Ingredients
- 3–4 lb pork shoulder or pork loin roast
- 2 cups apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork
Pat the pork roast dry and season all sides with salt and pepper. - Layer the Slow Cooker
Place sliced onions and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. - Add the Pork
Set the pork roast on top of the onions. - Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Pour over the pork. - Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender. - Optional: Thicken the Sauce
Remove the pork. Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir into the cooking liquid. Cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until thickened. - Serve
Slice or shred the pork and spoon the apple cider gravy over the top.
Serving Suggestions
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Steamed green beans
- Warm dinner rolls
- Apple cranberry salad
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cider to keep the meat moist.
Recipe Notes
- Pork shoulder will be more tender and shreddable.
- Pork loin will slice neatly but may be slightly leaner.
- For extra flavor, sear the pork in a skillet before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Add sliced apples during the last 2 hours for a stronger apple flavor.
- This recipe pairs beautifully with holiday menus or fall-inspired meal planning.
This Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pork Roast delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing crockpot dinner that turns simple ingredients into a rich, savory-sweet masterpiece.