Mock Sweetbreads
Mock Sweetbreads offer a savory, hearty dish with tender ground pork and veal, coated in flavorful mushroom gravy—perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground pork, ground veal, cracker crumbs, milk, egg, and a pinch of salt together.
- Form the mixture into cakes.
- Lay the cakes on wax paper and let them rest for half an hour or longer.
- Brown the cakes in shortening in a skillet.
- Place the browned cakes in a baking dish.
- Pour the mushroom soup diluted with water over the cakes.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 1 to 1½ hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or garlic to the meat mixture. If you don’t have milk, you can substitute with chicken broth or a non-dairy milk. Ensure the cakes are well-formed to hold together during cooking. If you want a crispy texture, try pan-frying them in a mix of butter and oil before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Mock Sweetbreads are delicious served with a side of mashed potatoes or over egg noodles. A fresh Broccoli-Woccoli Salad pairs beautifully to add a crunchy contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving with a light Mmm Salad for freshness and balance. Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Mock Sweetbreads can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be cautious to not overcook, as this may dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mock Sweetbreads contains roughly 644 calories, with 28g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (55% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1778mg per serving (77% 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 use different types of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a more robust flavor, consider using lamb or beef. Just keep in mind that this may alter the overall taste and texture of the final dish.
How do I know when the cakes are fully cooked?
To ensure the cakes are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Additionally, the cakes should be golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch. If you're unsure, cut one open to check that it's no longer pink inside.
Is it possible to freeze these cakes?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked cakes for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and follow the baking instructions as usual.
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).