Sardine and Cream Cheese Rillettes Recipe
This Sardine and Cream Cheese Rillettes recipe is a delightful and savory spread that combines the rich flavors of sardines with creamy cream cheese, enhanced by a blend of spices and fresh parsley. Perfect for appetizers, served with toasted baguette slices, cornichons, and fresh parsley leaves for an elegant and flavorful bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Sardine Mixture
- 2 cans (2x160g) sardines in olive oil (8 filets), drained
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 6-7 sprigs flat leaf parsley, stemmed and chopped (about 1 tbsp)
- 1 tsp whole pink peppercorns (+extra for serving)
- ¼ cup (62g) cream cheese (31% M.F.), at room temperature
- ¼ lemon, juiced
For Serving
- Toasted baguette slices
- Cornichons
- Parsley leaves
Instructions
- Drain Sardines: Open the cans and drain the sardines to remove excess olive oil. Place the sardines in a mixing bowl.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the cream cheese to the sardines and mash them together gently using a fork until the mixture is well combined but still slightly chunky for texture.
- Season: Incorporate the freshly ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, salt, chopped flat leaf parsley, and lemon juice into the sardine-cream cheese mixture. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Add Pink Peppercorns: Stir in the whole pink peppercorns, distributing them throughout the mixture to add a unique, floral peppery stance. Reserve some extra pink peppercorns for garnish.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the rillettes to firm up slightly.
- Serve: Transfer the rillettes to a serving dish, garnish with additional pink peppercorns and parsley leaves. Serve with toasted baguette slices and cornichons on the side for a complete appetizer experience.
Notes
- Use good quality sardines packed in olive oil for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the heat level of the rillettes.
- For a smoother texture, pulse the mixture briefly in a food processor instead of mashing by hand.
- This spread can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator; flavors will improve over time.
- Serve at room temperature for the best creamy consistency and flavor.
