• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Sides
    • Snacks
    • Dessert
    • Condiments
    • Reviews
  • About Midwexican
    • Privacy Policy
  • Work With Me!

Midwexican

menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About Midwexican
  • Work With Me!
×

Home » Condiments

Published: Oct 5, 2021 · Modified: Mar 16, 2023 by Tino Marie · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments

Iron Range Porchetta Seasoning

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • LinkedIn

Iron Range Porchetta (or porketta) seasoning is boldly flavorful, consisting of a bevy of Italian herbs and spices including basil, rosemary, and oregano that is traditionally used to season pork - but is also wonderful on beef, chicken, and turkey. 

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The single greatest culinary delight my husband introduced me to was Iron Range Porchetta (Porketta). I grew up in a part of Minnesota where it just didn’t exist (that I can recall). And it wasn’t until fairly recently that I’ve started to see it pop up on menus around the Twin Cities.

I love bold flavors and Iron Range Porchetta Seasoning is this earthy, Italian herb bomb. The basil, the rosemary, the oregano, the fennel! It’s so incredibly amazing, a bevy of Italian seasonings brought together to create one seriously stellar seasoning mix. 

Iron Range Porchetta Seasoning

What is Porchetta? 

Porchetta (or porketta) is most universally known as an Italian roasted pork dish, prepared with skin-on pork belly rolled into a roulade, spiked with bold seasonings including rosemary and fennel, and roasted to achieve a lovely crackling crust (as in this authentic Italian porchetta recipe).

My introduction to porchetta was Iron Range Porchetta, which is more a reference to the seasoning than the preparation. 

What is Iron Range Porchetta Seasoning?

I first encountered porchetta in a grocery store called Zup’s on the Iron Range in the meat section as an aggressively seasoned pork butt. It was coated in porchetta “grass”, ready to be taken home, cooked, and eaten. 

You can of course just purchase the porchetta seasoning, aka “the grass” on its own. The grass contains a host of beautiful Italian seasonings including fennel seeds, as well as dried parsley, oregano, and basil. Zup’s doesn’t let you in on how exactly the (porchetta) sausage is made. But after dabbling in making my own I’ve come up with a seasoning mix I’m quite fond of and hope you will be too. And if you’re feeling zesty, the addition of red pepper flakes heats things up (credit goes to Zup’s on this as well, upon falling in love with their spicy porchetta pork butts). 

How do you make Iron Range Porchetta Seasoning? 

And why have I been referring to it as “grass”? Porchetta seasoning is primarily made up of dried herbs - basil, oregano, rosemary, parsley, etc. But it also contains seasonings that are physically smaller in size; a salt and pepper mix. You want to keep these separate from the “grass” as they will fall to the bottom of your seasoning container, resulting in uneven seasoning when using.

It’s best to keep the grass and salt and pepper seasoning in separate containers and make their use a 2-step process. Step one; liberally coat your protein with the grass. Step two; sprinkle on some salt and pepper mix. 

Iron Range Porketta Seasoning

To make my version of Iron Range Porchetta Seasoning, you will need the following ingredients. The red pepper flakes are optional here but highly recommended if you want to add some heat. You will also need two small containers to store the “grass” and the salt and pepper mix separately.

This porchetta seasoning recipe makes enough to season approximately three 3-4 pound pork butts.

INGREDIENTS  

The Porchetta "Grass"

Porketta seasoning recipe
  • 3 teaspoons dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 3 teaspoons fennel seeds
  • 3 teaspoons dried celery
  • 3 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 2 ½ teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)

The Porchetta Salt & Pepper Mix

Porketta seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon onion salt
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS 

  1. Add the basil, rosemary, oregano, thyme, fennel seeds, dried celery, parsley, and red pepper flakes (optional) to a small lidded container. Shake to combine.
  2. Add the onion salt, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to a small lidded container. Shake to combine.
  3. When ready to use, apply the grass first, followed by the salt and pepper mix.

Note

This recipe isn’t claiming to be authentic; it’s more like authentic-adjacent. My recipe is heavier on the basil and fennel seeds than other recipes I’ve come across, simply because I prefer it. And as someone who loves spice, the red pepper flakes add a fiery new dimension. 

How do you use Iron Range Porchetta Seasoning?

Traditionally, porchetta seasoning is used on pork. I typically use it to season pork butts before tossing them into my slow cooker or instant pot. But I can attest that it’s fantastic on chicken and turkey, as well as beef roasts. 

To use, liberally apply the “grass” to the outside of your protein of choice. It’s especially okay to go heavy-handed on roasts. Then sprinkle on some salt and pepper mix, using restraint so you don’t overdo it.  

iron range porchetta seaoning

I’m still exploring Iron Range Porchetta Seasoning applications, but I have to say a favorite is using leftover porchetta pulled pork as a taco and/or quesadilla meat. MMMMM. 

And if you're looking for a thoughtful gift for someone, whip them up some of this porchetta seasoning. And gift it in a fancy seasoning jar or shaker.

A Spelling Speculation

Porchetta or Porketta? Why the different spellings? I have yet to unearth a solid answer on this but here is my speculation. Pork-etta is the correct pronunciation, and pork is also the protein that is traditionally used in the dish. It makes a practical sort of sense to call it “porketta.” I refer to it as Porchetta because that's how I've commonly seen it spelled on the Iron Range.

Porchetta Seasoning Storage

Store porchetta seasoning and salt and pepper mix in separate lidded containers in a cool, dark place, like a cabinet or drawer. For best results, use within a year. 

If you like this, you'll also like:

  • Instant Pot Porchetta Roast
  • Porchetta Seasoned Pepitas
  • Pepita Pesto
  • Spicy Adobo Seasoning
  • Roasted Garlic Chimichurri
porketta seasoning

Iron Range Porchetta Seasoning

Iron Range Porchetta (or porketta) seasoning is boldly flavorful, consisting of a bevy of Italian herbs and spices including basil, rosemary, and oregano that is traditionally used to season pork - but is also wonderful on beef, chicken, and turkey.
5 from 6 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Total Time 15 mins

Ingredients
  

The Porchetta "Grass"

  • 3 teaspoons dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 3 teaspoons fennel seeds
  • 3 teaspoons dried celery
  • 3 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 2 ½ teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)

The Porchetta Salt & Pepper Mix

  • 1 teaspoon onion salt
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Add the basil, rosemary, oregano, thyme, fennel seeds, dried celery, parsley, and red pepper flakes (optional) to a small lidded container. Shake to combine.
  • Add the onion salt, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to a small lidded container. Shake to combine.
  • When ready to use, apply the grass first, followed by the salt and pepper mix.

Notes

Makes enough to season approximately three 3-4 pound pork butts.
Keyword iron range porchetta seasoning, porchetta seasoning, porketta seasoning
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

More Condiments

  • chipotle blender hollandaise
    Chipotle Blender Hollandaise
  • sweet vinegar and oil dressing
    Sweet Vinegar and Oil Dressing
  • cucumber salsa with tajin
    Tajin Cucumber Salsa
  • The Best Uses for Leftover Bacon Grease.
    Best Uses for Leftover Bacon Grease

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bruce says

    March 25, 2022 at 6:09 am

    I just saw this recipe for porketta seasoning, but I haven't made it yet. I was curious; can I use basic Italian seasoning in place of the basil, thyme, etc? And then add the fennel, and the rest of the stuff? If so, how much Italian seasoning should I use?
    Thanks for the recipe, and I'll be trying it very soon on a big ol' pork butt!

    Reply
    • Tino Marie says

      March 25, 2022 at 7:36 am

      This is an excellent question! Italian seasoning has the ingredients called for in this recipe, but may also contain a few others (like marjoram and/or sage). Unless it's a homemade Italian seasoning, you probably won't know the exact ratio of each ingredient within the seasoning. But this is how I would recommend proceeding (I haven't tried this out, but this is what I would do myself). Since the following ingredients are in Italian seasoning, I would to a straight substitution of 9 teaspoons of Italian seasoning in place of the following:

      3 teaspoons dried basil
      2 teaspoons dried rosemary
      2 teaspoons dried oregano
      2 teaspoons dried thyme

      Then I would proceed to follow the rest of the recipe by adding:

      3 teaspoons fennel seeds
      3 teaspoons dried celery
      3 teaspoons dried parsley
      2 ½ teaspoons red pepper flakes

      In my opinion, the fennel is what makes porketta really pop. Please let me know how it goes! I'd love to update the recipe with this as a variation so I'll have to do some testing myself :). Thanks and enjoy your pork butt!

      Reply
  2. Robert says

    May 03, 2022 at 5:02 pm

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Robert says

      May 03, 2022 at 5:04 pm

      Zups dang autocorrect

      Reply
    • Tino Marie says

      May 04, 2022 at 11:03 am

      5 stars

      In my experience, both "porchetta" and "porketta" are used interchangeably in Minnesota (on and off the range). I include both spellings, but maybe you missed that. I decided upon use of "porchetta" because Zup's uses that spelling and this recipe is an homage to their delicious Porchetta seasoning. I do hope you'll give it a try!

      Reply
    • Abby says

      December 19, 2022 at 6:34 pm

      Uh, hello, it’s an Italian word—“porchetta” is pronounced “porketta”, but the correct spelling is “porchetta”. Using the “k spelling makes it easier for those who are unaware of the traditional (Italian) spelling and pronunciation.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Follow me!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
Christina from Midwexican

About Christina

I'm a Minnesota native who can't get enough of south-of-the-border flavors. My recipes combine comforting Midwestern eats with bold Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors. If you love comforting food, bold flavors, and - most importantly - tacos! then you'll love what I'm cooking!

Learn more about me →

Lighter Fare

  • Buffalo chicken rice bowls
    Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl
  • instant pot pozole
    Instant Pot Pozole
  • Imitation Crab Ceviche
    Imitation Crab Ceviche
  • tuna tostada
    Tuna Tostadas
  • turkey lentil soup
    Turkey Lentil Soup
  • White chicken chili with porchetta seasoning
    White Chicken Porchetta Chili
  • Cruciferous Crunch Salad with Jalapeno Lime Vinaigrette
    Cruciferous Crunch Salad with Jalapeno Lime Vinaigrette
  • instant pot pinto bean soup
    Instant Pot Pinto Bean Soup

    Footer

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Work With Me!

    • Let's Collaborate!

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Midwexican

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT