French Canadian Head Cheese

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 21

French Canadian Head Cheese Recipe

by The Chefin Meat

Prep

15 min

Cook

4 hours

Ready In

4 hours 15 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

362

Sugar

Fat

28g

French Canadian Head Cheese, also known as 'tete fromagee,' is a traditional Quebecois dish made from pork hocks and seasoned with spices. Originally a way to utilize the entire animal and minimize waste, it has become a beloved dish and a staple of Canadian cuisine. Despite its name, head cheese does not actually contain any cheese, but is rather a type of meat jelly made from the leftover scraps of pork hocks, including the head and feet. While the concept may sound unusual to some, French Canadian Head Cheese is actually a delicious and hearty dish that can be enjoyed all year round.

Instructions

1.	Rinse the pork hocks and place them in a large pot.
2.	Add enough water to cover the hocks and bring to a boil.
3.	Add in onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and allspice to the pot.
4.	Reduce heat and simmer for about 4 hours, or until the hocks are very tender and the meat is falling off the bone.
5.	Once the hocks are cooked, remove them from the pot and let cool.
6.	Once cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and chop it into small pieces.
7.	Strain the broth and return it to the pot.
8.	Add the chopped meat back to the pot and stir to combine with the broth.
9.	Pour the mixture into a large container or a loaf pan, and let it chill in the fridge for several hours, or until completely set.
10.	Once set, slice and serve cold.

PROS

French Canadian Head Cheese is an inexpensive and flavorful way to use up pork hocks and create a delicious, protein-rich food.

It can be served as an appetizer or as a main course, and it pairs well with bread, crackers, or cheese.

It can also be stored in the fridge for up to a week, so it’s a great make-ahead dish for busy days.

CONS

Some people may find the concept of head cheese unappetizing or challenging to eat.

It is a high-calorie food that is also high in sodium and fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

French Canadian Head Cheese provides a good source of protein and essential amino acids, as well as vitamins and minerals such as iron and zinc.
While it is high in fat, some of the fat is unsaturated, which can have health benefits when consumed in moderation.
It is also gluten-free and dairy-free, making it an option for those with dietary restrictions.