About the Recipe
I am not expecting that anyone will roast an entire ham just to make a bit of pâté . However, the next time you do roast a ham, you should freeze some and keep it for this recipe. It is a super easy process and the result is a flavor bomb.
Ingredients
300 grams (10.5 Oz) of oven roasted ham
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped (about 1 ¼ cups)
80 grams (about 2.8 Oz) of Sharp Cold Pack Cheddar cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
Dash of ground black pepper
➡️ Prepare all of your ingredients in advance (Mise en Place).
Preparation
➡️ Please read the entire recipe before proceeding.
Bone-in oven roasted ham is the best thing to use for this recipe. It has a bold flavor and it disintegrates easily, making ideal for a pâté. Deli ham will not give you the same results as it is too firm.
A typical bone-in ham is too big for a single meal, unless you are having a group gathering or you have a large family. However, this oven roasted ham is so delicious and versatile that it can be served in many ways, other than making this pâté. Examples: Fried rice, potato or macaroni salad, soups etc.
I cut the leftovers into portions, which I freeze individually, so I can take some out and use it in a meal whenever I want. I have found that the best way to avoid freezer burn and to maximize the storage time is by wrapping the portions in cling wrap and then wrapping them in aluminum foil. The ham will last a long time in the freezer and will still taste great.
In a food processor, combine:
About 300 grams of oven roasted ham, chopped
1 finely chopped red bell pepper
80 grams of sharp, cold pack cheddar cheese, crumbled
About 300 grams of chopped, oven roasted ham.
Process on high speed for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
Process on high speed until smooth.
Remove the pâté from the food processor and transfer it to a small mixing bowl.
Add 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise (or more) and a dash of ground black pepper (or more).
Mix well.
Chill before using.
Tweaks
Think of this recipe as a base for any ham spread, pâté or filling you want to make. Feel free to tweak it or modify it as you desire.
A few, of many, options:
If you are using the mix as a sandwich spread, you can substitute the mayonnaise with mustard or use a blend of mustard and mayonnaise.
Another good combination is a relish mayo and mustard blend.
You can also add:
Fresh herbs
Hot banana or jalapeno peppers
Other cheeses, like feta or Swiss
Green onions, garlic, ginger etc.