Main Course · Dinner · Italian ·

Rustic Italian Porchetta with Herb-Infused Crackling Crust

Enjoy the succulent flavors of Italy with this traditional porchetta, featuring a herb-infused crust that adds a delightful crunch to the juicy pork.

4.1(259 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Rustic Italian Porchetta with Herb-Infused Crackling Crust — Main Course served and photographed from above
Prep
1 h 10 min
Cook
3 h 30 min
Difficulty
Advanced
Serves
8

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Pork

  1. 1

    Prepare Pork Belly

    Lay the pork belly flat on a large surface, skin side down.

  2. 2

    Add Pork Loin

    Spread the butterflied pork loin over the pork belly.

  3. 3

    Apply Herb Mixture

    Combine all ingredients for the herb mixture, then rub it evenly over the surface of the pork.

Preparing the Roll

  1. 1

    Roll the Pork

    Roll the pork starting at one long side to enclose the loin completely.

  2. 2

    Tie with Twine

    Secure with kitchen twine at 1-inch intervals.

  3. 3

    Dry the Skin

    Pat the skin dry with paper towels.

    Tip: Ensure the skin is dry for optimal crackling. Refrigerate uncovered overnight for extra crispy skin.

How to Make Rustic Italian Porchetta with Herb-Infused Crackling Crust

Total time: 4 h 40 min · Yields 8 servings

  1. 1

    Initial Roast

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the porchetta seam-side down in a roasting pan. Pour white wine and chicken stock into the pan and baste the pork occasionally.

  2. 2

    Final Crisp

    Increase oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) for the last 30 minutes to crisp the skin.

Chef's Tips

    Further reading

    Frequently asked questions

    How long can I store leftovers?

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Can I make this ahead?

    Yes! Marinate the pork and roll it a day before, refrigerating overnight.

    What cuts of pork can I use?

    A combination of pork belly and a butterflied pork loin is traditional and provides the best results.

    How do I get the skin crispy?

    Make sure the skin is dry before roasting and finish with high heat.

    Can I substitute the herbs used?

    Feel free to use thyme or oregano if you prefer, but fresh rosemary and sage are classic choices.

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