Handkase Cheese with Mustard Vinaigrette
Dijon mustard acts as a natural emulsifier in a vinaigrette: it binds olive oil and vinegar into a creamy sauce that coats the handkase evenly. With fresh thyme and a few shallots, you get an elegant take on the classic Handkase mit Musik, with only approx. 3 g net carbs per serving.
Key points at a glance
- Ready in approx. 10 minutes, no cooking, with a creamy vinaigrette.
- Approx. 3 g net carbs and 16 g fat per serving.
- Ingredients: handkase cheese, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, shallot, thyme, pepper.
- Great for anyone who wants a more elegant handkase variant with an emulsified dressing.
Ingredients
1 handkase per person as a snack or starter.
| Amount | Ingredient | Note | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handkase cheese | approx. 60 g each | |||
| approx. 60 g each | ||||
| Dijon mustard | - | |||
| Extra virgin olive oil | approx. 2 tbsp | |||
| approx. 2 tbsp | ||||
| Apple cider vinegar | approx. 2 tbsp | |||
| approx. 2 tbsp | ||||
| Shallots | approx. 2 pieces, finely diced | |||
| approx. 2 pieces, finely diced | ||||
| Thyme | 1 tsp fresh; or 0.5 tsp dried | |||
| 1 tsp fresh; or 0.5 tsp dried | ||||
| Pepper | freshly ground | |||
| freshly ground | ||||
| Salt | - | |||
Preparation
Whisk Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar and olive oil into a creamy emulsion, stir in the shallot and thyme, pour over the handkase cheese and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Why is this mustard variant keto-friendly?
Dijon mustard contains less than 0.5 g of carbs per teaspoon (5 g), so it is practically carb-free and ideal for keto. It binds oil and vinegar into an emulsified vinaigrette that carries more fat per bite, which improves the typical keto macro ratio. Using a smaller amount of onion (just one shallot instead of a whole onion) keeps net carbs down to approx. 3 g per serving.
Source: FDDB nutrition database - mustard nutrition values
Emulsion means more fat per bite
An emulsified vinaigrette clings to the cheese better than a separated oil and vinegar mixture. That means more of the olive oil actually ends up eaten together with the cheese, which is a clear advantage on keto because the fat ratio goes up.
Thyme as an aromatic keto ingredient
Fresh thyme contains virtually zero carbs and adds a savory, Mediterranean note that pairs well with the mustard. Dried thyme works equally well in half the amount.
How do I serve and vary handkase with mustard vinaigrette?
In my experience, this version is ideal for guests who have never tried handkase before. The creamy mustard vinaigrette makes the flavor more approachable than a plain vinegar marinade.
Meal prep: mustard vinaigrette in advance
Stored in a sealed jar, the mustard vinaigrette keeps for 4 to 5 days in the fridge. Give it a quick stir or shake before serving so the emulsion comes back together.
Variations: which mustard works best?
Smooth Dijon mustard gives the mildest emulsion. Whole-grain mustard adds more bite and a more rustic look. Hot mustard from a tube also works, but often contains added sugar, so check the ingredients list.
Which tips improve the mustard vinaigrette?
- Whisk the mustard, vinegar and salt together first, then add the oil in a thin stream. This creates a stable emulsion.
- Fresh thyme has noticeably more aroma than dried, so use it when available.
- Don't use too much mustard: 1 tsp per serving is plenty, more can turn bitter.
- The vinaigrette tastes more intense if the cheese marinates for 10 minutes instead of just 5.
- Cut shallots into very fine dice so they don't overpower the vinaigrette.
- For an even rounder flavor, add a few drops of lemon juice to the vinaigrette.
Nutrition values
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per serving | Keto rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | approx. 135 kcal | approx. 215 kcal | Moderate. Slightly more calories from the higher amount of oil. |
| Moderate. Slightly more calories from the higher amount of oil. | |||
| Fat | approx. 10 g | approx. 16 g | Excellent for keto. The emulsified vinaigrette boosts fat intake. |
| Excellent for keto. The emulsified vinaigrette boosts fat intake. | |||
| Net carbs | approx. 1.9 g | approx. 3 g | Excellent for keto. Few shallots plus carb-free mustard. |
| Excellent for keto. Few shallots plus carb-free mustard. | |||
| Sugar | approx. 1 g | approx. 1.6 g | Low. Mustard and shallots only contribute trace amounts. |
| Low. Mustard and shallots only contribute trace amounts. | |||
| Protein | approx. 5.9 g | approx. 9.5 g | Moderate. Handkase cheese delivers the protein. |
| Moderate. Handkase cheese delivers the protein. | |||
| Salt | approx. 0.9 g | approx. 1.5 g | Watch out. Mustard already contains salt, so season sparingly. |
| Watch out. Mustard already contains salt, so season sparingly. | |||
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
Does Dijon mustard contain sugar and is it keto-friendly?
Classic Dijon mustard (for example Maille or Amora) contains less than 0.5 g of carbs per teaspoon and is well suited to keto. Some cheaper mustard varieties have added sugar, so it is worth checking the ingredients list.
Why does mustard emulsify oil and vinegar?
Mustard contains mucilage compounds that interact with both water and oil, which lets them act as a natural emulsifier. As a result, oil and vinegar combine into a creamier consistency.
Can I use regular onions instead of shallots?
Yes. The flavor becomes a bit stronger and sharper, and the carbs stay similar. Shallots have a milder aroma that suits the elegant mustard vinaigrette better.
Can handkase with mustard vinaigrette work as breakfast?
Yes, it makes a hearty keto breakfast. The high protein content is filling, and the fat from the vinaigrette helps stabilize blood sugar. You can prep the vinaigrette the night before, and the dish is ready in two minutes in the morning.