Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsCity Pork JeffersonPork Cracklings Recipe

Pork Cracklings Recipe

Time2h
Serves4

House-made cracklings served with apple butter.

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Ingredients

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Pork Cracklings

Apple Butter

Method

Pork Cracklings

  1. 1

    Prepare the Pork Skin

    Begin by removing any remaining fat from the pork skin. Rinse the skin under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel.

  2. 2

    Cut the Pork Skin

    Cut the pork skin into small strips or squares, about 2 inches in size. This will ensure they fry evenly.

  3. 3

    Season the Pork Skin

    In a bowl, toss the cut pork skin with salt until evenly coated.

  4. 4

    Heat the Oil

    In a deep frying pan or a heavy pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F).

  5. 5

    Fry the Pork Skin

    Carefully add the pork skin pieces into the hot oil in small batches. Fry them until they puff up and turn golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.

  6. 6

    Drain and Cool

    Using a slotted spoon, remove the cracklings from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool before serving.

Apple Butter

  1. 7

    Cook the Apples

    In a large pot, combine the chopped apples and a splash of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and mushy, about 15-20 minutes.

  2. 8

    Blend the Mixture

    Once the apples are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a blender and blend until smooth.

  3. 9

    Add Sugar and Spices

    Add the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice to the apple puree. Stir well to combine.

  4. 10

    Simmer the Apple Butter

    Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.

  5. 11

    Cool and Serve

    Once thickened, remove from heat and let cool. Serve the apple butter alongside the pork cracklings.

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