Imagine impressing your guests with a sophisticated, creamy delicacy that whispers French culinary elegance in just 45 minutes! This Ham and Mushroom Pâté is not just a recipe; it's a gastronomic journey that elevates simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy appetizer. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving a luxurious spread for your afternoon snack, this pâté promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the charming bistros of France.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g cooked ham, chopped
- 100g mushrooms, finely chopped
- 100g cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients: chop the cooked ham into small pieces, finely chop the mushrooms, and soften the cream cheese to room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped ham, mushrooms, and softened cream cheese. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Add the softened butter to the bowl and mix until it's fully incorporated into the mixture.
- Add the Dijon mustard to the bowl and mix well. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- After the mixture has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and give it a good stir. Spoon the mixture into a serving dish or individual ramekins.
- Smooth the top of the pâté with a spatula or spoon, making sure it's even and smooth.
- Garnish the pâté with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, and serve chilled.
- Allow the pâté to come to room temperature before serving, if desired. Serve with crackers, bread, or vegetables.
Tips
- Always use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smoother, more uniform mixing.
- Finely chop mushrooms to ensure they blend seamlessly into the pâté.
- For enhanced flavor, consider sautéing the mushrooms lightly before mixing to develop a deeper, richer taste.
- Chill the pâté for at least 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and achieve the perfect spreadable consistency.
- Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon for unique flavor profiles.
- Serve with a variety of accompaniments like crusty baguette, crisp crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.
- The pâté can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it a great make-ahead appetizer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
