How to Make a Simple, Delicious Cottage Roll and Broth in the Crockpot

Cottage roll, sometimes referred to as cottage ham, is a boneless pork shoulder butt that has been cured in a sweet brine and the meat is FABULOUS. Go find some! 

It’s inexpensive, but I’ll still wait and grab it on sale. You can see it below. It is packed in a netting that I generally remove by hand or by cutting it off before cooking.  Though if you forget it’s fine, it won’t spoil your meal. 

The first time I had cottage roll was at a family gathering. I had never tasted such a tender, flavorful meat. I needed to ask what it was. They had cooked theirs in ginger-ale, but I have made it plain many times since and cottage roll has such an amazing flavor of it’s own. All five of my children enjoy it.

It’s easiest prepared in the crockpot. The only part that requires any labor is separating the fat from the meat after it’s finished cooking. This is easily achieved with with two forks and a bit of patience. You won’t mind putting in the effort either after I show you what you can do with that fat! Keep reading!  

Fully cooked. You can see how the meat pulls away from the fat.

Look at that FAT! Some may cringe at the thought, but my kids love it when I fry it up. Yup, you heard me right.  I hope to get a post up on frying those up soon. It’s pretty straight forward, but you do need to be careful as during frying there is a ton of splattering so I thought it may be worth a post. 

Fried Cottage Roll Fat 

But back to the meat. This is such an easy main to prepare, and the broth you can make from the cooking water makes the BEST veggie soup.

I currently have two recipes for you that use this cottage roll broth that I intend to share. One is made with red lentils and corn. The other, as I just previously mentioned is the best vegetable soup I’ve ever made. 

The Tastiest, Cheapest, 4-Ingredient Soup You’ll Ever Eat

Secret Ingredient Veggie Soup

Because it’s so salty and flavorful, this little cottage roll will make you ALOT of broth. 16 cups is what this recipe yields! Depending on the size of your family that is enough to make a lot of awesome soup. Isn’t that great! 

And you’re saving a number of broth containers from going to the landfills or recycling plants as well. Every bit counts. 

Simple & Delicious Cottage Roll and Broth in the Crockpot

This recipe takes you step-by-step through the easy process of making a tender and flavorful cottage roll in the crockpot. Followed by a simple broth.

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Prep Time 2 minutes mins

1 day d

Equipment

• Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  

• 1 Cottage Roll
• 3 cups Water
• 15 cups Water for the broth

Instructions

 

• Remove the cottage roll from the plastic and netting.
• Place in the crockpot along with 3 cups of water. Place the cover onto the crockpot.
• Turn the crockpot onto high and cook for 4-5 hours.
• Alternatively, cook on low for 5-7 hours.
• Check to see if it's finished cooking. If it is, you should be able to separate it with two forks with ease.
• When it's finished cooking, remove the cottage roll from the crockpot and transfer it to a plate to cool for 5 mins.
• Get another plate or container to hold the meat. Separate the fat from the meat. I do so with two forks. One fork holds the meat in place and the other gently scrapes the fats off.
• Put all the fats back into the crockpot with the cooking water.
• Enjoy your delicious cottage roll with some mashed potatoes and gravy, or whatever side of your pleasing.
• Too make the broth. Add 15 cups of water to the crockpot and cook on low overnight. If your crockpot isn't big enough to do so. Just add as much cups as you are able, cook overnight then add the remaining cups of water in the morning.
• In the morning, skim off any fat chunks and put them into a container if you are going to utilize them or discard. Turn off the crockpot and allow the broth to cool.
• Transfer the broth to a container or pot and put it in the refrigerator to solidify the remaining fats onto the top so you can remove them.
• Once cold and the remaining fats are removed, your broth is ready to use or freeze.
• Enjoy!

Notes

Don't be tempted to add more water than the 3 cups at the start to cook your cottage roll. This can result in a flavorless meat. 

Do your best to ensure it doesn't cook too long either, once again, it can result in a less flavorful meat. After the initial 4 hours on high has passed or 6 hours on low, start checking your meat every half hour or so for doneness.  

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