: Serve the braunschweiger spread alongside an assortment of store-bought or homemade crackers.

Directions

Step 1: Make the spread

In a bowl, combine the liver sausage, cream cheese, Miracle Whip, dill pickle relish, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder.

Step 2: Mold the spread

Pat the mixture into a bowl lined with storage wrap. Cover the dip with the wrap and chill it.

Step 3: Serve the spread

Invert the spread onto a serving platter and sprinkle it with parsley. Serve it with crackers.

Editor’s Tip: Not a fan of the old-school domed-dip presentation? Keep things simple and serve the spread straight from the bowl.

Braunschweiger Spread Variations

• Add a little zip: Stir in a few dashes of hot sauce or 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and/or paprika for a punch of spicy flavor.
• Try other garnishes: Other garnish options include sliced pimento-filled green olives, chopped nuts, dried herbs such as parsley or thyme, and savory seasoning blends like za’atar or everything bagel seasoning.

How to Store Braunschweiger Spread

Leftover braunschweiger spread should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. For longer storage, wrap it in a layer of storage wrap followed by a layer of foil, then store in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Braunschweiger Spread Tips

What can you serve with braunschweiger spread?

This appetizer is perfect for spreading on toasted pieces of rye bread and crackers of all types. You can also serve it with crunchy vegetables such as carrot or celery sticks and thick slices of bell peppers. braunschweiger spread also makes a tasty sandwich spread for a savory mid-day snack, especially when combined with cheese, pickles, sliced onions and tomatoes.