Traditional Pork Rillettes

Experience the timeless elegance of French cuisine with this Traditional Pork Rillettes recipe, a rich and flavorful spread perfect for sophisticated gatherings or indulgent snacking. Made with tender pork shoulder and pork belly slow-cooked in aromatic white wine, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme, this dish achieves a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The lengthy, low-temperature cooking process ensures the pork becomes irresistibly tender, while the shredded, creamy consistency makes it ideal for spreading over crusty bread or crackers. Prepare it ahead of time for effortless entertaining—each jar only improves in flavor after a 24-hour rest in the refrigerator. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying it as a rustic appetizer, these savory pork rillettes are a true culinary classic.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:300 mins

Total Time:320 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1000 grams Pork shoulder
• 500 grams Pork belly
• 20 grams Salt
• 5 grams Black pepper
• 3 pieces Bay leaves
• 4 pieces Garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons Thyme
• 250 milliliters White wine
• 500 milliliters Water

Directions

Step 1

Cut the pork shoulder and pork belly into 1-inch cubes and place in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2

Season the pork pieces with salt, black pepper, and thyme. Allow it to marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Step 3

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).

Step 4

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, add the marinated pork pieces.

Step 5

Peel and lightly crush the garlic cloves and add them to the pot along with the bay leaves.

Step 6

Pour in the white wine and water, ensuring the pork is mostly submerged.

Step 7

Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.

Step 8

Cook slowly for 4 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.

Step 9

Remove the pot from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 10

Discard the bay leaves and shred the pork using two forks or your hands until it's evenly broken down.

Step 11

Mix the shredded pork with its cooking liquid until well combined and the texture is creamy.

Step 12

Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 13

Transfer the mixture into sterilized jars or ramekins, pressing down to eliminate air pockets.

Step 14

Cover the top with a thin layer of melted pork fat (optional) to help preserve the rillettes.

Step 15

Seal with lids and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2298.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4958.6

Total Fat 383.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 137.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 1242.4mg	0%
Sodium 8970.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 16.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.6g	0%
Total Sugars 2.4g
Protein 283.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 425.8mg	0%
Iron 15.8mg	0%
Potassium 4485.0mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 74.2%

Protein: 24.4%

Carbs: 1.4%