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Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pork Roast

This dish features a tender pork roast cooked slowly with apple cider, apples, and warming spices. The pork becomes juicy and melt-in-your-mouth, while the cider and spices create a fragrant, flavorful sauce with a rich, saucy consistency. The final appearance is a beautifully browned roast surrounded by a thick, aromatic sauce with tender vegetables and apples.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds pork roast (bone-in or boneless)
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 2 large apples peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 2 large onions sliced
  • 2 carrots large carrots sliced

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet or oven-safe pan
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and thyme on all sides.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then carefully place the pork roast in the pan.
  3. Sear the pork on all sides until deeply browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This helps develop flavor and color before slow cooking.
  4. While the pork sears, slice the onions and carrots, and peel and slice the apples. Set aside.
  5. Once seared, transfer the pork to the slow cooker, placing it on top of the sliced vegetables and apples.
  6. Pour the apple cider over the pork and vegetables, then sprinkle additional salt and pepper if desired.
  7. Cover and set the slow cooker to low for 6 hours, or until the pork easily pulls apart and the flavors meld beautifully.
  8. After cooking, carefully transfer the pork to a cutting board and tent with foil to rest for 10 minutes.
  9. Meanwhile, transfer the vegetables and cooking liquid to a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  10. Thicken the sauce slightly by mixing a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little cold water, then stir into the simmering liquid until it thickens to a gravy-like consistency.
  11. Slice or shred the rested pork, arrange it on a serving platter, and spoon the thickened cider sauce with vegetables and apples over the top. Serve warm and enjoy the cozy flavors.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of brown sugar to the sauce. Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.