Can You Make Pulled Pork from a Cottage Roll? Everything You Need to Know

Pulled pork is a classic barbecue dish that’s loved by many The tender, juicy pork soaked in flavorful barbecue sauce makes for amazing sandwiches, tacos, pizza toppings, and more But an important question arises – can you use a cottage roll to make pulled pork? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about making pulled pork from a cottage roll.

What is a Cottage Roll?

First, let’s look at what exactly a cottage roll is. A cottage roll, also known as a cottage ham, is a boneless pork shoulder butt that has been cured in a sweet brine solution. The brine usually contains water, salt, sugar, sodium nitrite, and other curing agents that give the pork a unique salty-sweet flavor similar to ham.

Cottage rolls are typically sold wrapped in netting at grocery stores. They are relatively inexpensive cuts of meat, costing $2-3 per pound on average. When raw, the meat is pink in color from the curing brine. The high collagen content in the shoulder area gives cottage rolls a soft, tender texture when cooked.

Can You Use Cottage Rolls for Pulled Pork?

Yes, you can absolutely make pulled pork from a cottage roll. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Cottage rolls require longer cooking times. Because they are cured and not fresh raw pork cottage rolls take longer to break down and become tender. Plan to cook a 2 lb roll for at least 5-6 hours on low in a slow cooker.

• The flavor will be slightly different. The salty ham-like flavor from the curing brine will come through in the finished pulled pork. This isn’t necessarily bad but it won’t have quite the same flavor as pulled pork made from a fresh Boston butt or shoulder.

• You may need to adjust seasoning. Depending on the brand of cottage roll, the level of saltiness can vary. Taste a small piece after cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed before adding your barbecue sauce. A touch of extra brown sugar can help balance out excess saltiness.

• Shredding may be more difficult. Because cottage rolls are already cured, the meat fibers tend to be a bit firmer than fresh pork. You may need to use a fork and knife to shred the meat rather than just two forks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pulled Pork from Cottage Roll

Now let’s walk through the process of turning a cottage roll into delicious pulled pork:

Ingredients:

• 2 lb cottage roll
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken or beef broth
• Your favorite barbecue sauce, for serving

Directions:

1. Rinse the cottage roll under cool running water to remove any excess surface salt. Pat dry with paper towels.

2. Place the onion and garlic in the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Add the broth and place the cottage roll on top.

3. Cook on low for 5-6 hours, until the pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.

4. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat.

5. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix well with the cooking juices. Add your desired amount of barbecue sauce and stir to coat evenly.

6. Cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

7. Serve on hamburger buns with extra barbecue sauce for pulled pork sandwiches. You can also use for tacos, nachos, pizza, salads, and more!

And that’s it! With just a few simple ingredients and some time in the slow cooker, you can turn an inexpensive cottage roll into mouthwatering pulled pork. While it may require a few tweaks compared to fresh pork, the results are still delicious.

Helpful Tips for Cottage Roll Pulled Pork

Here are some additional pointers to help you get the most out of using cottage rolls:

• For added flavor, rub the exterior of the pork with a dry seasoning blend before cooking. A Kansas City-style rub with paprika, brown sugar, garlic, and black pepper is a great choice.

• Chop up an onion and add it to the slow cooker. This will add moisture and more depth of flavor as the onion breaks down.

• If the pulled pork seems too salty after cooking, you can briefly simmer it in a pot with some added chicken broth and a splash of vinegar to help mellow out the saltiness.

• Mix in a tablespoon of liquid smoke along with the barbecue sauce for an extra smoky flavor.

• Cook a flavorful side dish like baked beans, coleslaw, or mac and cheese in the pork cooking liquid for a complementary flavor profile.

• Cottage roll pulled pork freezes very well for up to 3 months. Portion into zip-top bags or airtight containers before freezing.

Final Takeaways

Cottage rolls may not be the most traditional choice, but they can absolutely be turned into delicious pulled pork with the right cooking method. The salty-sweet cured flavor pairs perfectly with smoky barbecue sauce. Follow the tips above for the best results.

Now get cooking up a big batch of pulled pork in your slow cooker – your family will be asking for sandwiches all week long! Enjoy this thrifty and tasty cooking hack the next time you see cottage rolls on sale.