Bavarian Leberkäse (German Meatloaf)

• •1 lb Lean ground pork (finely ground)
• •0.5 lb Lean ground beef (finely ground)
• •4 oz Pork fat (finely ground or pureed (optional, for traditional richness))
• •0.5 cup Ice water (very cold)
• •0.5 piece Onion (small, finely minced)
• •1 piece Garlic clove (minced)
• •1.5 tsp Salt
• •0.5 tsp White pepper
• •0.5 tsp Ground marjoram
• •0.3 tsp Ground nutmeg
• •0.3 tsp Sweet paprika (optional, for color)
• •1 tbsp Butter or oil (for greasing pan)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9x5 inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan with butter or oil.

2. 2

   In a large food processor, combine the ground pork, ground beef, finely ground pork fat (if using), minced onion, and minced garlic. Process until the mixture is very finely ground and starts to form a paste.

3. 3

   Add the salt, white pepper, marjoram, nutmeg, and paprika (if using) to the meat mixture. With the food processor running, slowly add the ice water, about a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture becomes a smooth, emulsified paste. It should resemble a very fine sausage mixture.

4. 4

   Press the meat mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring there are no air pockets. Smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.

5. 5

   Use a sharp knife to score a diamond pattern or diagonal lines about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) deep on the top surface of the Leberkäse. This helps create that characteristic crispy crust.

6. 6

   Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the top is golden brown and crispy. If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.

7. 7

   Once baked, remove the Leberkäse from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a cutting board. Slice into thick pieces and serve immediately.

Chef's Tips

• 💡Keeping the meat and all ingredients very cold is crucial for achieving the proper emulsified texture. You can even chill your food processor bowl and blade beforehand.
• 💡For an extra crispy crust, you can increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
• 💡Leberkäse is traditionally served in thick slices with sweet Bavarian mustard (Süßer Senf), often in a crusty roll (Semmel) or alongside fried potatoes and a fried egg.