Try These 13 Types of Paté While in France

The variety of patés in France is truly remarkable. From Pâté de Campagne to Fois Gras and even Saucisse en Brioche, you can find all sorts of unique flavours and textures that will satisfy any palate! Enjoy the classic recipes or try something new – no matter what type of paté you choose, you’ll be delighted with the unforgettable experience that France has to offer!

Are you planning a trip to France? If so, then you won’t want to miss out on their delicious paté! Paté is one of the most beloved French dishes, and it comes in many different forms. Here we will explore 13 types of pate that you can try while in France. From Pâté de Campagne to Pâté Chaud, get ready for a delicious culinary adventure as you explore some of the best patés France has to offer. Bon appétit!

 

1. Pâté de Campagne

A delicious type of paté enjoyed especially in France. This rustic-style traditional spread made from pork, liver, and herbs is a favorite amongst the French for its deep flavor. Although its ingredients vary depending on the chefs’ style, all versions of Pâté de Campagne contain at least pork and liver.

The raw meats are seasoned with an assortment of fragrant herbs like marjoram, thyme, sage, parsley, tarragon, and bay leaves. Once the meats are coated in the herbs and spices, it is molded in loaf form and then set to cool overnight.

Pâté de Campagne provides a delightful balance of fatty and gamey flavors that would please any palate! Enjoyed as an appetizer or snack with crackers or crusty bread slices, this French paté delicacy has satisfied people’s cravings for centuries now!

Pâté de Campagne
Pâté de Campagne

 

2. Fois Gras

One of the most luxurious delicacies to indulge in while in France is Fois Gras, a type of Paté. As with all Patés, this dish is made primarily from liver and fat; however, Fois Gras takes things a step further with its inclusion of figs and truffles.

This combination gives this already decadent dish an extra layer of complexity that makes it all the more delicious! While it may be expensive, one bite will make any foodie understand why this is considered to be such a special treat. Be sure to try Fois Gras on your next trip to France – you’ll never want anything else!

Fois Gras
Fois Gras

 

3. Rillettes

A very popular culinary experience when in France. It typically consists of a mixture made from pork shoulder, pork fat, herbs and seasoning, cooked until it is extremely tender. This mixture is then shredded and mashed into a coarse paste.

On its own, rillettes has a potted texture to it but can be enjoyed with toast or crackers. When prepared properly, the texture and flavor balance each other perfectly which makes this type of paté unique compared to the others. Best paired with oaky French chardonnay, rillettes make for an immersive experience no matter where you enjoy them in France.

Rillettes
Rillettes

 

4. Paté en Croûte

Type of paté commonly found in France that is so popular, it rivals traditional French classics. It is made of buttery puff pastry and either contains diced pork loin or roughly ground lean pork with spices. To add even more flavor to the dish, different wines, cognacs, and brandies are often added to the recipe.

Paté en Croûte
Paté en Croûte

 

As a nod to classic French cuisine, pieces of leek, celery stalk, and carrots also find their way into the mix. The exquisite ingredients combine to create an unforgettable flavor experience worthy of any table in France.

While no two recipes are ever quite alike since they are typically prepared at home by local chefs with different interpretations in mind, one thing remains true; Paté en Croûte will delight anyone’s taste buds who tries it!

 

5. Terrine

The French take their food very seriously and one beloved dish they’re known for is pate. One type of pate that originated in France called terrine has become quite popular throughout the country and across the world.

Terrine
Terrine

 

Terrine is a form of paté made with coarsely chopped liver, pork, poultry, game or fish that is cooked in an earthenware vessel called a terrine. This paté can be served either hot or cold which makes it a versatile appetizer in any dinner party.

Additionally, terrines are pretty easy to make if one knows what they’re doing so if you find yourself wanting to impress dinner guests it may be worth trying your hand at this French favorite.

 

6. Pâté Hachis Parmentier

Pâté hachis Parmentier is a type of paté that originates in France. When traveling to the French countryside, you may come across this hearty and savory dish. This type of paté, also known as Hachis Parmentier, is similar to shepherd’s pie or shepardess’ pudding because it contains a base of mashed potatoes.

Pâté Hachis Parmentier
Pâté Hachis Parmentier

 

It goes beyond the classic blend by combining minced beef, lamb or veal with carrots, onion and egg. The meat-and-vegetable mixture is then topped with creamy mashed potatoes and topped with grated cheese that crispens up when baked in the oven.

This savory combination of textures and flavors makes Pâté hachis Parmentier an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy some traditional French cuisine during their stay in France.

 

7. Pâté Grand-Mère

Pâté Grand-Mère is one of the most beloved types of paté in France. It is traditionally made with pork, although it may also contain beef liver and chicken liver. The pâté is then flavored with white wine, cognac, brandy, herbs, spices, and aromatics before being wrapped in puff pastry.

This gives the pâté a deliciously rich flavor profile that makes it a prized dish across the nation. For centuries, this type of paté has been a staple at French dinners, and it can be found in almost every restaurant or cafe throughout the country. Whether served as an entrée or an appetizer, Pâté Grand-Mère always has a place on any French table.

Pâté Grand-Mère
Pâté Grand-Mère

 

8. Pâté de Saxe

Pâté de Saxe is a type of pâté originating from France that is renowned for its rich, flavorful taste. Made from a combination of pork liver and veal, the mixture is seasoned with a variety of spices like nutmeg, pepper, paprika, onions, garlic and allspice creating a delicious umami flavor.

Pâté de Saxe
Pâté de Saxe

 

As an especially savory dish among types of paté while in France, this original recipe was first developed in Saxony but also has roots throughout Belgium and Luxembourg as well. An amazing appetizer or condiment to add to more traditional French dishes such as fresh salads or savory beef dishes.

Pâté de Saxe can be eaten alone with some crusty bread or paired with more complex items such as crispy noodles or fresh vegetables. Enjoying the soft texture and bold flavors of pâté de Saxe while in France is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

 

9. Pâté de Toulouse

A unique type of paté that can be found only in the French region of Toulouse. Unlike other forms of paté, which are normally made from livers or poultry, this type has no organ meat involved.

Pâté de Toulouse
Pâté de Toulouse

 

This version is rather a marinated pork steak and bacon paste, flavored with onion and garlic, then shaped into a cake. It is also sometimes filled with pistachios or even foie gras to create an even richer taste.

This delicious paté makes for a delightful addition to any French meal, especially when served alongside crusty baguettes and red wine. So if you’re in France, don’t miss the chance to try out some Pâté de Toulouse; it will surely satisfy your appetite!

 

10. Coulommiers

Amongst the most beloved types of pâté that can be found in France. It originated in the town of the same name and typically consists of a blend of cream, eggs and select chunks of pork.

This combination makes it creamier than other pâtés, while the chunks of pork add a meaty texture to it. It’s often served alongside other French delicacies such as cheese, Dijon mustard and crusty bread. Coulommiers has earned almost cult status amongst gourmets for its special flavor and texture, making it one of the most popular types of pâté across France.

Coulommiers
Coulommiers

 

11. Galantine

Galantine is a type of paté that is incredibly popular in France, and for good reason. It is made from poultry, such as duck or chicken, and is mixed with a variety of other ingredients including vegetables and various seasonings before being cooked covered in a layer of fat.

Galantine
Galantine

 

The fat is then typically removed and the mixture solidified with gelatin to create a paté which can either be served as slices or spread. Its appearance alone makes this dish stand out from others; its smooth texture and shimmering surface make it truly remarkable!

Even more importantly however, it provides a unique flavor unlike any other type of paté due to the unique combination of ingredients employed. As a result, galantine has become an important part of French cuisine, and will continue to be enjoyed by those who appreciate authentic French flavors for many years to come.

 

12. Pâté Chaud

Pâté Chaud, also known as hot paté, is a type of paté that originated in France. It is a pastry dish made from puff pastry dough filled with various ingredients such as minced beef, duck liver and cured ham.

The dish could be served as an appetizer or main course in French restaurant menus. Pâté Chaud can be oven baked or fried and usually accompanied with pickles or an appropriate sauce. Most restaurants serve this dish quickly after being cooked to preserve the crispiness of the pastry layer and the flavor of the fillings. Its irresistible aroma and crunchiness will always guarantee its place at any French dinner table!

Pâté Chaud
Pâté Chaud

 

13. Saucisse en Brioche

A type of paté typically found in France and other parts of Europe. The combination of meat and bread creates an incredible flavor profile that makes this dish unique.

The use of high-quality meats, fresh herbs, and fresh spices create the perfect balance between savory and sweet. The brioche is made from wheat flour, butter, sugar, salt, eggs, and yeast which helps to give the sausage its signature texture.

Eating Saucisse en Brioche while in France is a great way to experience a true French delicacy that is unlike any other paté experience!

Saucisse en Brioche
Saucisse en Brioche

 

In conclusion

There are many types of paté that can be enjoyed in France and each one has its own unique flavor. From the classic Pâté de Campagne to the luxurious Fois Gras and the savory Saucisse en Brioche, France offers a wide variety of delicious patés to please everyone’s taste buds.

Whether served as an entrée, appetizer or snack, these French patés provide a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will make your time in France one you won’t forget! Bon Appétit!

 


Simply France
Simply France

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