Hog Head Cheese is a classic Southern delicacy that transforms humble pork cuts into a luxurious, gelatinous terrine. By slow-cooking pork meat and pig’s feet, you extract a rich, flavorful broth that naturally sets into a firm, jellied consistency. The result is a spreadable, savory treat with tender bits of meat suspended in a clear, seasoned aspic. This dish is perfect for slicing onto crackers or serving as a unique appetizer at potlucks and festivals. It offers a distinct texture and deep, savory flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated.
Hog Head Cheese (Festival)
Description
Hog Head Cheese is a classic Southern delicacy that transforms humble pork cuts into a luxurious, gelatinous terrine. By slow-cooking pork meat and pig's feet, you extract a rich, flavorful broth that naturally sets into a firm, jellied consistency. The result is a spreadable, savory treat with tender bits of meat suspended in a clear, seasoned aspic. This dish is perfect for slicing onto crackers or serving as a unique appetizer at potlucks and festivals. It offers a distinct texture and deep, savory flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated.Ingredients
Directions
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Pour 10 cups of water into a large 5-quart saucepot.
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Add the pork meat, pig's foot, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the pot.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the meat is very tender and the pig's foot can be easily deboned, approximately 2 to 3 hours.
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Continue cooking until the liquid reduces to approximately 3 cups.
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Add the chopped onions, parsley flakes, celery flakes, chopped green onions, remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and red pepper to the pot.
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Simmer for an additional 3 minutes to infuse the flavors.
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Remove the meat and pig's foot from the liquid and set aside to cool slightly.
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Reserve the seasoned cooking liquid in a clean bowl.
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Carefully remove all bones and gristle from the cooled meat and pig's foot.
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Place the deboned meat into a food processor bowl.
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Pulse the meat until it is finely chopped but not pureed; it should retain some texture.
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Mix the chopped meat thoroughly with the reserved seasoned liquid.
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Pour the mixture into a 9x13x2 inch baking pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
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Refrigerate the pan uncovered for at least 8 hours or overnight until the mixture is completely firm and set.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 50.9kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 2.7g5%
- Saturated Fat 0.9g5%
- Cholesterol 15.1mg6%
- Sodium 663.8mg28%
- Total Carbohydrate 1.2g1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.2g1%
- Sugars 0.4g
- Protein 5.2g11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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