Crockpot recipe
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pork Roast
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
3 –4 lb 1.4–1.8 kg pork shoulder or pork loin roast
1 ½ tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried thyme
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion sliced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 ½ cups apple cider not apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 apples sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work well)
1 tbsp cornstarch optional, for thickening
1 tbsp water for slurry
Instructions:
Season the Pork:
Pat the pork roast dry.
Rub with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme on all sides.
Sear for Extra Flavor (Optional but Recommended)
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the roast for 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
This step adds depth but can be skipped if short on time.
Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Place sliced onion and apples at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Set the seared (or raw) pork roast on top.
Make the Cider Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together:
Apple cider
Dijon mustard
Brown sugar
Apple cider vinegar
Pour the mixture over the pork.
Slow Cook:
Cover and cook:
LOW for 6–8 hours, or
HIGH for 3–4 hours
The pork is ready when it’s tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Optional: Thicken the Sauce
Remove pork and keep warm.
Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
Stir into the cooking liquid and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
Rest & Serve:
Let the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding.
Spoon warm apple cider sauce over the top.
Using a slow cooker to prepare a pork roast is one of the easiest and most effective ways to create a savory, tender meal with minimal effort. The combination of apple cider and Dijon mustard adds a subtle tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the pork's rich flavor. For even better results, I recommend searing the pork shoulder before placing it into the slow cooker, as this step caramelizes the outside and locks in moisture, giving your roast a deeper, more complex flavor. From my experience, choosing the right apples is key. Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples work excellently because they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness. As the roast cooks slowly over several hours, these apples release their juices and infuse the pork with a wonderful fruity aroma. If you’re short on time, you can skip the searing, but do keep in mind the flavor will be milder. The slow cooker’s magic lies in its ability to tenderize tougher cuts of pork like the shoulder, making it pull-apart tender by the end of cooking. One tip I’ve found helpful is to thicken the pan sauce with a cornstarch slurry after removing the roast. This not only creates a luscious gravy but also helps to bind all the flavors together perfectly for serving. Don’t forget to let the meat rest for about 10 minutes before slicing or shredding; resting allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the pork moist. This recipe serves about eight people, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Pair it with simple sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete, comforting meal. Overall, slow cooker apple cider pork roast is a fantastic recipe for anyone looking to enjoy a cozy, home-cooked meal with minimal active cooking time.