Ham Mousse
A delicate ham mousse with a savory, creamy texture, accented by mustard, vinegar, and fresh vegetables—perfect for elegant appetizers or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
- 3/4 cup cold milk ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 eggs, separated ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons prepared mustard ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup diced green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon minced onion ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups ground cooked ham ⓘ
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped ⓘ
Instructions
- Sprinkle gelatin over cold milk in a saucepan.
- Add egg yolks and salt; stir until blended.
- Place over low heat, stir constantly, until gelatin dissolves and mixture thickens slightly, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat; blend in sugar, mustard, and vinegar. Chill until mixture mounds slightly when dropped from a spoon.
- Fold in diced green pepper, diced celery, minced onion, and ground cooked ham.
- Beat egg whites until stiff, but not dry.
- Fold egg whites into the gelatin mixture.
- Fold in whipped cream.
- Turn into a 4-cup mold and chill until firm. Unmold.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also substitute the ground cooked ham with turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you're looking to enhance the flavor, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved to avoid lumps in your mousse.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the ham mousse as an elegant appetizer at your next gathering. It pairs beautifully with a fresh Caesar Salad With Anchovies or a crisp green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with crusty bread or crackers. This dish can also be a great addition to a brunch spread, alongside dishes like Spareribs With Kraut.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, until just warmed through. Avoid boiling to prevent separation of the ingredients. This mousse is best served chilled, so consider refrigerating again before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham Mousse contains roughly 146 calories, with 5g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (108% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1393mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make ham mousse ahead of time?
Yes, ham mousse can be made a day in advance. After preparing the mousse, simply pour it into the mold and refrigerate until firm. This allows the flavors to meld, making the dish even tastier when served. Just ensure it is well covered to prevent any absorption of odors from the fridge.
What can I use if I don't have unflavored gelatin?
If you don’t have unflavored gelatin, you can use agar-agar as a vegetarian alternative. Use it in the same quantity as gelatin, but keep in mind that it requires boiling to dissolve, unlike gelatin which dissolves in warm liquid. Adjust the chilling times as necessary, as agar-agar may set more quickly.
How can I make the mousse more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your ham mousse, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or chives. You could also incorporate a splash of hot sauce or a hint of lemon juice for brightness. Additionally, finely chopped pickles or olives can add a savory touch that complements the ham beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).