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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
  

  • Pork roast 3–4 lbs: Pork shoulder is ideal for tenderness, but loin works with care
  • Apple cider: Adds natural sweetness and acidity
  • Onion: Builds a savory base for the sauce
  • Garlic cloves: Brings warmth without overpowering
  • Apples: Cook down and reinforce the cider flavor
  • Chicken or vegetable stock: Keeps everything moist and balanced
  • Brown sugar: Just enough to soften the cider’s tart edge
  • Apple cider vinegar: Brightens the finished dish
  • Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the pork
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary: Adds gentle herbal depth

Equipment

  • Slow cooker: A 5–7 quart size works best
  • Large skillet: For browning the pork
  • Tongs: Helpful for turning the roast
  • Sharp knife and cutting board: For prep and slicing

Method
 

  1. Season the pork: Generously salt and pepper all sides
  2. Sear the roast: Brown the pork in a hot skillet on all sides
  3. Layer the slow cooker: Add onions, garlic, and apples to the bottom
  4. Add the pork: Place the seared roast on top
  5. Pour in liquids: Add apple cider, stock, and brown sugar
  6. Cook slowly: Cover and cook on LOW for about 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours
  7. Finish the sauce: Stir in apple cider vinegar before serving
  8. Slice or shred: Depending on how you plan to serve it

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.