---
title: "Rillettes"
id: "890"
type: "recipe"
slug: "rillettes"
published_at: "2026-08-07T05:05:04+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-08-07T05:05:04+00:00"
url: "https://beestrot.com/recipe/rillettes/"
markdown_url: "https://beestrot.com/recipe/rillettes.md"
excerpt: "A rustic French preservation technique dating back to 15th century Tours, transforming tough cuts of pork into a sumptuous spread through slow cooking in f"
taxonomy_category:
  - "Appetizers"
  - "Bistrot Cuisine"
  - "Dinner"
  - "French"
  - "Leisurely (+ 60 min)"
  - "Lunch"
  - "Meal Prep Friendly"
  - "Meat and Poultry"
  - "Seasonal Cooking"
  - "Slow Cooking"
  - "Supper"
---

Table of Contents

- [• Recipe Overview](#recipe-overview)
- [• Recipe Information](#recipe-metadata)
- [• Time & Quantities](#recipe-time-quantities)
- [• Method & Ingredients](#recipe-method)
  - [- Ingredients](#ingredients-section)
  - [- Instructions](#instructions-section)

- [• Storage & Make-Ahead](#recipe-storage)
- [• Nutritional & Dietary Information](#recipe-nutrition)
- [• Serving & Variations](#recipe-serving)
- [• Video to Share!](#recipe-video)

# Rillettes

Share this recipe! [Set as Preferred Source](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=beestrot.com)

★★★★★(4.5/5 from 13 reviews)

*[Click here](#image_policy)
 to learn about our image policy and how to submit your own!*

A rustic French preservation technique dating back to 15th century Tours, transforming tough cuts of pork into a sumptuous spread through slow cooking in fat. The meat is then shredded and seasoned, creating a textured, savory conserve that's both rustic and refined. This bistro staple embodies French thriftiness and culinary genius, transforming humble ingredients into a luxurious delicacy.

Difficulty:★★★☆☆(Medium)

Budget: 💰💰

Seasonality: Year-round, Fall, Winter

### Recipe Information [#](#)

**Categories:**

[Appetizers](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/appetizers/)
[Bistrot Cuisine](https://beestrot.com/focus/cuisines/bistrot-cuisine/)
[Dinner](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/dinner/)
[French](https://beestrot.com/focus/cuisines/french/)
[Leisurely (+ 60 min)](https://beestrot.com/focus/time-to-table/leisurely-60-min/)
[Lunch](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/lunch/)
[Meal Prep Friendly](https://beestrot.com/focus/occasions/meal-prep-friendly/)
[Meat and Poultry](https://beestrot.com/focus/ingredients/meat-and-poultry/)
[Seasonal Cooking](https://beestrot.com/focus/occasions/seasonal-cooking/)
[Slow Cooking](https://beestrot.com/focus/cooking-methods/slow-cooking/)
[Supper](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/supper/)

**Tags:** [Gourmet](https://beestrot.com/tags/gourmet/)
 [Homestyle](https://beestrot.com/tags/homestyle/)
 [Make-Ahead](https://beestrot.com/tags/make-ahead/)
 [Rich](https://beestrot.com/tags/rich/)
 [Rustic](https://beestrot.com/tags/rustic/)
 [Savory](https://beestrot.com/tags/savory/)
 [Traditional](https://beestrot.com/tags/traditional/)

**Religious Considerations:** Contains pork; not suitable for kosher, halal, or Jain dietary restrictions

**Recipe Source:** Traditional French Charcuterie

 Print this Recipe

---

 Ad section, thank you for your support!

---

### Time & Quantities [#](#)

**Preparation:** 30 mins

**Cooking:** 210 mins

**Total:** 240 mins

**Serves:** 10

**Preparation-to-Cooking Ratio:** 0.14Quick prep, long cook time. Great for hands-off cooking.

### Method & Ingredients [#](#)

**Required Equipment:** Dutch oven, wooden spoon, forks for shredding, glass jars, kitchen twine

[Lodge 5 Quart Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven with Lid](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LEXR0K/?tag=beestrot08-20)

[View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LEXR0K/?tag=testtag-20)

[Zulay Kitchen 6-Piece Wooden Cooking Spoons](https://www.amazon.com/dp/wooden%20spoon/?tag=beestrot08-20)

[View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/wooden%20spoon/?tag=testtag-20)

[Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet Safe Oven](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006JSUA/?tag=beestrot08-20)

[View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006JSUA/?tag=testtag-20)

[One Touch Grinder - Coffee, beans, spices, herbs, grains.](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z8G97PY/?tag=beestrot08-20)

[View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z8G97PY/?tag=testtag-20)

[Original Gorilla Grip Can Opener and Bottle Openers](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NXMDPS1/?tag=beestrot08-20)

[View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NXMDPS1/?tag=testtag-20)

[Spring Chef Heavy Duty Ice Cream Scoop](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CX2EZ3K/?tag=beestrot08-20)

[View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CX2EZ3K/?tag=testtag-20)

**Cooking Method:** Slow Cooking

#### Ingredients

- 1kg pork shoulder (2-inch cubes)
- 500g pork belly (1-inch pieces)
- 500g pork fat or lard
- 4 garlic cloves (crushed)
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 thyme sprigs
- 1 onion (quartered)
- 240ml white wine
- 240ml water
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 2 tbsp sea salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 4 tbsp duck fat or clarified butter (for sealing)

#### Instructions

1. Season pork shoulder and belly with salt and pepper.
2. Melt fat in Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add meat, garlic, onion, and herbs tied with twine - your kitchen already smells amazing!
3. Add wine, water, nutmeg, and cloves. Liquid should cover halfway up meat.
4. Bring to gentle simmer, reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 3-
5. 5 hours until very tender.
6. Cool until comfortable to handle.
7. Transfer meat to bowl using slotted spoon. Reserve 1 cup cooking fat - liquid gold for flavor!
8. Shred meat with forks or hands, breaking into fine strands and small chunks.
9. Gradually add reserved fat until mixture is moist but not greasy.
10. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
11. Pack firmly into jars, removing air pockets. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
12. Pour melted duck fat over top to seal. Refrigerate overnight.
13. Serve at room temperature with crusty bread and cornichons - a feast fit for royalty!

### Storage & Make-Ahead [#](#)

**Storage Advice:** Keep refrigerated with fat seal intact. Will keep up to 2 weeks. Once seal is broken, use within 5 days.

**Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips:** Can be made up to 2 weeks ahead with fat seal. Can be frozen without fat seal for up to 3 months; thaw in refrigerator and add fresh seal.

---

 Ad section, thank you for your support!

---

### Nutritional & Dietary Information [#](#)

**Nutritional Information:**

- **Calories:** 320
- **Protein:** 15g
- **Fat:** 28g (Saturated: 11g)
- **Carbohydrates:** 2g (Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 0g)

**Allergen Information:** Contains pork

**Dietary Information:** Contains pork; not suitable for vegans, vegetarians

### Serving & Variations [#](#)

**Serving Suggestions:** Serve in rustic crock with fat seal partially broken. Include spreading knife. Accompaniments: cornichons, grainy mustard, pickled onions, toasted sourdough or baguette.

**Wine or Drink Pairing:** Light-bodied, high-acid red like Chinon or Bourgueil from Loire Valley. For white, try minerally Muscadet Sur Lie.

**Possible Recipe Variations:** Try duck or rabbit instead of pork. Add quatre-épices for more aroma. Add brandy to cooking liquid for depth. Fold in fresh parsley after shredding for color.

**Additional Notes:** Improves with age. Flavor develops beautifully after 3-5 days in refrigerator.

Share this recipe! [Set as Preferred Source](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=beestrot.com)

Disclosure: This recipe may contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase at no extra cost to you. This applies to featured Amazon products or any other Beestrot's partners. Thank you for your support! Jean Louis.

## 16 thoughts on “Rillettes”

1. Kenneth[June 22, 2026 at 4:38 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/rillettes/#comment-731) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Frillettes%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ been looking for a good rillettes recipe for ages. this one looks authentic
2. Chantal[May 20, 2026 at 2:52 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/rillettes/#comment-730) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Frillettes%2F) ★★★★☆(4/5) ah les rillettes… faut que je me motive à les faire un jour!
3. 
  1. [Jean Louis](https://beestrot.com/) [May 21, 2026 at 11:21 am](https://beestrot.com/recipe/rillettes/#comment-732) Merci Chantal, revenez lorsque c’est fait! 😊

4. Dwight[April 25, 2026 at 7:15 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/rillettes/#comment-729) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Frillettes%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ This is on my list for next weekend. Love rustic French stuff like this.
5. Irene T.[March 28, 2026 at 10:28 am](https://beestrot.com/recipe/rillettes/#comment-728) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Frillettes%2F) ★★★★☆(4/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Made this for a French themed dinner party. Everyone kept asking where I bought it! The slow cooking is key.
6. 
  1. [Jean Louis](https://beestrot.com/) [March 31, 2026 at 11:24 am](https://beestrot.com/recipe/rillettes/#comment-734) Proud of you Irene, merci for your comment! 💖

7. Yves[February 18, 2026 at 3:42 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/rillettes/#comment-727) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Frillettes%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Enfin une recette qui donne le vrai goût! Pas comme les trucs industriels. J’ai ajouté un peu de quatre-épices, ça passe nickel.
8. 
  1. [Jean Louis](https://beestrot.com/) [February 19, 2026 at 11:22 am](https://beestrot.com/recipe/rillettes/#comment-733) Merci Yves! C’est vraiment mieux oui! 😎

9. Dorothy[January 8, 2026 at 11:08 am](https://beestrot.com/recipe/rillettes/#comment-726) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Frillettes%2F) ★★★★☆(4/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Old school recipe! 👌
10. Pablo[November 22, 2025 at 5:55 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/rillettes/#comment-725) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Frillettes%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Increíble! Nunca había hecho rillettes y quedaron perfectas. Lo del vino blanco le da un toque especial. Ya es tradición en casa para las fiestas.
11. Céline[October 2, 2025 at 12:15 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/rillettes/#comment-724) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Frillettes%2F) ★★★★☆(4/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0 Franchement pas compliqué, faut juste être patient. J’ai mis un peu trop de graisse au début mais c’était quand même super bon. Le truc du gras de canard sur le dessus c’est génial pour la conservation.
12. Leonard[August 12, 2025 at 7:48 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/rillettes/#comment-723) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Frillettes%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ took all day but totally worth it. so much better than the fancy stuff from the deli. made a huge batch and gave some to neighbors
13. Giulia[June 5, 2025 at 2:22 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/rillettes/#comment-722) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Frillettes%2F) ★★★★☆(4/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Buonissime! Non conoscevo questa ricetta francese. La carne era tenerissima. Perfette con il pane tostato e un bicchiere di vino rosso.
14. Bertrand[April 18, 2025 at 6:35 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/rillettes/#comment-721) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Frillettes%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Comme chez mamie! J’ai laissé cuire 4h et la viande se défaisait toute seule. Avec des cornichons et un bon pinard c’est le bonheur.
15. Emma S.[March 20, 2025 at 9:34 am](https://beestrot.com/recipe/rillettes/#comment-18) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Frillettes%2F) ★★★★☆(4/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 1❤️ Made these rillettes over the weekend and they turned out fantastic! So much better than store-bought. The slow cooking really allows the flavors to develop. I added a touch more thyme than called for and served with cornichons and crusty bread. Perfect for our wine night!
16. Carlos M.[February 18, 2025 at 1:21 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/rillettes/#comment-19) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Frillettes%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ⭐ Recommends*👍* 0 These rillettes look amazing! I’ve been wanting to try making them at home. The detailed instructions on rendering the fat properly are really helpful. Adding this to my weekend cooking projects!

## Leave a Reply [Cancel reply](/recipe/rillettes/#respond)

You must be [logged in](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Frillettes%2F)
 to post a comment.

### Encore! More Delicious Reads Please...

Loading tip...

#### About Our Recipe Photography ▼

Some of the stunning food photography you see throughout our recipes could be created using advanced AI technology, producing high-end, Food & Wine magazine-style imagery with intricate details and beautiful textures. These aren't placeholder images—they're carefully crafted visual representations that capture the essence and appeal of each dish while we await real photographs.

We believe in transparency: this website and all its content is maintained by humans, with AI serving as our incredibly smart and undeniably talented assistant that we simply can't work without! 🤖✨ But the Chef remains **Le Chef!**

**Think you can do better?** We'd love to feature YOUR photograph! If you've made one of our recipes and captured a shot that rivals our AI-generated images, we invite you to submit it. Fair warning though—our AI sets the bar pretty high! 📸

Complete submission guidelines and registration [now open!](/image-policy-and-submission/)

### Find The Recipe

- Cuisines (87)
  - [American (17)](https://beestrot.com/focus/cuisines/american/)
  - [Bistrot Cuisine (37)](https://beestrot.com/focus/cuisines/bistrot-cuisine/)
  - [Chinese (2)](https://beestrot.com/focus/cuisines/chinese/)
  - [French (40)](https://beestrot.com/focus/cuisines/french/)
  - [Indian (1)](https://beestrot.com/focus/cuisines/indian/)
  - [Italian (19)](https://beestrot.com/focus/cuisines/italian/)
  - [Mediterranean (19)](https://beestrot.com/focus/cuisines/mediterranean/)
  - [Mexican (10)](https://beestrot.com/focus/cuisines/mexican/)
  - [Russian (1)](https://beestrot.com/focus/cuisines/russian/)
  - [South American (10)](https://beestrot.com/focus/cuisines/south-american/)
  - [Spanish (1)](https://beestrot.com/focus/cuisines/spanish/)

- Courses (87)
  - [Appetizers (13)](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/appetizers/)
  - [Breakfast (7)](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/breakfast/)
  - [Brunch (10)](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/brunch/)
  - [Casseroles (2)](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/casseroles/)
  - [Desserts (22)](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/desserts/)
  - [Dinner (48)](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/dinner/)
  - [Lunch (41)](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/lunch/)
  - [Main Dishes (48)](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/main-dishes/)
  - [Pasta Dishes (1)](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/pasta-dishes/)
  - [Salads (2)](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/salads/)
  - [Sandwiches and Wraps (5)](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/sandwiches-and-wraps/)
  - [Side Dishes (3)](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/side-dishes/)
  - [Snacks (12)](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/snacks/)
  - [Soups and Stews (7)](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/soups-and-stews/)
  - [Supper (14)](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/supper/)

- Cooking Methods (80)
  - [Baking (25)](https://beestrot.com/focus/cooking-methods/baking/)
  - [Boiling (5)](https://beestrot.com/focus/cooking-methods/boiling/)
  - [Braising (4)](https://beestrot.com/focus/cooking-methods/braising/)
  - [Frying (5)](https://beestrot.com/focus/cooking-methods/frying/)
  - [Grilling - Broiling (4)](https://beestrot.com/focus/cooking-methods/grilling-broiling/)
  - [No-Cook (8)](https://beestrot.com/focus/cooking-methods/no-cook/)
  - [Roasting (6)](https://beestrot.com/focus/cooking-methods/roasting/)
  - [Slow Cooking (7)](https://beestrot.com/focus/cooking-methods/slow-cooking/)
  - [Steaming (2)](https://beestrot.com/focus/cooking-methods/steaming/)
  - [Stovetop - Sauteing (37)](https://beestrot.com/focus/cooking-methods/stovetop-sauteing/)

- Ingredients (85)
  - [Dairy and Eggs (56)](https://beestrot.com/focus/ingredients/dairy-and-eggs/)
  - [Fish and Seafood (7)](https://beestrot.com/focus/ingredients/fish-and-seafood/)
  - [Grains and Pasta (34)](https://beestrot.com/focus/ingredients/grains-and-pasta/)
  - [Meat and Poultry (37)](https://beestrot.com/focus/ingredients/meat-and-poultry/)
  - [Vegetables and Produce (29)](https://beestrot.com/focus/ingredients/vegetables-and-produce/)

- Occasions (87)
  - [Everyday Meals (39)](https://beestrot.com/focus/occasions/everyday-meals/)
  - [Meal Prep Friendly (24)](https://beestrot.com/focus/occasions/meal-prep-friendly/)
  - [Party and Events (6)](https://beestrot.com/focus/occasions/party-and-events/)
  - [Quick & Easy Meals (15)](https://beestrot.com/focus/occasions/quick-easy-meals/)
  - [Seasonal Cooking (20)](https://beestrot.com/focus/occasions/seasonal-cooking/)
  - [Special Occasions (40)](https://beestrot.com/focus/occasions/special-occasions/)

- Time to Table (87)
  - [Leisurely (+ 60 min) (34)](https://beestrot.com/focus/time-to-table/leisurely-60-min/)
  - [Medium (30-60 min) (27)](https://beestrot.com/focus/time-to-table/medium-30-60-min/)
  - [Quick (- 30 min) (26)](https://beestrot.com/focus/time-to-table/quick-30-min/)

- Dietary Restrictions (2)
  - [Vegetarian (2)](https://beestrot.com/focus/dietary-restrictions/vegetarian/)

### Blog Featured

![Image](https://beestrot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Carrots-Were-Not-Always-Orange.jpg)

![Image](https://beestrot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Caesar-Salad-Was-Not-Invented-in-Rome.jpg)

![Image](https://beestrot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Trick-for-Perfect-Pasta.jpg)

![Image](https://beestrot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/The-Croissant-Is-Not-French.jpg)

![Image](https://beestrot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/beestrot-thoughts.jpg)

Carrots Were Not Always Orange. The Dutch Changed That for Political Reasons.

Carrots Were Not Always Orange. The Dutch Changed That for Political Reasons.

Caesar Salad Was Not Invented in Rome. The Real Story Is More Interesting.

Caesar Salad Was Not Invented in Rome. The Real Story Is More Interesting.

Every Chef Knows This Trick for Perfect Pasta. Nobody Tells You Because It Seems Too Simple.

Every Chef Knows This Trick for Perfect Pasta. Nobody Tells You Because It Seems Too Simple.

The Croissant Is Not French. Jean Louis Has Strong Feelings About This.

The Croissant Is Not French. Jean Louis Has Strong Feelings About This.

Two New Pieces, and a Word on How This Works

Two New Pieces, and a Word on How This Works

[/quiz-time/](/quiz-time/)

### [Join Beestrot, it's free!](/login)

**Create your account and enjoy:**

- A Smoother Experience
- Manage your Favorites
- Member-only Perks
- Stay in Loop
- And More on the Way!

The following is an Adsense Ad:

### La Boutique De Jean Louis

- [Jean-Louis' Chef Picks](https://amzn.to/4dnu834)
- [Kitchen Essentials](https://amzn.to/42wV9fw)
- [Pantry Staples Worth Having](https://amzn.to/4uJFg17)

The following is an Adsense Ad:

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on Beestrot.com. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy