Can I Use a Cottage Roll for Pulled Pork? A Guide to This Unique Cut

Pulled pork is a classic barbecue dish loved for its tender, fall-apart texture and robust flavor While pork shoulder is the most common cut used, you may have wondered – can I use a cottage roll instead?

The short answer is yes, you can make pulled pork from a cottage roll However, there are some important things to know about this unique cut of meat before getting started

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to turn a cottage roll into mouthwatering pulled pork, from choosing the right roll to slow cooking and shredding techniques. Let’s dive in!

What is Cottage Roll?

Cottage roll sometimes called cottage ham is a cured, boneless cut of pork from the shoulder/butt area. It’s brined with a sweet cure that gives it a distinctive flavor profile.

You can identify cottage roll by its cylindrical shape and netted exterior. It’s an inexpensive cut often used for pulled pork, soups, and braises. The brining makes it salty, so many cooks like to soak cottage roll briefly before cooking.

While tasty, it has less fat than other pork shoulder cuts used for pulled pork like Boston butt. Less fat means the meat can dry out if overcooked, so low and slow moisture-retaining cooking methods are key.

Choosing the Right Cottage Roll

Not all cottage rolls are equal when it comes to pulled pork. Here are a few tips for picking the right one:

• Weight – Choose a roll that’s 3-5 lbs. Small rolls cook too quickly while giant ones take forever.

• Shape – Look for an even width and diameter to promote even cooking. Avoid oddly shaped lumpy rolls.

• Color – Opt for rolls with some marbling and fat cap for moisture. Avoid very lean-looking rolls.

• Brand – Stick to reputable brands for curing consistency. Lesser quality rolls can be too salty or dry.

Prepping Cottage Roll for Pulled Pork

Before cooking, it’s important to properly prep your cottage roll:

• Rinse – Give the roll a quick rinse to remove excess surface salt if desired. Pat dry.

• Trim – Use a knife to trim off any flaps or uneven bits for more even cooking.

• Pierce – Poke holes around the roll using a fork or skewer to allow seasonings and liquid to permeate while cooking.

• Season – Rub the exterior with your favorite spice mix. Try brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

Slow Cooking Methods for Cottage Roll

The key to pulling tender pork from cottage roll is low and slow moist cooking. Two great options are:

Crockpot:

• Place seasoned roll in crockpot and add 1-2 cups broth or water.

• Cook on low 8-10 hours until fork tender. Add more liquid if needed.

• Remove roll, let rest, then shred.

Oven:

• Put seasoned roll in a Dutch oven or roasting pan. Add broth/water.

• Cover and cook at 300°F for 4-6 hours until very tender.

• Remove roll, let rest, then shred meat.

Shredding and Serving Cottage Roll Pulled Pork

Once the cottage roll is fall-apart tender, it’s time to shred and serve! Follow these tips:

• Let meat rest 10-15 minutes before shredding for easier handling.

• Use two forks to pull meat into long thin strands. Shred in the cooking liquid to keep moist.

• Mix in reserved defatted cooking liquid and/or barbecue sauce to taste.

• Serve on buns with traditional sides like coleslaw and baked beans. Or get creative with tacos, nachos, sandwiches, pizza and more!

• For meal-prep, portion pulled pork into freezer bags or containers for easy reheating later.

Possible Issues and Solutions

Cottage roll isn’t identical to pork butt, so you may encounter some challenges:

Taking too long to cook – Double check temperature and add more liquid if needed. Cook longer until extremely tender.

Dry, dense texture – Be sure to cook low and slow with plenty of moisture. Also, avoid leaner rolls and ones with irregular shape.

Too salty – Give the meat a good rinse before cooking and use low-sodium seasoning. Serve with creamy, sweet, or starchy sides to balance.

Falls apart before shredding – Let meat rest before shredding. If it won’t hold together, simply break up meat with your fingers or a fork right in the cooking liquid.

Other Tips and Considerations

• Save the collagen-rich cooking liquid for soups or gravy.

• Mix and match seasoning blends to put your own spin on the pork.

• Try injecting rolls with broth for extra moisture and flavor.

• Stir in a teaspoon of baking soda to help break down tissue for shredding.

• Garnish pulled pork with fresh herbs, pickled veggies or spicy accents.

So there you have it! With the right prep, cooking method and serving style, cottage roll can absolutely substitute for pork butt in pulled pork. Follow these tips for fork-tender strands bathed in rich, flavorful sauce.