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Urnebes is a fiery cheese spread from southern Serbia that has earned a loyal place on tables across the country. Its name translates to chaos, which feels fitting given the punch of flavour it delivers in each spoonful. Creamy, spicy, and bold, it offers a taste that is as lively as its name suggests.
Often served as a side dish or appetiser, it finds a natural home alongside grilled meats, fresh bread, or roasted vegetables. It is not delicate or restrained, but rather unapologetically full of flavour. This quality is precisely what makes it memorable.
At once rustic and versatile, Urnebes is comfort food with an edge. It speaks to Serbia’s love of hearty, flavourful accompaniments that elevate everyday meals while still remaining deeply rooted in traditional home cooking.
Want to dive deeper into Serbian Cuisine? Don’t miss our post on 20 Traditional Serbian Foods to Try
What Is Urnebes?
Urnebes is a spread or dip made primarily from white cheese blended with chilli peppers and garlic. The cheese is soft enough to mix yet firm enough to hold its texture, creating a spread that is both creamy and slightly grainy.
The level of heat varies depending on the peppers used, ranging from mildly warming to intensely hot. This flexibility allows each household or restaurant to put its own stamp on the dish, ensuring no two versions are ever quite the same.
It is often prepared fresh and served at room temperature, making it an immediate addition to the table. Whether eaten with warm bread or as part of a larger meal, it adds intensity and depth without overwhelming the palate.
Ingredients and Taste
The core ingredient is Serbian white cheese, similar to feta, chosen for its crumbly texture and tangy flavour. Crushed garlic adds sharpness, while ground paprika and fresh or dried chilli bring both heat and colour.
Some versions include a splash of yoghurt or sour cream to soften the edges, creating a smoother texture. Others keep the mixture thick and crumbly. Olive oil is sometimes added to bind the ingredients and enrich the mouthfeel.
The taste is rich, salty, and tangy with a distinct kick from the peppers. The garlic lingers warmly, while the paprika adds both smokiness and depth. Together, these flavours combine to create something hearty and invigorating.
A Taste of History
Urnebes is strongly associated with the city of Niš in southern Serbia, an area long known for its grilled meats and bold flavours. The spread developed as a natural companion to traditional dishes such as ćevapi and pljeskavica.
Its name, meaning chaos, reflects both its spicy bite and the lively atmosphere of meals where it is shared. Over time, it became more than just a regional speciality, spreading across Serbia and finding a place in restaurants and family kitchens alike.
The dish reflects the Serbian approach to food: simple ingredients elevated through seasoning and balance. It carries both tradition and adaptability, remaining a dish that feels authentic yet flexible enough for personal variation.
Today, Urnebes is celebrated as part of everyday dining and festive occasions. Whether enjoyed in its birthplace of Niš or elsewhere, it continues to remind people of the energy and generosity that define Serbian cuisine.
How to Make Urnebes (Serbian Spicy Cheese Spread)
Urnebes is a fiery, yet creamy Serbian cheese spread made with kajmak or feta, paprika, and chilli. It is bold, rustic, and traditionally served alongside grilled meats, bread, or as part of meze. Expect a balance of creamy tang, smoky heat, and vibrant colour. See the recipe card at the bottom for printable directions
Ingredients
For the spread
- 300g Serbian white brined cheese (or feta, crumbled)
- 100g kajmak (or clotted cream / mascarpone as substitute)
- 2 tbsp sunflower oil (or mild olive oil)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tsp hot paprika (Serbian smoked paprika preferred)
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1–2 fresh red chillies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
For serving
- Fresh crusty bread or lepinja (Serbian flatbread)
- Grilled meats or roasted vegetables
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the cheese base
To begin, place the crumbled Serbian white cheese (or feta) into a large mixing bowl. Mash with a fork until smooth but still slightly textured. Transition to preparing the garlic and spices.
Step 2: Mix in garlic and paprika
Add the finely minced garlic, hot paprika, and sweet paprika to the cheese. Stir gently until the cheese takes on a rich orange red hue. Move to incorporating the chillies.
Step 3: Add fresh chillies
Fold in the chopped chillies, mixing evenly. For stronger heat, include the seeds; for milder flavour, remove them. Transition to adding the creamy element.
Step 4: Incorporate kajmak
Stir in the kajmak (or substitute cream). Blend well to create a creamy yet thick consistency. Transition to seasoning and adjusting the flavour.
Step 5: Season the spread
Add sunflower oil, black pepper, and a pinch of salt if needed. Mix until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning to balance creaminess with spiciness. Move to resting.
Step 6: Rest the urnebes
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavours to meld. This resting period deepens the smokiness of paprika and integrates the garlic. Transition to preparing for serving.
Final Step: Serve
Spoon Urnebes into a rustic bowl, drizzle lightly with oil, and serve with warm bread or alongside grilled meats. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra paprika for presentation.
Variations and Substitutions
- Cheese substitute: If Serbian white cheese is unavailable, use feta or Bulgarian sirene.
- Kajmak substitute: Replace with mascarpone, sour cream, or a mix of cream cheese and clotted cream.
- Paprika substitute: Smoked Spanish paprika can be used, though Serbian paprika has a distinct depth.
- Chilli adjustment: Use dried chilli flakes if fresh chillies are unavailable.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Urnebes
- Mash cheese by hand for a rustic texture; avoid blending to keep authenticity.
- Always use high quality paprika, as it defines the flavour profile.
- Resting in the fridge is essential to allow garlic and chilli to mellow.
- Adjust spice gradually, tasting as you mix, since the heat intensifies with time.
- Serve at room temperature for the fullest flavour.
Urnebes (Serbian Spicy Cheese Spread)
Ingredients
For the spread
- 300 g Serbian white brined cheese or feta, crumbled
- 100 g kajmak or clotted cream / mascarpone as substitute
- 2 tbsp sunflower oil or mild olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- 2 tsp hot paprika Serbian smoked paprika preferred
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 –2 fresh red chillies finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
For serving
- Fresh crusty bread or lepinja Serbian flatbread
- Grilled meats or roasted vegetables
Instructions
- To begin, place the crumbled Serbian white cheese (or feta) into a large mixing bowl. Mash with a fork until smooth but still slightly textured. Transition to preparing the garlic and spices.
- Add the finely minced garlic, hot paprika, and sweet paprika to the cheese. Stir gently until the cheese takes on a rich orange red hue. Move to incorporating the chillies.
- Fold in the chopped chillies, mixing evenly. For stronger heat, include the seeds; for milder flavour, remove them. Transition to adding the creamy element.
- Stir in the kajmak (or substitute cream). Blend well to create a creamy yet thick consistency. Transition to seasoning and adjusting the flavour.
- Add sunflower oil, black pepper, and a pinch of salt if needed. Mix until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning to balance creaminess with spiciness. Move to resting.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavours to meld. This resting period deepens the smokiness of paprika and integrates the garlic. Transition to preparing for serving.
- Spoon Urnebes into a rustic bowl, drizzle lightly with oil, and serve with warm bread or alongside grilled meats. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra paprika for presentation.
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