Indulge in the rich, savory elegance of Traditional Pork Rillettes, a timeless French charcuterie recipe perfect for entertaining or everyday indulging. This dish transforms pork shoulder and belly into a luxurious spread through the magic of slow cooking, aromatic seasonings like thyme, garlic, and bay leaves, and a gentle braise in white wine and water. After hours in the oven, the tender meat is shredded into a creamy, flavor-packed preserve that pairs beautifully with crusty bread, pickles, or a glass of wine. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and bold flavors, these pork rillettes capture the artistry of classic French cuisine, making them a crowd-pleasing addition to your appetizer or charcuterie board. Prepare ahead and allow the flavors to fully develop in the refrigerator for an unforgettable treat!
Cut the pork shoulder and pork belly into 1-inch cubes and place in a large mixing bowl.
Season the pork pieces with salt, black pepper, and thyme. Allow it to marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, add the marinated pork pieces.
Peel and lightly crush the garlic cloves and add them to the pot along with the bay leaves.
Pour in the white wine and water, ensuring the pork is mostly submerged.
Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
Cook slowly for 4 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
Remove the pot from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
Discard the bay leaves and shred the pork using two forks or your hands until it's evenly broken down.
Mix the shredded pork with its cooking liquid until well combined and the texture is creamy.
Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Transfer the mixture into sterilized jars or ramekins, pressing down to eliminate air pockets.
Cover the top with a thin layer of melted pork fat (optional) to help preserve the rillettes.
Seal with lids and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Calories |
4959 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 383.0 g | 491% | |
| Saturated Fat | 137.8 g | 689% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1242 mg | 414% | |
| Sodium | 8970 mg | 390% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.0 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.4 g | ||
| Protein | 283.7 g | 567% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 426 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 15.8 mg | 88% | |
| Potassium | 4485 mg | 95% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.