Best 2 Cajun Hog Head Cheese Recipes

**Hog Head Cheese: A Southern Delicacy with a Unique Flavor**

Hog head cheese, also known as souse meat or headcheese, is a traditional Southern dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a savory meat jelly made from the head of a pig, typically including the meat, skin, and bones. The head is thoroughly cleaned and cooked until the meat falls off the bone, then it is seasoned, shredded, and mixed with a gelatinous liquid to form a loaf. Hog head cheese is often served cold, sliced, and accompanied by crackers, vegetables, or bread. It can also be used as an ingredient in sandwiches, salads, and other dishes. This article presents two variations of hog head cheese recipes: a classic Southern recipe and a modern, gourmet recipe. Both recipes provide step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure a successful and delicious outcome. With its unique texture and rich flavor, hog head cheese is a culinary delight that is sure to impress your taste buds.

Let's cook with our recipes!

HOG HEAD CHEESE

Hog Head Cheese image

For those who want some hog head cheese (also known as "souse") but can't get to a boucherie or are away from home, you can generally find what you need to make this at most Chinese or Hispanic markets (or look for 99 Ranch market stores). The pig's foot provides the gelatin that sets the cheese. Served on crispy crackers, it's quite good.

Provided by Alberta LeBlanc

Categories Appetizers

Yield 60

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

10 cups water
2 1/2 lbs pork meat or the hog's head
1 pig's foot
2 tsp salt
3/4 lb onions, chopped
1 tbsp parsley flakes
1 tbsp celery flakes
1 cup chopped green onions
1 tsp black pepper
3/4 tsp red pepper

Steps:

Clean the hog head by removing eyes, ears and brains. Saw into 4 pieces.
Measure water into 5-quart saucepot. Add the hog head, pork meat, pig's foot, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook until meat is tender and the pig's foot and head can easily be boned. Approximately 3 cups of liquid should remain in saucepot.
Add chopped onions, parsley flakes, celery flakes, chopped green onions, and the remaining teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and red pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes.
Remove the meat from the liquid (but reserve the liquid). Debone the meat. Place meat in the food processor, chop well but don't puree.
Mix together the chopped ingredients and the reserved liquid. Pour into 9x13 pan. Chill thoroughly and serve on crackers (I like it with saltines) or with boudin. Makes 60 servings of 2 tablespoons each.

HOG'S HEAD CHEESE

Hog's Head Cheese image

This is not actually cheese. It is a wonderful, spicy appetizer mold made of pork roast that is great served with crackers.

Provided by LADYEM1

Categories Appetizers and Snacks Spicy

Time 10h20m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 pounds pork shoulder, trimmed and cubed
2 cups chopped onion
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
½ cup chopped celery
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons dried parsley
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
3 cups water or pork stock
3 (.25 ounce) envelopes unflavored gelatin
1 cup boiling water

Steps:

Heat the oil in a 4 quart pot over medium-high heat. Add the pork roast, and brown on all sides. Reduce heat to medium, and add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Season with garlic, parsley, basil, salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Pour in 3 cups of water or pork stock, and bring to a boil.
Cover, and simmer over medium heat for 2 hours, stirring vigorously every 15 minutes. When the pork is ready, it should be completely shredded and reduced to a stringy consistency.
Dissolve the gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, then stir into the pork mixture very well. Pour into a mold or casserole dish, and chill until set, about 8 hours.
To unmold, dip the bottom of the mold in hot tap water for about 1 minute, then invert onto a serving tray. Serve with your favorite crackers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 95 calories, Carbohydrate 2.1 g, Cholesterol 22.3 mg, Fat 6.5 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 6.9 g, SaturatedFat 2.1 g, Sodium 158.5 mg, Sugar 0.8 g

Tips:

Ensure the hog head is cleaned thoroughly by removing any unwanted hair, bristles, or dirt.
Soak the hog head in a mixture of water and vinegar for at least 30 minutes to help remove any remaining impurities.
When cooking the hog head, use a large pot to accommodate all the ingredients comfortably.
Simmer the hog head for several hours until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
Strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids, then season the broth to taste.
Allow the hog head meat to cool slightly before shredding it into small pieces.
Combine the shredded meat with the desired seasonings, vegetables, and spices, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Pour the seasoned meat mixture into a mold or container and let it cool completely before refrigerating.
Once the hog head cheese is firm, serve it chilled, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions.

Conclusion:

Cajun hog head cheese is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Its unique flavor and texture make it a popular choice for sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. By following the tips and instructions provided in this article, you can easily prepare this traditional Cajun dish at home and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Additionally, hog head cheese is a great way to utilize all parts of the animal and reduce food waste, making it a sustainable and budget-friendly option.