Head Cheese (Brawn)

Head Cheese, also known as Brawn, is a traditional cold cut or meat jelly made from the flesh of a pig's head (or sometimes calf or sheep) set in aspic. It typically includes a variety of meats, such as tongue, cheek, and trotters, along with vegetables and spices, all encased in a savory gelatin broth. This dish has deep roots in European cuisine, with popular versions found in Germany, France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Head Cheese is very high in protein and fat, with virtually no carbohydrates. It is a significant source of collagen, gelatin, and minerals like iron and zinc. A typical serving of about 100 grams provides roughly 200-250 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	210 kcal
Protein	15 g
Carbs	0 g
Fat	16 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	0 g
Sodium	680 mg
Iron	1.8 mg
Zinc	3.2 mg
Vitamin B12	1.2 mcg
Niacin (B3)	4.5 mg
Selenium	18 mcg
Phosphorus	150 mg
Collagen/Gelatin	High (approx. 10-12 g)
Cholesterol	65 mg

Per 3 oz (85 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Head Cheese is a prime example of nose-to-tail eating, a sustainable practice that uses the entire animal. Its unique texture—a firm, sliceable loaf of meat suspended in savory jelly—comes from the natural collagen in the head bones and skin, which turns into gelatin when simmered.