Handkase in the Microwave - Creamy with Caraway in 5 Minutes
Microwaved handkase is the fastest keto cheese dish there is: in just 2 minutes the sour-milk cheese turns creamy and soft from the inside out, without running off the plate or burning. Paired with caraway - the classic handkase spice from Hesse - and chives, you get a complete keto snack or light meal in 5 minutes total, with approx. 1 g net carbs and 12 g fat per serving.
The Essentials at a Glance
- Prep time approx. 5 minutes - top the cheese and microwave for 2 minutes.
- Approx. 1 g net carbs and 12 g fat per serving.
- Fastest method: no preheating, no pan, no cleanup.
- Ingredients: handkase, caraway, chives, olive oil, pepper.
Ingredients
1 handkase per person, serve directly on the microwave plate.
| Amount | Ingredient | Note | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handkase | approx. 60 g each, on a microwave-safe plate | |||
| approx. 60 g each, on a microwave-safe plate | ||||
| Caraway seeds | whole or lightly crushed | |||
| whole or lightly crushed | ||||
| Chives | 2 tbsp, finely chopped | |||
| 2 tbsp, finely chopped | ||||
| Olive oil | approx. 1 tbsp | |||
| approx. 1 tbsp | ||||
| Pepper | - | |||
Preparation
Place the handkase on a microwave-safe plate. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with caraway. Heat at 700 watts for 1.5 to 2 minutes until the cheese is soft and creamy. Serve with chives and pepper.
Why is microwaved handkase keto-friendly?
Microwaving does not change the nutritional values - handkase remains fully keto-compliant with under 1 g of carbs and about 15 g of protein per 100 g. Caraway and chives are practically carb-free. The olive oil delivers the fat needed for a ketogenic macro profile.
Source: FDDB Nutrition Database - Handkase nutritional values
Caraway and Handkase - a Classic Pairing
In Hesse, caraway belongs with handkase like music belongs at a celebration. Caraway (Carum carvi) contains essential oils (carvone, limonene) and was historically served with low-fat handkase as a digestive aid. As a spice in small amounts (1 tsp), caraway contributes about 0.3 g of carbs - negligible.
Handkase in the microwave: what to watch for
Handkase can burst in the microwave if heated too long - the steam pressure building up inside can split the rind. The fix: heat at 700 watts (not full power) and check after 1.5 minutes. Alternatively, prick 3 to 4 small holes in the cheese with a toothpick so steam can escape.
How do I serve microwaved handkase?
Serve immediately - ideally right on the plate it was heated on. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for the classic 'handkase with music' character. Pair with a few radishes or cucumber slices.
Variation: With Dijon mustard
Spread 1 tsp of Dijon mustard on the handkase, then microwave. The mustard adds a sharp, savory note and lightly caramelizes on the surface. Mustard has about 5 g of carbs per 100 g, so 1 tsp adds roughly 0.3 g of carbs.
Variation: Handkase as a melted topping
Slice handkase into 2 cm thick pieces and place them on vegetable slices (zucchini, eggplant), then heat for 90 seconds at 700 watts - the cheese melts as a topping. You get a mini casserole without using the oven.
Tips for handkase in the microwave
- Never use full power (900 to 1000 watts) - at 700 watts the cheese softens more evenly.
- Toothpick tip: before heating, prick 3 to 4 small holes so steam can escape.
- Use microwave-safe cookware - ceramic or glass, no metal.
- Check after 1.5 minutes - the cheese should be soft and creamy but not runny.
- Add the olive oil before heating, not after - it spreads better over the hot cheese.
- Serve immediately - handkase firms up again as it cools.
Nutrition values
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per Serving | Keto Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | approx. 140 kcal | approx. 245 kcal | Light. The lowest-fat heated handkase variant. |
| Light. The lowest-fat heated handkase variant. | |||
| Fat | approx. 7.0 g | approx. 12 g | Moderate for keto. Olive oil provides nearly all of the fat. |
| Moderate for keto. Olive oil provides nearly all of the fat. | |||
| Net carbs | approx. 0.4 g | approx. 1 g | Very low. Caraway and chives are carb-free in these amounts. |
| Very low. Caraway and chives are carb-free in these amounts. | |||
| Sugar | approx. 0.3 g | approx. 0.5 g | Minimal. No added sugar. |
| Minimal. No added sugar. | |||
| Protein | approx. 8.5 g | approx. 15 g | Excellent. Handkase is high in protein. |
| Excellent. Handkase is high in protein. | |||
| Salt | approx. 0.9 g | approx. 1.5 g | Moderate. Handkase already contains salt - no extra salting needed. |
| Moderate. Handkase already contains salt - no extra salting needed. | |||
Note: Nutrition values are estimated averages per 100 g and per serving and may vary depending on ingredients, brands, portion size, and preparation. They do not replace individual nutrition or medical advice.
FAQ
Can handkase explode in the microwave?
Yes, if heated too long. The moisture inside turns to steam, which can split the rind. The fix: heat at 700 watts (not 100 percent), check after 1.5 minutes, and optionally prick 3 to 4 small holes with a toothpick so steam can escape.
How long does handkase need in the microwave?
At 700 watts: 1.5 to 2 minutes for a 60 g handkase. At 500 watts, roughly 2.5 to 3 minutes. The appliance and the starting temperature of the cheese affect the exact time - at room temperature it needs less time than straight from the fridge.
Is microwaved handkase as good as pan-fried?
No, but it is different. Microwaved handkase becomes evenly creamy and soft from within, without a crust or roasted aroma. Unbeatable for fast everyday meals; for richer flavor and aroma, the pan or air fryer wins.
Can I freeze the cheese and then microwave it?
Handkase can be frozen, but loses some of its texture when thawed - it becomes grainier. To thaw and heat at the same time in the microwave: 3 to 4 minutes at 500 watts until soft. Not recommended for the best flavor, but possible.