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Pâté en Croûte

Name: Pâté en Croûte
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 90 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 ½ lb ground pork; 8 oz pork belly or fatback, finely diced; 6 oz chicken livers, chopped; 2 sheets puff pastry (one 17.3 oz box), thawed; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 large eggs; ¼ cup brandy or Madeira; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 pinch nutmeg; 1 ½ cups chicken stock mixed with 1 ½ tsp powdered gelatin

A classic French charcutier’s showpiece — spiced meat filling wrapped in buttery pastry and baked until golden.

⏱ 40 minPrep time

🔥 1 hr 30 minCook time

🍽 8Servings

🏷 DinnerCategory

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Pâté en Croûte is the showpiece of the French charcutier: a seasoned meat terrine wrapped in golden pastry, baked, then finished with a shimmering layer of jelly that fills every gap. Sliced, it reveals a beautiful mosaic of pork, liver, and pastry.

Traditionally served chilled as a first course or picnic centerpiece, it asks for patience — the overnight chill is what makes clean slices possible. Pair it with cornichons, sharp mustard, and a crusty baguette.

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Step by stepInstructions

Mix the pork, belly, livers, onion, garlic, 1 egg, brandy, salt, pepper, thyme, and nutmeg. Cover and rest 1 hour.
Line a loaf pan with one pastry sheet, leaving overhang, and pack in the filling.
Top with the second pastry sheet, crimp the edges, and cut a small steam vent in the center.
Brush with the remaining egg beaten with a splash of water, and bake at 350°F for 1 ¼ hours, until the center reaches 160°F.
Cool 30 minutes, then pour the warm gelatin-stock mixture through the vent.
Chill overnight before slicing and serving.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Patience is the secret — the overnight chill sets the jelly and makes clean slices possible. Serve with cornichons and sharp mustard.

Recipe details

Prep40 min

Cook1 hr 30 min

Servings8

CategoryDinner

PublishedAugust 17, 2026

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 →

Pâté en Croûte

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Pâté en Croûte

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