This classic cottage ham recipe creates the ultimate comfort meal in just one pot. Tender, smoky pork shoulder combines with fresh vegetables for a hearty family dinner that's been loved for generations.
⏰ Cook Time: 3 hours | 👥 Serves: 6 | 🍽️ Difficulty: Easy
🌟 Why This Cottage Ham Recipe Works
This simple one-pot meal delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The cottage ham (cured pork shoulder) slowly releases its smoky, salty goodness into the cooking liquid, infusing every vegetable with incredible flavor. It's the kind of comforting meal that brings families together around the dinner table.
What makes this recipe special:
- One-pot simplicity - everything cooks together
- Incredible flavor - the ham seasons everything naturally
- Budget-friendly - affordable cut that feeds a crowd
- Make-ahead friendly - tastes even better the next day
- Customizable - add your favorite vegetables
🐷 What is Cottage Ham?
Cottage ham is a boneless, cured and smoked cut from the pork shoulder. Despite the confusing name (some call it "cottage butt" or "pork shoulder butt"), this isn't actually from the rear of the pig - it's from the upper shoulder area. The "butt" refers to the "end" of the shoulder, similar to a cigarette butt.
Key characteristics:
- Smaller than traditional ham
- Usually boneless (though Amish home-butchered versions may have bones)
- Pre-cured and smoked for flavor
- More affordable than whole hams
- Perfect for slow cooking
🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
For the One-Pot Cottage Ham:
- 2 pounds cottage ham (cottage butt)
- 3 pounds fresh green beans (or equivalent canned)
- 12 small new red potatoes (or 2-3 large potatoes, diced)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 quarts water
That's it! The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Work (15 minutes)
- Cut the cottage ham into bite-sized chunks (about 1-2 inch pieces)
- Prepare vegetables: Trim green beans, wash potatoes, chop onion
- Get your pot ready: Use a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Cooking Process (3 hours)
- Start the ham: Add cottage ham chunks to 2 quarts of water in your large pot
- Simmer: Cook on medium heat for 1 hour (this creates the flavorful base)
- Add vegetables: Add green beans, potatoes, and chopped onion
- Final cooking: Continue cooking on medium heat for 2 more hours
- Check doneness: Potatoes should be fork-tender and ham falling apart
Serving
Serve hot in bowls with the cooking liquid as a light broth. The ham will be incredibly tender and the vegetables perfectly seasoned.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Cottage Ham
For Best Results:
- Don't rush it - the long, slow cooking is what makes this special
- Quality matters - choose a good cottage ham from a reputable butcher
- Size consistency - cut ham pieces roughly the same size for even cooking
- Taste as you go - the ham provides salt, so taste before adding more seasoning
Variations to Try:
- Slow cooker method: Cook on low for 6-8 hours
- Add vegetables: Try carrots, corn, or mushrooms
- Seasoning boost: Add a bay leaf or pinch of paprika
- Make it heartier: Add diced tomatoes or cabbage
🥡 Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop or in microwave
Pro tip: This dish often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!
👪 Why Families Love This Recipe
This cottage ham recipe represents the best of comfort food cooking - simple ingredients transformed into something special through time and patience. It's the kind of meal that creates memories, whether you're feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or hosting Sunday dinner.
The one-pot nature means minimal cleanup, while the slow-cooking method means you can start it and let it work its magic while you handle other tasks. Plus, it's incredibly budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
🐖 More Amish Ham Recipes
🖨️ Full Recipe
Delicious Cottage Butt (or some call it Cottage Ham!)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of cottage butt or cottage ham
- 3 pounds fresh green beans or equivalent canned
- 12 small new red potatoes, or a couple large regular ones diced
- small onion, chopped
Instructions
- Cut cottage butt into bite-sized chunks.
- Cook in 2 quarts of water on medium heat for 1 hour.
- add beans, potatoes and onion
- cook for 2 more hours on medium.
Kathleen
I prefer the butt but what you call that butt we called cottage ham, wonderful cooked in green beans and a little onion added.
My first car was a 1957 Ford Fairlane, dueil carborator. We had a truck that was manul and yes it is a thrill to drive a stick. I was in my forties before I learned a stick, time for you yet.
Kevin
Good to know, Kathleen, maybe I can still learn!
Natasha V
This recipe is PERFECT ! I remember making this over and over again as a wee one . Me mum really liked me to do the cooking and baking , and I loved it . I didn’t mind a’tall . We were Mennonites , and I just loved being in that huge kitchen . Sometimes I didn’t cut it into smaller pieces, just put the whole butt into the huge pot , and simmer it for hrs . I’d sometimes add a “ ham bouillon cube” for xtra flavour , and make it with cabbage . It goes great with “ rotkraut “ ( red cabbage) as well . It’s one of me favorite meals . Fall off the bone , if there is one . Cheers everyone . 🍷💋
Nana in SE Ohio
I have always called these a picnic ham. They have same flavor as traditional ham but tend to be more tough and fatty because of being a front shoulder .