Western Pate
A savory Western pâté featuring bacon, turkey, and pork, layered with fresh herbs and vegetables, perfect for elegant appetizers or hearty family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. bacon slices ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 1/2 lb. ground pork ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup unsweetened corn bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons apple juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line the bottom of a loaf pan crosswise with bacon slices, bringing the bacon up the sides and over the edge of the pan. Reserve any remaining bacon slices.
- Mix the ground turkey, ground pork, egg, chopped garlic, chopped onion, diced red bell pepper, diced yellow bell pepper, bread crumbs, chopped cilantro, apple juice, salt, and ground coriander thoroughly.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan, being careful not to disturb the bacon lining. Smooth the top.
- Fold the bacon ends over the top of the meat mixture.
- Place the remaining slices of bacon lengthwise on top.
- Cover the pan with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until done. Carefully drain any excess fat, leaving the pâté in the pan.
- Let stand, uncovered, for 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon or incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary into the meat mixture. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, lean ground chicken can replace ground turkey, and you can use whole grain bread crumbs instead of corn bread crumbs. Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially if using seasoned bacon.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Western Pâté with crusty bread or crackers for a delightful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or pickled vegetables on the side. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Cheesy Potatoes(For The Barbecue) or as part of a charcuterie board. A glass of apple cider complements the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. This pâté can also be enjoyed cold, making it perfect for meal prep or picnics.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Western Pate contains roughly 309 calories, with 15g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value) and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1339mg per serving (58% 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 in this pâté?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various meats such as ground beef or lamb. Just keep in mind that different meats may alter the flavor and texture slightly, so adjust seasonings accordingly. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your taste preferences.
How can I tell when the pâté is fully cooked?
The pâté is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is the best way to check. Additionally, the bacon should be crispy and the meat mixture firm but not dry. Letting it rest after baking helps solidify the texture before slicing.
Can I freeze the Western Pâté?
Yes, you can freeze the pâté! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or serving.
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).