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Bündnerfleisch

Paper-thin slices of spice-cured, air-dried alpine beef from the Grisons — Switzerland’s answer to prosciutto.

⏱ 20 minPrep time
🔥 5 minCook time
🍽 12Servings
🏷 DinnerCategory
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Bündnerfleisch is paper-thin, deep-red air-dried beef from the Grisons, cured with wine, juniper, and Alpine herbs until intensely concentrated. Each translucent slice melts slowly on the tongue with a rich, beefy savor.

It is the classic Swiss appetizer: arranged fanned on a platter with dark bread, cornichons, and strong mustard. Slicing it whisper-thin is the whole art—use the sharpest blade you own.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Combine the salt, peppercorns, juniper, garlic, bay, and coriander; rub the mixture all over the beef.
  2. Place the beef in a dish, pour the wine over, cover, and cure in the refrigerator for 5 days, turning daily.
  3. Wipe the meat dry, wrap it loosely in cheesecloth, and hang it in a cool, airy place (45–55°F) for 2–3 weeks, until firm and dried throughout.
  4. Slice paper-thin against the grain with a very sharp knife or meat slicer and serve with dark bread and cornichons.

💡 Chef tips & storage

True Bündnerfleisch needs a cool, dry spot, so a cellar or cool garage works best. If you are nervous about drying meat at home, buy a good air-dried version and slice it yourself.

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Recipe details

Prep20 min
Cook5 min
Servings12
CategoryDinner
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →