This cozy, fall-inspired pork roast is slow-cooked in apple cider with herbs, garlic, and onions until melt-in-your-mouth tender. The sauce turns slightly sweet, savory, and perfect for spooning over everything!
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 5–6)
- 1.2–1.5 kg (2.5–3 lb) pork shoulder or pork loin
- 2 cups apple cider (not vinegar)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 2 apples (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or rosemary)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Sear the pork (optional but recommended)
- Heat oil in a pan
- Sear pork on all sides until browned
- Prepare slow cooker
- Add onions and apples to the bottom
- Place pork on top
- Make the sauce
- Mix apple cider, garlic, mustard, sugar, and spices
- Pour over pork
- Slow cook
- Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours
- Pork should be fork-tender
- Finish & serve
- Slice or shred pork
- Spoon sauce over top
- Optional: thicken sauce by simmering it on stove
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Pork shoulder = juicier, more tender
- Pork loin = leaner but slightly firmer
- Add carrots or potatoes for a full meal
- For thicker sauce: mix 1 tsp cornstarch with water and simmer
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Mashed potatoes 🥔
- Rice or quinoa
- Roasted vegetables
- Sandwiches or sliders
⚖️ Approx Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~300–380
- Protein: ~28–35g
- Carbs: ~10–15g
- Fat: ~15–22g
🧮 WW (Weight Watchers) Points (Approx)
- 5–8 points per serving (depends on cut of pork)
👉 Lower-point tips:
- Use pork loin instead of shoulder
- Skip brown sugar
- Trim visible fat
❓ FAQs
Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Yes, but cider gives deeper flavor.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Tastes even better the next day.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely—freeze up to 2 months.