Shoulder Picnic Roasts Delivery or Pickup

Also referred to as a picnic roast, the shoulder picnic roast is a cut of pork from — you guessed it — the shoulder of a pig. Since a pig walks on all fours, however, this shoulder is actually the joint of a leg and is quite muscular from the weight that it carries while the pig moves about. This translates to a cut of meat that, when properly cooked, can be incredibly flavorful and tender with a distinct texture and chew. 

The anatomy of a pig can be quite confusing, but a good butcher can guide you in the right direction. If you find yourself in the supermarket facing a virtual (yet delicious) word soup of pork choices, it can be helpful to understand that a pork shoulder and a shoulder picnic roast are virtually synonymous, and the naming conventions vary regionally. 

It should be noted that the pork butt, also from the pork shoulder, is a cut from a thicker, more marbled end of the shoulder. Shoulder picnic roasts tend to be from a leaner area of the shoulder and are suited to be cooked whole and sliced, while pork butt is often the central player in pulled pork recipes. That said, all three of these cuts can be used interchangeably in a pinch. 

Turn to Instacart anytime you need a shoulder picnic roast. An Instacart shopper will fill your order, and you can receive your items in as little as 2 hours!

A shoulder picnic roast is a versatile, reliable cut of meat that can play well in various recipes and cuisines. It's marked by a rich flavor, and a tender texture accentuated when this cut of meat is cooked at a low temperature for a long time. 

Shoulder picnic roasts can be cooked whole and sliced in the style of a ham. This preparation can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it a great choice to share at a potluck dinner or an afternoon picnic. A shoulder picnic roast is a good choice to cut up for use in stews, chili, and soups to add depth and richness to these dishes. You can also dice the meat to create an incredibly satisfying filling for tacos or burritos. 

Pulled pork is a mainstay of many a barbecue pit, and it can be equally as delicious with pasta, in a taco, or added to a decadent brunch dish atop eggs. Slow cooking the meat is the key to succulent pulled pork, with a seasoned, seared roast heading to the oven for up to four hours at a low temperature. When the meat has cooled, you can use two forks to separate the pork into shredded hunks to add to your dish. In addition to its versatility, pulled pork also keeps quite well, so you can freeze some for later. 

If you're short on time and long on gadgets, a shoulder picnic roast can be prepared more quickly in a pressure cooker. These specialty cookers use pressure to heat the pork in a fraction of the time and can be a great solution for a quick weekday meal.