Porchetta

Do you enjoy a meal that offers an abundance of flavors and a range of textures? Then you are going to love today's recipe.

From the crispy exterior to the flavorful and tender meat inside, this traditional Italian porchetta is just the ticket. 

When served with the right side dish, porchetta is a meal that everyone will love. So keep reading as we take you all the way to Italy and back in order to master the art of making a traditional porchetta.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

You will fall in love with this traditional porchetta recipe for a number of reasons.

To begin with, this recipe is very easy to follow. There is not much more to making a porchetta roll than rubbing the seasoning on and rolling it up. Then it's just a matter of letting cook for a couple of hours while you take a much-deserved break.

Plus, this crispy porchetta is a highly versatile dish that can be served alongside a variety of side dishes that complement its indulgent and savory nature. From hearty roasted vegetables to a crisp and light salad, you can take your porchetta in any direction you want.

This recipe is also so adaptable that you can change it to suit your personal tastes or dietary requirements. Whether that means adding paprika, cayenne powder, and crushed red pepper flakes to heat up the seasoning or using a different cut other than pork belly to achieve a different end result, this recipe gives you the freedom to make your porchetta to your liking.

Ingredients

Pork Belly:

Pork belly is the ideal cut for porchetta due to its perfect balance of tender meat and decadent fat. When selecting pork belly, prioritize a well-marbled piece with a thick layer of fat and a firm texture. Look for skin-on pork belly, as it crisps up beautifully during roasting, creating the signature crunch of porchetta. While pork loin or shoulder can be substituted, they lack the same fatty richness and may require adjustments in seasoning and cooking techniques to achieve similar flavor and texture.

Seasonings:

This traditional porchetta is seasoned with a fragrant blend of garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Fennel seeds are another spice that is typically used to season a classic Italian porchetta.

Honey:

Honey is often used in porchetta recipes because it aids in caramelization, contributing to a beautiful glaze and crispy exterior during roasting. However, if honey is unavailable or not preferred, alternatives like maple syrup, brown sugar, or agave nectar can be used to achieve a similar sweetness and caramelization effect.

Olive Oil:

Plenty of olive oil is used in this crispy porchetta recipe, so apply it at your discretion. Use too much, and you will get greasy results. Use too little, and your porchetta may dry out. You will want to ensure that the pork belly is saturated without overdoing it.

Carrots and Potatoes:

While carrots and potatoes are used in this recipe as a side dish, there are a number of other vegetables that you can steam, roast, or fry up that will accompany the crispy porchetta well. Brussels sprouts, green beans, mushrooms, and parsnips are a few that pair well with porchetta.

How to Make Porchetta

Step One: 

Generously season the meaty side of the pork belly with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic, olive oil, honey, rosemary, and massage into the meat.

Step Two:

Starting with a short end, roll the pork belly up tightly and secure with butcher's twine.

Step Three: 

Place the porchetta on a roasting pan with a rack and coat with more olive oil, pepper, and salt.

Step Four:

Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours at 300F.

Step Five: 

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat to cook your carrots and potatoes.

Step Six: 

Add carrots and potatoes to the pan, coat them in salt, pepper, and thyme, and cook until they are tender when stabbed with a fork.

Step Seven: 

Remove your porchetta from the oven when it is crispy and slightly scorched on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165F.

Step Eight: 

Let the porchetta rest for 5-10 minutes, and then slice it immediately before serving.

Step Nine: 

Serve your crispy porchetta with the potatoes and carrots, and enjoy!

Tips

• Before seasoning, score the skin of the pork belly with a sharp knife. This will help the skin crisp up during roasting and create that coveted crackling.
• For optimal flavor development, refrigerate the porchetta overnight after seasoning and tying. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and enhances its taste.
• When slicing the porchetta, aim for thin slices to showcase the layers of crispy skin and succulent meat.

What to Serve With Porchetta

While this recipe includes a carrot and potato side dish, there are several other accompaniments that pair well with the rich and savory flavors of a traditional porchetta. Roasted vegetables, such as green beans or Brussels sprouts, offer a satisfying contrast to the succulent pork, while their caramelized flavors add depth to the dish. Creamy mashed potatoes or polenta provide a comforting base, and a vibrant caprese salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette cleanses the palate between bites.

Need more ideas? Check out What To Serve With Porchetta for 20 delicious side dishes.

FAQs

Can I make Italian porchetta on the grill or smoker?

Yes, porchetta can be cooked on the grill or smoker for added flavor. However, it may require longer cooking times and careful temperature monitoring to ensure the pork belly cooks evenly.

How can I prevent the porchetta from drying out during roasting?

To prevent the porchetta from drying out, ensure the pork belly is well-marbled with fat. Additionally, you can baste the porchetta occasionally with its rendered fat or a flavorful liquid (such as broth or wine) during roasting.

How long can leftover porchetta be kept fresh?

Leftover porchetta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer-term storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, you can expect some deterioration in the quality of taste and texture

More Pork Recipes

If you are looking for more ways to incorporate this simplistic protein into your culinary repertoire, then check out our curated list of pork recipes to tempt your palate.

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Boneless Pork Ribs in Oven

Pulled Pork Tacos