Pâté de Campagne, or country-style pâté, is a quintessential part of French charcuterie. Rustic, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, this traditional terrine is a celebration of simple ingredients elevated through classic technique. Whether served with crusty bread, cornichons, or a dollop of mustard, it's a dish that brings the French countryside right to your plate.

In this post, we’ll explore the history, ingredients, and step-by-step process for making an authentic Pâté de Campagne at home.

🇫🇷 What is Pâté de Campagne?

Pâté de Campagne (pronounced pah-TAY duh kahm-PAHN-yeuh) translates to “country pâté.” It’s a coarse, rustic meat loaf or terrine, traditionally made with a mix of pork, liver, herbs, and spices. Unlike smooth liver pâtés, this one has texture — giving it a hearty, robust character.

It’s often:

Baked in a terrine or loaf pan,

Served cold or at room temperature,

Eaten with mustard, pickles, or bread.

🧾 Ingredients (Makes 1 medium terrine)

Meat Base:

500g pork shoulder or belly, diced

250g chicken livers or pork liver

200g fatback or bacon, diced

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

Binding & Flavor:

1 egg

60 ml (¼ cup) heavy cream

30 ml (2 tbsp) brandy or cognac

1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)

1 tsp herbes de Provence

1½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp allspice or nutmeg

Optional: 1 tbsp chopped parsley

For Lining the Mold:

Thin slices of bacon or caul fat (for lining the terrine)

Bay leaves (optional, for aroma and decoration)

👨‍🍳 How to Make Pâté de Campagne

🥩 Step 1: Prepare the Meats

  1. Cut pork, liver, and fatback into small pieces.

  2. Pulse in a food processor to a coarse grind, or pass through a meat grinder. (Keep some texture.)

🧄 Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, onions, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, brandy, cream, and egg.

  2. Mix well until sticky and cohesive.

  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to let flavors meld.

🧈 Step 3: Assemble the Terrine

  1. Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F).

  2. Line a loaf pan or terrine mold with bacon slices or caul fat.

  3. Pack the meat mixture tightly into the mold.

  4. Press down firmly and smooth the top.

  5. Top with bay leaves for aroma and presentation.

  6. Cover with foil or a terrine lid.

🔥 Step 4: Bake in a Water Bath

  1. Place the terrine in a larger baking dish.

  2. Fill the outer dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the terrine (bain-marie).

  3. Bake for 1½ to 2 hours, until internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F).

❄️ Step 5: Cool & Press

  1. Remove from oven, cool at room temperature.

  2. Press with a weight to compact the texture (optional but recommended).

  3. Refrigerate for 24–48 hours before serving. This aging enhances flavor and texture.

🍽️ How to Serve Pâté de Campagne

Slice cold or at room temperature.

Serve with:

Cornichons (tiny pickles)

Dijon mustard

Toasted baguette

Red onion marmalade or fig jam

Perfect as part of a charcuterie board, picnic lunch, or rustic appetizer.

🏛️ A Bit of History

Pâté de Campagne originated in rural French villages, where every part of the animal was used creatively. Families would preserve meat through terrines, and this rustic pâté became a mainstay of boucherie (butchery) and charcuterie. Unlike more refined city-style pâtés, this one celebrates texture, flavor, and tradition.

🍷 Wine Pairing

Pair your Pâté de Campagne with:

Côtes du Rhône

Beaujolais

Rustic Bordeaux

A chilled glass of white Burgundy

Its earthy richness stands up to both light reds and fuller-bodied whites.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Keep your meats very cold when grinding and mixing.

Don’t skip the rest period in the fridge before serving — it makes a huge difference in flavor.

Want a smoother pâté? Pulse more in the food processor, or add a second egg and more cream.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Pâté de Campagne is the definition of timeless French cuisine — hearty, humble, and unforgettable. Whether you're entertaining guests or just craving a taste of the French countryside, this rustic terrine delivers rich flavor and satisfying texture in every bite.

Bon appétit! 🇫🇷🥖