CV Kitchen Tips:
From The Country Victualler:
How to Cook Pork Belly for Perfect Crackling Every Time
Crispy Crackling | Slow Roast | Proper British Comfort Food
Mastering pork belly crackling is all about technique, timing and quality produce. This method delivers golden, glass-like crackling with tender, juicy meat underneath — every single time.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 15 minutes (plus drying time)
- Cook time: 1 hr 30 – 2 hrs
- Serves: 4–6
- Best for: Sunday roasts, dinner parties, comfort food classics
About This Recipe
This is all about achieving that perfect contrast — shatteringly crisp crackling with rich, melt-in-the-mouth pork underneath.
Using high-quality free-range pork belly from The Country Victualler, the secret lies in dry skin, strong heat at the start, and a slow, gentle roast to finish.
We’ve focused on:
- 🐖 Proper scoring for even crackling
- 🧂 Generous seasoning for flavour and crunch
- 🔥 A two-stage roast for perfect texture
👉 Shop our free-range pork range here
Ingredients
- 1–1.5kg pork belly (skin on)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2–3 tsp sea salt (for crackling)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic granules (optional)
- 1 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
- Roasting tray with rack (recommended)
Method
- Pat the pork belly skin completely dry and leave uncovered in the fridge for at least a few hours (overnight is best).
- Score the skin carefully with a sharp knife, avoiding cutting into the meat.
- Rub salt generously into the scored skin, pushing it into the cuts.
- Preheat oven to 220°C (200°C fan).
- Place pork on a rack in a roasting tray and roast for 30–40 minutes until crackling starts to blister.
- Reduce heat to 160°C (140°C fan) and cook for a further 1–1.5 hours until tender.
- Rest for 10–15 minutes before carving.
CV Kitchen Tips: The Secret to Perfect Crackling
- Dry skin = better crackling — moisture is the enemy
- Don’t be shy with the salt
- Start hot, finish slow for perfect texture
- Rest before carving to lock in juices
Serving Suggestions
Serve with roasted potatoes, seasonal greens and a rich gravy for a proper British roast. Leftovers also make incredible sandwiches the next day.
Perfect Your Roast
Crispy crackling, tender pork, and simple technique — the Sunday roast done properly.
Are you team extra-crispy crackling or soft and tender roast pork?
