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When I first encountered Porchetta, it was during a delightful Sunday gathering with friends. The moment I stepped inside the kitchen, the intoxicating scent of rosemary and garlic wrapped around me like a warm embrace, instantly making my mouth water. It was a dish that commanded attention—the kind of centerpiece that garners admiration and sparks conversations.

This Italian pork roast, with its succulent layers of juicy pork belly and tender pork tenderloin, creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The skillful blend of herbs mixed with the crispy, seasoned skin gives it an allure that is hard to resist, turning any meal into a memorable feast.

Not only is this Porchetta a showstopper worthy of any celebration, but it also manages to be surprisingly straightforward to make. With just a little patience and preparation, you can bring a slice of Italy into your home and leave the fast food behind. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the delicious world of homemade Porchetta, where indulgence meets comfort.

Why is Porchetta the ultimate comfort food?

Unforgettable Flavor: Each slice of Porchetta bursts with savory goodness, thanks to the perfect blend of herbs and spices.
Mouthwatering Aroma: The fragrant garlic and rosemary create an irresistible scent that fills your kitchen, making it feel like a cozy Italian trattoria.
Impressive Presentation: This dish is an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering, bound to impress friends and family alike.
Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main dish, slice it for sandwiches, or enjoy it cold—this recipe adapts beautifully to any occasion.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to elevate your weeknight meal, Porchetta always delivers.
For tips on enhancing your culinary skills, check out our cooking tips.

Porchetta Ingredients

For the Pork
• 10-11 pounds pork belly – Use high-quality pork belly for rich flavor and tenderness.
• 1 pork tenderloin – This adds a juicy contrast to the belly; make sure it’s fresh.

For the Marinade
• Dry white wine – This helps to tenderize the meat and enhances the flavor profile.
• Extra virgin olive oil – Adds moisture and a rich, fragrant taste.
• 3-4 garlic cloves – Fresh garlic infuses the meat with a delicious aroma.

For the Herb Blend
• ¼ cup dried rosemary sprigs – Offers a distinct and fragrant flavor that pairs perfectly with pork.
• ½ cup dried sage – A must-try for those who love an earthy element in their dish.
• 5 bay leaves – These add a subtle depth to the overall taste; don’t forget to remove them before serving.
• 3 tablespoon whole peppercorns – Whole peppercorns deliver a robust flavor and texture.
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds – Adds a hint of sweetness and anise flavor that complements the pork.
• 2.5 tablespoon salt, divided – Essential for seasoning; sprinkle some during preparation and save some for the skin.

For the Finish
• 2 rosemary sprigs – Use fresh sprigs for garnishing or additional flavor during roasting.
• 2 bay leaves – More for enhancing the baking environment; they’ll infuse flavor into your main dish.
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds – Additional seeds can be sprinkled for an aromatic finish.

Get ready to impress with this Porchetta that will transform your homemade meals into something truly exceptional!

How to Make Porchetta

Prepare the Herbs: Start by placing all the herbs in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. This fragrant blend will infuse the meat with incredible flavor.
Prepare the Pork Belly: Place the pork belly skin side down on a work surface. Use a sharp knife to perform long cuts about ½ inch deep and rub salt into these cuts to enhance the flavor.
Marinate the Meat: Pour dry white wine and extra virgin olive oil over the meat. Use your hands to rub it in thoroughly, ensuring the pork is well-coated and flavorful.
Add Garlic: Slice the garlic cloves and place them generously into the cuts of the pork belly. This will allow the aromatic garlic to meld beautifully with the meat as it cooks.
Coat with Herbs: Take your herb mixture and evenly coat the pork belly, making sure to save some for the pork tenderloin. The more, the merrier when it comes to flavor!
Prep the Tenderloin: Rub the pork tenderloin with the remaining wine, olive oil, and herbs, then arrange it neatly on top of the pork belly. This will create an amazing flavor combination.
Roll and Tie: Carefully roll the pork belly tightly into a cylinder, and tie it with kitchen twine at 1-inch intervals. This will help the porchetta maintain its shape while roasting.
Rest the Porchetta: Let the rolled porchetta rest for 2-3 hours at room temperature, or refrigerate it overnight for deeper flavors. Patience makes perfection!
Preheat the Oven: When ready to roast, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). A hot oven creates a savory, crispy exterior.
Prepare the Rind: Poke holes around the pork rind to allow fat to render out, then rub it generously with salt. This will crisp up nicely during roasting.
Set Up the Baking Sheet: Fill a baking sheet with water, rosemary sprigs, bay leaves, and fennel seeds. Place it on the lowest rack in the oven; this adds moisture and flavor.
Wrap the Ends: Wrap both ends of the porchetta with aluminum foil to prevent burning while it cooks. You want that beautiful golden color without burnt edges!
Position the Porchetta: Place the porchetta on a wire rack above the baking sheet filled with water. This allows even heat circulation, ensuring your porchetta cooks evenly.
Initial Bake: Roast in a preheated oven at 355°F (180°C) for 30 minutes. This initial phase helps to develop flavor and texture.
Lower the Temperature: After 30 minutes, lower the oven temperature to 245°F (120°C) and bake for 3 hours. Slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen and the meat to become tender.
Final Bake: Increase the temperature back to 355°F (180°C) for another 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 160-162°F (71-72°C) for perfectly cooked meat.
Crisp the Skin: Shift the wire rack closer to the grill and turn up the temperature to 430°F (220°C). Roast for 3-5 minutes until the skin is irresistibly crispy, keeping a close watch.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the porchetta to rest for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour before serving. This step ensures the juices redistribute, making every bite juicy!

Optional: Serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Porchetta

Fridge: Store leftover Porchetta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain its juicy texture.

Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave; this will help retain the crispy skin that makes Porchetta irresistible.

Room Temperature: Allow Porchetta to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving; this enhances its flavors and ensures a juicy bite.

Porchetta Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to explore these delightful twists on the classic Porchetta recipe that promise to elevate your culinary experience!

Herb Swap: Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor. Fresh rosemary and sage will amplify the aroma.
Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the herb mixture for a refreshing contrast that brightens each slice.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes into the seasoning for those who love a touch of heat. It adds an exciting layer of complexity.
Garlic Lovers: Increase the garlic to 5-6 cloves for an extra burst of flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Stuffed Delight: Consider adding a layer of sautéed spinach and cheese inside the roll for a deliciously cheesy twist that makes this dish even more indulgent.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Mixing in sun-dried tomatoes with the herbs introduces a rich, tangy element that complements the pork beautifully.
Bacon Infusion: For a smoky twist, wrap the pork tenderloin with thin slices of bacon before rolling it in the pork belly, enhancing flavor and juiciness.
Maple Drizzle: Drizzling a bit of maple syrup over the crispy skin during the last few minutes of roasting creates an irresistible sweet glaze.

Personalizing your Porchetta can turn this classic dish into your own masterpiece, infusing it with flavors that your family will love!

What to Serve with Porchetta?

Prepare to elevate your Porchetta experience with these delightful pairing suggestions that create a full and satisfying meal.

Creamy Polenta: This velvety side perfectly complements the robust flavors of porchetta, offering a comforting texture contrast.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies, caramelized and tender, add a sweet and earthy note, balancing the rich pork beautifully.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy and buttery, these mashed potatoes soak up any extra juices from the porchetta, ensuring every bite is luxurious.
Braised Greens: Savory and slightly bitter, greens like kale or Swiss chard provide a fresh counterpoint to the dish’s richness, bringing a pop of color and health to your plate.
Balsamic Glazed Carrots: Sweet, tangy glazed carrots dance alongside the porchetta, enhancing the flavor profile while adding a vibrant touch.
Italian Salad: A refreshing mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pork, making each bite feel balanced.
Sparkling Wine: A chilled bubbly brings a celebration to your meal, its effervescence cleansing the palate between rich bites.
Tiramisu: For dessert, this classic Italian treat offers a perfect, light finish after the hearty porchetta, with its coffee and cream notes leaving you wanting just one more bite.

Expert Tips for Perfect Porchetta

Choose Quality Meat: Opt for high-quality pork belly and tenderloin; this ensures your Porchetta turns out juicy and flavorful.
Rest Time Matters: Allow the rolled Porchetta to rest properly—letting it sit for a few hours or overnight helps develop flavors and tenderness.
Crispy Skin Control: Keep an eye on the skin during the final roast; it can burn easily. Adjust your oven position as needed to achieve that perfect crispness.
Don’t Skimp on Salt: Generously rub salt on the pork rind before baking; this is key to achieving a wonderfully crispy texture on your Porchetta.
Moisture Matters: The baking sheet’s water will create steam in the oven, keeping the meat moist. Be sure to always include this in your setup!

Make Ahead Options

Preparing Porchetta ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time and enjoy this show-stopping dish without the last-minute rush! You can marinate the pork belly and tenderloin up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial steps, including applying the garlic and herb mixture, then rolling and tying it. Simply wrap the prepared porchetta in plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight for the flavors to deepen. When you’re ready to cook, rest the Porchetta at room temperature for 2-3 hours before roasting, ensuring it retains quality. This approach allows you to savor the delicious, layered flavors of homemade Porchetta without the stress!

Porchetta Recipe FAQs

What kind of pork belly should I use for Porchetta?
Absolutely! I recommend using high-quality, fresh pork belly for the best flavor and tenderness. Look for meat that has a nice balance of fat and muscle; this will render down beautifully during cooking, creating a succulent dish.

How should I store leftover Porchetta?
It’s easy! Store your leftover Porchetta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to keep it juicy.

Can I freeze Porchetta, and how?
Very much yes! To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. This method helps protect against freezer burn. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat as needed.

What should I do if the skin of my Porchetta isn’t crispy?
Don’t worry! If your skin isn’t crispy, simply place the Porchetta under the broiler for a few minutes while keeping a close eye on it. This method will give the skin a lovely crispness without overcooking the meat. Just remember that the final roasting moment is crucial, so don’t skip watching it!

Are there any dietary considerations when making Porchetta?
Yes, absolutely! Be mindful of any allergies to pork or specific herbs and seasonings. Some people may be sensitive to fennel seeds or garlic, so feel free to adjust the recipe based on your dietary needs. If you’re serving guests, it’s always good to ask in advance about food preferences or allergies to ensure everyone can enjoy the dish happily!

How does resting affect the flavor of Porchetta?
Allowing Porchetta to rest for at least 30 minutes—or even up to an hour—after it comes out of the oven is essential. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, leading to a more flavorful and moist final dish. Don’t rush this step; patience truly pays off!