Slovak “Fake Cod” Spread – Easy Cottage Cheese Recipe
Slovak Fake Cod Spread (Falošná treska) is a simple cottage cheese spread made with eggs, carrots, pickles and onion. Despite its unusual name, there is no cod or other fish in this recipe. Its fresh, slightly tangy and creamy flavour simply resembles the popular Slovak deli-style cod salad known as treska v majonéze.
We first tasted this Slovak cottage cheese spread at our friend Blanka’s neighbourhood party. It was one of those unassuming dishes everyone kept coming back to throughout the evening. Once we saw that even the kids loved it, the recipe had definitely earned a place in our collection.
And if you already have hard-boiled eggs ready, you can prepare this easy spread in about 10 minutes.
Why Is It Called “Fake Cod”?
The name Falošná treska, literally “fake cod”, can be a little confusing because the recipe contains no fish at all.
Instead, cottage cheese, eggs, pickles, carrots and a creamy dressing create a flavour reminiscent of traditional Slovak deli salads, particularly the much-loved treska v majonéze – cod salad with mayonnaise.
The cottage cheese makes this homemade version lighter and, together with the eggs, also provides a natural source of protein.
Ingredients
Makes approximately 6 servings:
- 200 g cottage cheese or coarse-curd fresh cheese
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- 1 medium carrot
- 3 pickles
- 1 small onion
- 100 g tartar sauce
- 100 ml plain yogurt
- salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper
Method
1. Prepare the vegetables
Peel the carrot and grate it finely. Grate the pickles as well and gently squeeze out some of the excess liquid if necessary. Don’t squeeze them completely dry – a little pickle juice adds a pleasant tanginess to the spread.
Finely chop the onion. It should add flavour without overpowering the other ingredients.
2. Add the eggs and cottage cheese
Peel the hard-boiled eggs and grate them finely or mash thoroughly with a fork.
Place the cottage cheese, eggs, grated carrot, pickles and finely chopped onion in a large bowl.
3. Make the spread creamy
Add the plain yogurt and tartar sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Mix everything thoroughly until you have a creamy, well-combined spread.
4. Let the flavours develop
The spread tastes good immediately, but it becomes even better after resting in the refrigerator.
Chill for at least 1–2 hours, or preferably several hours, allowing the flavours of the cottage cheese, pickles, onion and eggs to come together.
Stir again before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
How to Serve Slovak Fake Cod Spread
Falošná treska is best served well chilled with fresh bread, sourdough, a crusty baguette or toast. It also works beautifully as part of a cold breakfast, brunch or party table.
For a lighter meal, serve it with wholegrain bread, crispbread or fresh vegetables.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret lies in the contrast of simple flavours and textures. Cottage cheese creates a mild, slightly tangy base, eggs add richness, carrots bring natural sweetness, and pickles provide acidity and freshness.
Plain yogurt keeps the spread lighter, while tartar sauce gives it the familiar creamy deli-style character.
The result is an easy Slovak cottage cheese spread that tastes surprisingly familiar despite containing no fish at all.
Wine Pairing
If you serve Falošná treska as part of a weekend breakfast or brunch, pair it with a dry Brut sparkling wine.
Its fresh acidity and delicate bubbles balance the creamy cottage cheese, eggs and tartar sauce while complementing the tanginess of the pickles.
A Slovak Brut sparkling wine is an excellent choice, although Crémant or a dry Prosecco Brut will work beautifully too. Look for a fresh, clean style with citrus or green-apple notes and little residual sweetness.
TGCC Wine Pairing: Slovak Fake Cod Spread, fresh sourdough bread and a chilled glass of Slovak Brut – an easy way to turn a simple breakfast into a relaxed weekend brunch.
TGCC TIP
If you have time, prepare your Falošná treska several hours or even a day ahead. Resting in the refrigerator allows the tanginess of the pickles, mild cottage cheese and richness of the eggs to blend beautifully.
And don’t squeeze all the liquid from the grated pickles. A little of their brine gives the spread the fresh, tangy character that makes it reminiscent of traditional Slovak treska.
Simple ingredients, ten minutes of work and a spread that disappeared from the party before we even had time to ask for the recipe. Luckily, Blanka shared it with us.
