๐ŸณDailyRecipes
Dinner

Classic Country Terrine

This rustic French pork terrine is rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make at home.

By Daily Recipes Bookยท ๐ŸŒ Frenchยท July 24, 2026
Classic Country Terrine
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
30 minutes
Cook
1 hour 30 minutes
Total
48 hours including chilling
Serves
10

A country terrine is a true staple of French cooking that feels sophisticated yet remains wonderfully rustic. It is essentially a well seasoned pork mixture that is gently baked in a loaf tin until it becomes tender and sliceable. The result is a luxurious dish that pairs perfectly with crusty bread and cornichons on a grazing board.

Many people think a terrine is difficult to prepare, but this version is very straightforward. The secret is using a good mix of fatty pork belly and lean pork mince to ensure the texture stays moist and tender. It is a fantastic option for a relaxed lunch or a special gathering with friends.

Ingredients

  • 500g pork belly, minced
  • 500g regular pork mince
  • 200g chicken livers, cleaned
  • 2 tablespoons brandy or cognac
  • 2 eschalots, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup shelled unsalted pistachios
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

  1. 1

    Sautรฉ the finely chopped eschalots in butter until soft, then let them cool completely.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, combine the pork belly mince, regular pork mince, chicken livers, cooled eschalots, brandy, eggs, egg yolks, cream, salt, pepper, allspice, and cloves.

  3. 3

    Mix the ingredients by hand until well combined and uniform.

  4. 4

    Fold in the pistachios gently.

  5. 5

    Transfer the mixture into a greased loaf pan, pressing down firmly to remove any air pockets.

  6. 6

    Cover the pan tightly with foil and place it in a large roasting tray.

  7. 7

    Fill the roasting tray with enough boiling water to reach halfway up the side of the loaf pan.

  8. 8

    Bake at 160C for about 90 minutes until the center is firm to the touch.

  9. 9

    Remove from the water bath, let it cool to room temperature, then weigh the top down with cans and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before slicing.

๐Ÿ’ก Tips

Serve your terrine at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Store the leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

You might also like