Herring Pate

Prep: 10 min Serves: 8

Herring Pate offers a creamy, savory spread with the rich flavor of herring complemented by fresh parsley, ripe olives, and lemon juice. Perfect for party appetizers, it pairs wonderfully with rye bread and makes an elegant, flavorful addition to any gathering, appealing to seafood lovers and those seeking a sophisticated snack.

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Ingredients

  • 12 oz. jar herring in cream, drained
  • 8 oz. cream cheese
  • 1/3 cup ripe olives
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley
  • Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

  1. Puree the drained herring in a processor.
  2. Add the cream cheese, ripe olives, parsley, and lemon juice, and continue pureeing until smooth.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a crock or serving dish, cover, and chill.
  4. Serve on party rye bread, garnished with chopped ripe olives and chopped hard-cooked egg.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother texture, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before blending. You can substitute the herring with smoked salmon for a different flavor profile. Fresh dill can replace parsley for a unique twist. If you're looking for a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese. This herring pate also pairs wonderfully with Irish Potato Rolls for a delightful appetizer.

Serving Suggestions

This herring pate is best served on party rye bread, making it an ideal appetizer for gatherings. Garnish with additional chopped ripe olives and hard-cooked eggs for a decorative touch. It pairs well with a light salad like Pineapple And Apricot Salad, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pate.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover herring pate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain its texture, avoid freezing the pate as it may alter the consistency. Serve chilled; simply give it a quick stir before serving again to refresh its creamy consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Herring Pate contains roughly 179 calories, with 10g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

179 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.7g 19% DV
Total Fat 10.5g 13% DV
Carbs 17g 6% DV
Fiber 7.8g 28% DV
Sugar 4.2g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 314.4mg 14% DV
Potassium 835.6mg 18% DV
Cholesterol 23.9mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 100.5mcg 11% DV
Vitamin C 35.8mg 40% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 380.1mg 29% DV
Iron 6.5mg 36% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

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 this herring pate ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the herring pate a day in advance. Just be sure to cover it well and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the taste. Simply give it a stir before serving to restore its creamy consistency.

What can I serve with herring pate?

Herring pate pairs nicely with various accompaniments. Consider offering party rye bread, crackers, or sliced cucumbers for a refreshing crunch. For a complete spread, include some hard-cooked eggs and a light salad, like Pineapple And Apricot Salad, to balance the richness of the pate.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

While traditional herring pate contains fish, you can create a vegetarian version using smoked tofu or a blend of roasted vegetables. Enhance the umami flavor with ingredients like miso or nutritional yeast, ensuring it remains creamy and satisfying without the fish.

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).

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