Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pork Roast
So good, the neighbors might knock on your door…
Ingredients
3–4 lb boneless pork shoulder or pork butt roast, trimmed of excess hard fat
2 cups apple cider (NOT apple cider vinegar)
3 large apples, peeled, cored, and thickly sliced
1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
Directions
1️⃣ Prepare the Slow Cooker
Scatter the sliced apples evenly across the bottom of a 5–7 quart slow cooker.
This creates a sweet, soft base that flavors the pork beautifully.
2️⃣ Add the Pork
Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels.
Place it on top of the apples, fat side up if it has a fat cap.
3️⃣ Make the Cider Mixture
In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together:
2 cups apple cider
1/3 cup brown sugar
Stir until mostly dissolved.
Pour the mixture over and around the pork.
4️⃣ Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
LOW for 8–10 hours, or
HIGH for 4–5 hours
The pork is done when it’s very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
5️⃣ Prepare for Glazing
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Carefully lift the pork from the slow cooker using large spatulas or sturdy tongs and transfer it to the foil-lined baking sheet.
(If it starts falling apart, that means it’s perfectly done!)
Use a slotted spoon to scoop the soft apples and arrange them around the pork.
Spoon some of the rich amber cooking liquid over the roast.
6️⃣ Broil for a Sticky Glaze
Preheat your oven broiler to high.
Let the pork rest for 5–10 minutes.
Broil for 3–5 minutes, watching closely, until the top becomes golden brown and slightly caramelized.
Rotate the pan if needed and don’t let it burn.
7️⃣ Rest & Serve
Remove from oven and let rest another 5 minutes.
Spoon additional warm cider juices over the pork and apples.
Use two forks to gently pull into large, juicy chunks.
Serving Ideas
Serve over mashed potatoes
Pile onto sandwich rolls
Pair with roasted vegetables
Or enjoy just as is with those sweet stewed apples
Tips for Extra Flavor
Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm fall twist.
Stir a tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the cider mixture for depth.
For thicker sauce, simmer some of the slow cooker liquid on the stove until reduced.
Juicy. Tender. Sweet and savory. Pure comfort food
