On the love of bread rolls with minced pork

Mettbrötchen: a German tradition

They can be found at many butchers’ counters and, as a snack at festivals and the like, often sell out rather quickly. Whatever the inspiration and origins of the holiday may be – it goes to show that for many people, there’s nothing quite like the pleasure of a heartily seasoned Mettbrötchen. This particular fondness for the raw meat topping is a typically German trait.

The snack is even accorded an entire day of the week, for example through the co-opting of ‘Mettwochs’. You’ll also come across names such as ‘Maurermarmelade’ or even ‘Ruhrpott sushi’. In this context, savoury Mett rolls are associated with qualities such as down-to-earthness, simplicity and conviviality.

So much for the love and cultural significance of the Mettbrötchen. But what exactly makes up the traditional topping?

What is Mett?

Mett consists of raw pork. The meat is minced, usually using a meat grinder – and there you have it: the desired pork mett. Anyone wondering whether ‘Mett’ and minced meat are therefore the same thing will find the difference lies, amongst other things, in their composition. Minced meat is available made from beef, lamb and other types of meat, as well as mixtures – but ‘Mett’ consists exclusively of minced pork.

In its traditional form, minced meat is also often served with salt and Pepper seasoned. As it contains finely chopped onions, it is also often available as the well-known ‘Zwiebelmett’. There may be other differences compared to plain, unseasoned minced meat. Mett is therefore a particular type of finely minced meat.

Connoisseurs are, of course, well aware that not all minced pork is created equal. Regional names such as ‘Hackepeter’ or ‘Thüringer-Mett’ suggest that there can sometimes be regional variations. Even though the base is always fresh minced pork, the spices added can make all the difference.

Our online shop offers a high-quality selection of spices for minced pork. Not just for spreading fresh minced pork on bread rolls, but also for delicious minced pork sausages. For example, in these flavourful varieties:

• Thuringian minced meat

• Braunschweiger minced meat

• Jägermett spice mix

• Westphalian Mettwurst seasoning

• Spices for cooked Mettwurst

The perfect minced meat roll?

Just as individual tastes vary, so too will opinions on the perfect Mettbrötchen – particularly amongst its loyal admirers.

However, you only need two things for the base: crispy bread rolls cut in half and tasty minced pork. The classic recipe is a winner thanks to its simplicity. Seasoned with an extra pinch of salt or pepper if you like, topped with onions and gherkins – and your hearty snack is ready in no time.

But the Mettbrötchen would certainly not be the subject of a food festival if its true devotees hadn’t also turned it into the basis for a wide variety of creations. There are versions with boiled eggs, numerous gratinated variations on this party snack, and delicious recipes for ‘teriyaki-style’ minced pork rolls. Thanks to the rich flavour of the minced pork, there are virtually no limits to the combinations you can create.

The fact that there are even plant-based alternatives to Mett goes to show once again just how universally popular the Mett roll is. Whether you opt for raw minced pork or not, there’s one key factor that everyone agrees is essential for perfection: freshness!

How to handle minced pork properly

Eating raw pork does indeed raise some concerns. Because it is minced, minced pork provides a large surface area for germs and other contaminants, which can pose a serious health risk. Raw minced pork may also contain pathogens such as salmonella. It is therefore essential to choose high-quality, fresh meat when buying minced pork.

Furthermore, strict hygiene rules must be observed during production, sale and storage. Fresh minced meat from the butcher’s counter, for example, must be sold on the same day it is produced. Consumers should ensure it is kept chilled at all times and consumed quickly – here too, it is advisable to eat it on the same day.

However much we love Mettbrötchen, we must not allow the important aspects of food safety to be sidelined. Minced meat is a highly perishable foodstuff. Production and sales conditions that comply with the applicable hygiene regulations are an absolute must.

What Ehlert can bring to the table when it comes to Mettbrötchen

Quite a lot! As a specialist wholesaler for all supplies and consumables in the food industry, we offer an exceptionally well-stocked range of products.

Here you’ll find everything you need for making minced meat and related products, or for selling delicious minced meat rolls: butcher knives, machines, cleaning products, packaging, spices … and much more. Take a look at our extensive range and see for yourself.