This Czech spread made from fresh yeast is incredibly easy to make and yet so delicious. Enjoy it on a slice of fresh rye bread for a cozy breakfast or as a quick, healthy snack.
➜ What is yeast spread?
Yeast spread is made from fresh yeast that is melted in a pan with sautéed onions. The melted yeast is scrambled with eggs and seasoned with salt and pepper. Then simply spread it on a slice of bread, sprinkle with chives, and serve.
In the past, Bohemian grannies (babička) often made yeast spread. They bought yeast in bulk from door-to-door vendors. At that time, yeast was a readily available, inexpensive ingredient packed with healthy nutrients.
Today, yeast is commonly associated with baking, but trust me, this spread is a fantastic way to use it in a different way!
➜ Pronunciation
The Czech name for this recipe is "Drožďová pomazánka". I have recorded a short audio clip for you to hear the native Czech. Feel free to click and listen.
➜ Ingredients you need
To make homemade yast spread, grab the following:
- Fresh yeast; it is widely available in Europe. However, I know that fresh yeast is not easy to find in the US, as it's often a seasonal item with limited availability. Try European delis, especially those that sell Polish or German goods; they may be able to help.
- Yellow onion
- Unsalted butter; for frying onions
- Eggs; to thicken the melded yeast
- Salt and ground pepper; to taste
You will also need fresh bread, chives or scallions, and a piece of red vegetable for garnish. I opted for red bell pepper.
✅ See the recipe below with step-by-step photos and many helpful tips. Scroll down for the full printable recipe in both US cups and metric measurements.
➜ How to make yeast spread
STEP 1: Peel and finely chop the onion. Heat the butter in a frying pan over medium-high heat. While stirring, fry the onions in the butter until golden brown.
STEP 2: Add the crumbled yeast to the fried onions in the pan. Reduce the heat and stir until the yeast dissolves.
STEP 3: Add the eggs to the melted yeast and stir until the eggs are firm and the mixture has thickened.
STEP 4: Finally, season with salt and ground pepper. Stir well, and you are ready to serve!
➜ Serving
In my experience, it is best if you serve the yeast spread still warm. If you get the timing right, you'll score extra points with your diners!
Pile the spread on bread slices and sprinkle with chopped chives. Garnish with a sliced tomato or a piece of red pepper.
MY TIP: Before serving, toast the bread slices in a pan with a knob of melted butter. The combination of crispy bread and warm yeast spread is unbeatable!
➜ Storage
What to do with leftover yeast spread? If this is the case, let the spread cool completely. Transfer it to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for about three days.
➜ Useful tips
- Making the spread takes a maximum of fifteen minutes. For me, it is a great tip for a quick and easy dinner!
- Curious about the taste of yeast bread spread? Surprisingly, it doesn't have a strong yeast flavor. The spread gets its flavor from sautéed onions in butter and eggs. I would describe the overall taste as having a subtle hint of mushrooms.
- Fresh yeast is not as readily available abroad as it is in Central European countries. A similar option to this yeast spread might be Marmite, a popular thick and dark spread made from yeast extract.
More Czech bread spreads:
- Sardine spread (sardinková pomazánka)
- Celeriac bread spread (celerová pomazánka)
- Leftover pork roast spread (pomazánka z vepřové pečeně)
Tried this recipe?
Leave a review down in the comments! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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📖 Recipe
Yeast Spread (Czech Drožďová pomazánka)
Tap or hover to scale
Ingredients
- 6 ounces fresh yeast
- 1 medium onion
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 eggs
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ salt
Instructions
- Peel and finely chop 1 medium onion. Heat 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter in a frying pan over medium-high heat. While stirring, fry the onions in the butter until golden brown.
- Add 6 ounces fresh yeast (crumbled) to the fried onions. Reduce the heat and stir until the yeast dissolves.
- Add 2 eggs to the melted yeast and stir until the eggs are firm and the mixture has thickened.
- Finally, season with ¼ salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir well, and you are ready to serve!
Notes
- The basic recipe makes 2 generous portions.
- SERVING: Pile the spread on bread slices and sprinkle with chopped chives. Garnish with a sliced tomato or a piece of red pepper.
- What to do with leftover yeast spread? If this is the case, let the spread cool completely. Transfer it to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for about three days.
- Curious about the taste of yeast bread spread? Surprisingly, it doesn't have a strong yeast flavor. The spread gets its flavor from sautéed onions in butter and eggs. I would describe the overall taste as having a subtle hint of mushrooms.
Martina says
kde mohu koupit cerstve drozdi, dekuji Martina
Petra Kupská | Cook Like Czechs says
Marti, zalezi kde zijete. V USA by melo byt mozne koupit drozdi v lokal bakeries.