Try out these very easy mackerel rillettes with cream cheese and poppy seeds! Place little quenelles of the rillettes on cucumber, makes it a great finger food!
I love fish dips because they are so simple to make.
And easy. And quick!
These mackerel rillettes for instance only take a couple of minutes to prepare.
Quick & Easy Appetizer
There is really nothing more to it, believe me!
I like to serve them for lunch sometimes on a piece of toast. Or turn them into a surprising appetizer dip!
I can assure you that this mackerel dip recipe will be a great hit on your next party.
You can of course use any other kind of canned fish for these mackerel rillettes! I made a creamy smoked salmon dip before. Boy that one was an instant hit.
Check it out as well!
Video Recipe
Watch my video of how I’m preparing these simple mackerel rillettes in my fabulous KitchenAid Stand Mixer Mini!
Mackerel Rillettes Appetizers
If you don’t have a stand mixer, then I recommend to mash up the mackerel and the rest of the ingredients with a fork because that will make this delicious dip chunkier. If you are looking for a more creamier version however, you better prepare the mackerel rillettes in a blender.
Here is a great presentation idea then.
I like to rinse the empty fish tins with hot water and soap because you want to get rid of the oil, then dry it. Then scoop the finished mackerel rillettes back into the tins!
Fancy way to serve it because that gives this dip a more rustic appearance.
Tins or Cucumber
And it saves you another bowl or plate you don’t have to wash up later on.
Or go for some finger food like I did: slice a cucumber (not too thin or too thick, you have to be able to hold the appetizer like a cracker), then make little quenelles using 2 teaspoons, place the fish quenelles on top of the sliced cucumber and finish with whatever garnish you have around.
Herbs, pink pepper, poppy seeds… or salmon eggs like I did.
It is entirely up to you!
Canned Fish Appetizers
Are you looking for another canned fish appetizer?
Then also take a look at my popular mackerel crepe rollups!
Are you fond of mackerel?
Then do check out this beauty I am so proud of: smoked mackerel with lentils, sour cream, watercress and a poached egg!
Delish, outstanding and super posh but so easy to make!
Enjoy!
Easy Mackerel Rillettes Recipe
- 7 oz canned mackerel fillets (200 g), drained weight
- 5,5 oz cream cheese (155 g)
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- ½ tsp dried herbs
- pepper
- salt
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1) If you don’t have a stand mixer, then I recommend to mash up the mackerel and the rest of the ingredients with a fork because that will make this delicious dip chunkier. If you are looking for a more creamier version however, then you better prepare the mackerel rillettes in a blender.
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2) Add all the ingredients to the bowl of the KitchenAid Stand Mixer Mini and season with a pinch of pepper and salt to taste.
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3) Attach the flat beater and lower the mixer head.
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4) Set speed 3 and mix the ingredients for 2 minutes.
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5) Scrape down the sides of the mixer bowl.
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6) Set speed 4 and mix the ingredients for 3 minutes.
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7) Scrape down the sides of the mixer bowl.
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8) Let the rillettes cool in the fridge for 30 minutes.
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9) Serve as a sandwich spread or and an appetizer.
Easy Sardine Spread
This recipe for a sardine spread always comes in handy.
Because if I have unexpected visitors stopping by or if I am in desperate need of a quick lunch idea then I can always rely on canned fish!
I always keep a couple of tins of different types of fish in my pantry (they also taste great in pasta recipes as well) because there are always those ‘oh cr*p’ moments when I run out of any cheese or charcuterie when making lunch.
Canned fish, a drizzle of olive oil and vinegar, and you are done!
Pantry Staple
But like I said canned fish can also serve as a quick and easy appetizer dip!
The combination between the sardines, the strong mustard and the fresh orange zest is quite spectacular I must say.
A very surprising flavor explosion! I used canned sardines in tomato sauce for this one but sardines in oil will also do.
One great presentation idea I want to share with you then.
Serve in Its Tin
Rinse the empty sardine tin thoroughly and use it as a container for your freshly homemade fish spread.
It looks spectacular on your table or at a party and saves you yet another few plates you don’t have to wash up afterwards…
Enjoy!
Easy Sardine Spread Recipe
- 1 tbsp orange zest grated or chopped finely
- 7 oz canned sardines (200 g)
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp strong mustard
- ½ tsp dried thyme or fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- pepper
- salt
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1) Remove the canned sardines from their tin (you can rinse the tin and keep it to serve the spread in later) and put them on a large or deep plate. Mash the sardines up roughly with a fork.
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2) Then add the mayo and strong mustard to the sardine mash. Season with a little pinch of pepper and salt to taste.
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3) Mix and stir all the ingredients until you get a chunky paste. Don’t mash it up too finely. Then add the chopped or grated orange zest, the white wine vinegar and the chopped fresh or dried thyme.
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4) Stir the sardine mash well again. Then add the tomato paste.
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5) Stir well until all the ingredients are well combined. Check the seasoning of the sardine dip and add extra pepper, mustard or salt to taste if necessary. Transfer the spread to a small serving bowl or fill the rinsed sardine tin with the fish dip. Keep the sardine spread at room temperature because the flavor will be less explosive if it's cold. Serve with crackers or nachos.