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Homemade Crunchy Pork Scratchings With Lard

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Savor the irresistible charm of a crispy classic pub snack favorite with our Homemade Crunchy Pork Scratchings With Lard. Learn the difference between pork scratchings, pork rind, and pork crackling, and discover the secret behind their baked and cooked twice goodness crunch for even crunchier porky snack food.

Jar filled with homemade pork scratchings.
Lard Scratchings

As a kid, I have grown up with the best breakfast of lard spread on a farmer’s bread and slices of onions. And you’d be surprised, but pork scratchings were always our snacks, like pork puffs, the most popular of all of the pork recipes. At that time, nobody even had the slightest idea of a ketogenic diet and how great and famous it would become worldwide.

My mum used to bake pagace for snacks, similar to cheesy keto bread bites.

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At that time, we used ordinary bread because nobody knew you could make bread other than using regular flour. 

But now, no more. Our bread recipe variation is proof you can still enjoy it fully. 

The second best-ever recipe was to use scratchings in our famous pages, similar to the savory biscuit. And I have already made it to go with biscuits and gravy breakfast.

Pork lard spread and scratchings were and still are one of the must-have ingredients in Slovak cuisine. 

Difference Between Pork Scratchings and Pork Crackling

Pork scratchings and pork crackling, often called cracklings or chicharron, may seem similar, but what’s the difference lies in their preparation. Pork crackling is often cooked along with the meat, while pork scratchings are cooked on its own. Also, pork scratchings are made from the part of the pig skin of a pig’s hind leg or pig’s shank. This distinction creates varying textures and pork flavors, making them distinct yet equally enjoyable snacks.

Pork scratchings are also known as one of the popular British snacks served in pubs together with beer. 

Cooking with Lard making pork scratchings
Pork Scratchings

Where To Buy Pork Fat?

If it is available in your region, buy pork fat in butcher shops or supermarkets. Always ask what type of pork fat it is, as you might not know or see a big difference. 

If this is not sold in the supermarkets, you can also try Asian shops. Pork fat is very popular to use in Asian cuisine, and therefore, almost every supermarket will have a supply. 

What Is Lard?

Lard is pure fat from pork that does not contain trans fat and therefore is one of the best dietary choices. 

Lard has for centuries been an essential ingredient in many cultures. 

Pure lard was used instead of butter during the world war because of its availability and price. 

Advantages of Lard

Compared to butter, lard has much less saturated fat and cholesterol and more unsaturated fat. 

It is a low-temperature fat, so it is not advisable to overheat it above 360 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.

Lard doesn’t oxidize when heated, which is another great benefit.

Homemade Lard and its Scratchings are, of course, the best choice as you can control from where you have purchased the lard, what type of lard you have used, and the way you made it to retain the most of the healthiness; this keto snack can offer. 

What is lard? explanation and tips
Lard with pork

Pork Fat Made Into Lard as Well as Scratchings

And therefore, we are going to be making today the best-ever caramelized crispy pork lard scratchings with an unforgettable smoky flavor.

And as a by-product, you get the whitest pork lard spread for your morning breakfast

All done without any hassle, you will make this time after time. 

How To Make Pork Rind Lard?

Making perfect lard can be done in 2 ways.

  • On a Stove Top, you fry and regularly mix the fat on high heat while removing already melted fat.
  • In the oven, where you slowly roast scratchings into crisp little cracklins. It is much easier since there is no worry of lard burning on the bottom of the pot.

In our recipe, we are going to render the fat in the oven – the second choice.

All you have to do is melt, strain and enjoy. A popular snack made with a click of a finger.

How easy is that?

Is Pork Fat the Same as Pork Lard?

The definition of Pork Fat is pure raw fat you get directly from cutting the meat. 

On the other side, pork lard is the fat derived from rendering the pork fat.

Pork Cracklings in a metal cup as keto snacks
Scratchings

How To Make Homemade Crunchy Pork Snack?

Those homemade crispy pork lard scratchings are a perfect snack that can be used in baking, cooking, or on its own. This lightly caramelized lard with a smoky flavor is a secret ingredient to our low-carb, gluten-free and grain-free lifestyle. 

All of the calculated nutrition is mentioned in the recipe card towards the end of this article.

Kitchen Equipment You Will Need:

Ingredients Needed:

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO MAKE THE BEST PORK SCRATCHINGS

First step: Prepare Ingredients

Prepare your pork fat for this recipe. Ensure it is bought from an excellent source to get the cleanest and best pig fat you can get.

If you still have some pork skin of a pig attached, try to cut that out as much as possible. 

Pork scratchings ingredient needed.
Pork scratchings.

Second Step: Clean and Cut

First, make sure that all the pork fat is clean.

Wash the fat properly and dry it with a paper napkin. 

Using a sharp knife, cut the pork fat into strips and then approximately 2 cm or half an inch size squares. 

The size is essential as the fat will shrink while rendering, and you will end up with tiny crumbs.

Homemade Crispy Pork Lard Scratchings Recipe cutting to pieces
Cutting fat

Third Step: Casserole and Water

Once all the fat is cut into squares, place it inside a glass casserole and pour some water. 

The water is vital in the beginning. As the rendering process starts, your squares can get burned quickly.

You only need a small amount of water for the beginning. Do not worry. Afterward, this water will evaporate during the process. Place the casserole into the oven and let the rendering process start.

Rendered Fat starting to be made in the oven
Preparing to bake

Fourth Step: Halfway–Strain

Approximately halfway, after about 20 minutes to an hour, you will see enough lard already melted. This is the best time to take the casserole out and strain all the fat into a glass jar through a strainer. 

You can make this process a few times if you wish. I have only done that once, and that was more than enough.

The more lard you take out, the harder and crunchier those porky cousins will get. 

Lard Scratchings being made in the oven
Taking lard out

Fifth Step: Pure Lard Spread

As you see in the picture, you will end up with a pure lard by-product. 

This lard is bright yellow while melted, but once it cools down, the color will turn into a beautiful pure white. 

Please do not throw it; this is another best ingredient to use either as a spread or during your cooking or baking savory dishes.

Homemade Crispy Pork Lard poured into the glass jars to store for later
Pure Lard

Sixth Step: Strain More Fat

Once all the scratchings are done, take the casserole out of the oven, strain the remaining melted lard and place the scratchings on a paper towel. This will ensure that any additional oil is taken away, and you will end up with a beautiful, crispy, flavorful snack.

Homemade Crispy Pork Lard Scratchings Recipe
Taking fat out

Seventh step: Season

As scratchings do not have any flavor, you could spread them onto a tray and sprinkle them with salt or additional spices if you wish. 

You can enjoy it immediately or save it in a mason jar for the future.

Pork Cracklings being salted for better taste
Seasoning

TIPS AND TRICKS:

  • Size – do not cut the fat into tiny pieces. Otherwise, you will get little bits. The fat shrinks while rendering, so approximately 2 centimeters or half an inch is the best. 
  • Baking time – The baking time depends on the sizes you have cut the fat into, the size of the casserole, and the amount of fat used. 
  • Seasoning – Salt is added towards the end. Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika, chili or other herbs. Grind the fennel seeds freshly in pestle and mortar for that additional flavor. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What Can I Use Pork Scratching For?

The caramelized smoky flavor of scratching is a special ingredient in some baked savory dishes, biscuits and pastries.

  • Grind them into small crumbs and use them instead of bacon bits
  • Pure pork lard is ideally spread on the bread with slices of onion – my kid’s memories of how we enjoyed it
  • You can mix a bit of fat spread with tiny bits of scratching in it for an even better breakfast choice
  • Use pure lard instead of oil in cooking or baking
  • Add scratching to your savory biscuits for an additional flavor
Lard Scratchings served as a Keto Snack
Pork Scratchings

How Do I Store Pork Scratchings To Keep the Crunch?

Storing your pork scratchings correctly is essential to maintain the delightful crunch of your pork scratchings. Once fully cooked and cooled, pop them in an airtight container or sealable bag. A small silica gel packet can help absorb moisture and preserve its crispness. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and enjoy their texture whenever you crave a flavorful snack.

Can I Freeze Puffed Scratchings?

Yes, you can freeze puffed scratchings to prolong their freshness. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Label the container with the date to keep track of their storage time. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or gently reheat in the oven to restore their crispiness. 

To add to the healthiness, look at our ginger turmeric energy shot which is great to make from time to time to boost our Immune System.

More Healthy Snacks

Expand your healthy snack repertoire with a variety of delectable options. Indulge in the satisfying crunch of cheese chips, savor the wholesome goodness of broccoli chips, relish the nutty flavors of sesame crackers, and elevate your salads with homemade croutons

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Homemade Crispy Pork Lard Scratchings Recipe
Pork Scratchings

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Jar filled with homemade pork scratchings.

Homemade Crunchy Pork Scratchings With Lard

Zuzana Paar
4.86 from 7 votes
Savor the irresistible charm of a crispy classic pub snack favorite with our Homemade Crunchy Pork Scratchings With Lard. Learn the difference between pork scratchings, pork rind, and pork crackling, and discover the secret behind their baked and cooked twice goodness crunch for even crunchier porky snack food.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 5 minutes
Course Small bites
Cuisine International
Servings 1.5 Cup Lard & 2 Cups Scratchings
Calories 6001 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2,2 lb Pure Fat from Pork
  • Salt

Instructions
 

  • Prepare your pork fat for this recipe. Ensure it is bought from an excellent source to get the cleanest and best pig fat you can get. At the same time preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  • First, make sure that all the pork fat is clean. Wash the fat properly and dry it with a paper napkin.  Using a sharp knife, cut the pork fat into strips and then approximately 2 cm or half an inch size squares. 
  • Once all the fat is cut into squares, place it inside a glass casserole and pour some water. Place the casserole into the oven and let the rendering process start.
  • Approximately halfway, after about 20 minutes to an hour, you will see enough lard already melted. This is the best time to take the casserole out and strain all the fat into a glass jar through a strainer. 
  • As you see in the picture, you will end up with a pure lard by-product. This lard is bright yellow while melted, but once it cools down, the color will turn into a beautiful pure white. 
  • Once all the scratchings are done, take the casserole out of the oven, strain the remaining melted lard and place the scratchings on a paper towel. This will ensure that any additional oil is taken away, and you will end up with a beautiful, crispy, flavorful snack.
  • As scratchings do not have any flavor, you could spread them onto a tray and sprinkle them with salt or additional spices if you wish. 

Video

Notes

  • Size – do not cut the fat into tiny pieces. Otherwise, you will get little bits. The fat shrinks while rendering, so approximately 2 centimeters or half an inch is the best. 
  • Baking time – The baking time depends on the sizes you have cut the fat into, the size of the casserole, and the amount of fat used. 
  • Seasoning – Salt is added towards the end. Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika, chili or other herbs. Grind the fennel seeds freshly in pestle and mortar for that additional flavor. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 6001kcalFat: 665gSaturated Fat: 261gPolyunsaturated Fat: 75gMonounsaturated Fat: 300gCholesterol: 632mg

Disclaimer

Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
First Published: March 14, 2020
Last Updated: August 11, 2023

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About Zuzana Paar

Zuzana is the creative force behind this vibrant blog. With passion as a recipe developer, content creator, food writer, movie maker, and photographer, she poured her heart and soul into curating a space brimming with delightful keto and low carb recipes. Join her on this flavorful journey where quick, easy-to-make dishes take center stage, bringing joy and nourishment to your table.

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2 Comments on “Homemade Crunchy Pork Scratchings With Lard”

  1. Where I live we call this chicharrón and it’s excellent!!! The lard that you get from this you can use to fry anything you want so don’t throw it away!! Keep in a jar in the refrigerator and use it instead of oil.

    Reply

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