A Cozy Twist: Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pork Roast

Imagine coming home to the warm aroma of spiced apple cider mingling with tender pork. This dish isn’t just about comfort; it’s a craft of balancing the sweetness of apples with savory pork, all cooked slowly to perfection. The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into something unexpectedly sophisticated, filling your kitchen with a scent that sparks nostalgia and anticipation.

What makes this recipe stand out is the subtle harmony of flavors—fragrant cinnamon, bright apple cider, and the rich umami of pork. It’s a gentle reminder that the best meals often come from minimal fuss and maximum aroma. Perfect for cozy evenings or when you want a versatile dish that can impress without stress.

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE?

• It turns humble ingredients into a celebration of fall flavors.
• Smells like cinnamon and apples crackling in the oven, even when set in the slow cooker.
• Easy to assemble, freeing me to enjoy the day.
• Ideal for swapping ingredients and making it my own each season.

AVOID MY DISASTER (You’re Welcome)

• FORGOT to sear the pork. It was bland and stewed instead of browned—so, sear for flavor!
• DUMPED too much cider. Overpowered pork, making it oddly sour—measure carefully.
• OVER-TORCHED the edges. Burned the garlic, adding bitterness—tend to the slow cooker’s heat.
• SKIPPED the seasoning. Resulted in dull taste; don’t forget the salt and pepper.

QUICK FIXES THAT SAVE YOUR DAY

• When too sour, splash in a teaspoon of honey—sweetness balances the tartness.
• Patch over a burnt edge by removing the charred bits and adding a fresh sprig of thyme.
• Shield the cider from boiling over by placing a lid half-closed—less mess, more flavor infusion.
• When garlic burns, stir in a pinch of fresh garlic in the last 30 minutes.
• Drop a cinnamon stick onto the lid for an extra warm fragrance.

Whether you’re craving the nostalgic aroma of simmering spices or seeking a new way to enjoy pork, this dish offers a cozy, flavor-packed experience. The slow cooker makes it effortless to meld apples, cider, and pork into a comforting, fall-inspired feast.

Today’s kitchen scene is calling for dishes that warm the soul without demanding hours of standing. This recipe embraces that desire—simple, fragrant, and endlessly adaptable. It’s a reminder that good things happen slowly, especially when infused with seasonal spice and tender meat.

Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Cider Pork

This dish features pork cooked slowly with apple cider, sliced apples, and warming spices such as cinnamon. The result is tender, fall-apart pork with a fragrant, sweet-savoury sauce and a slightly caramelized exterior, served with soft chunks of cooked apples and a rich, flavorful gravy.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

Total Time 6 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork roast bone-in or boneless
• 2 cups apple cider
• 3 apples firmer apples (like Fuji or Honeycrisp) sliced
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon ground or sticks (if sticks, break into smaller pieces)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Tongs or spatula

Method

 

1. Pat the pork dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, and sear the pork on all sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. This develops flavor and locks in juices.
3. Remove the pork from the skillet and place it in the slow cooker.
4. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Pour in the apple cider and bring to a simmer, then cook for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
5. Pour the cider mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
6. Add the sliced apples and sprinkle with cinnamon over the pork and cider mixture.
7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours, until the pork is tender and falling apart.
8. Once cooked, remove the pork and let it rest for a few minutes, then shred it with two forks.
9. Meanwhile, transfer the cooking liquid and apples to a saucepan and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly to a flavorful gravy.
10. Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a touch of honey if desired.
11. Serve the tender shredded pork topped with the warm apple cider gravy and cooked apples, accompanying with your favorite sides.

Sharing a meal like this isn’t just about the food; it’s about creating a moment of warmth and connection. The lingering scent of apple and cinnamon makes it a perfect centerpiece for a relaxed dinner or a weekend gathering.

As the weather turns crisper, dishes like this help us slow down and enjoy the season’s simple pleasures. It’s a quiet celebration of flavors that bring comfort and joy, one slow-cooked bite at a time.

Anjali Arora

Hi, I’m Anjali Arora — the curious heart behind Feast Chase.

To be honest, I’ve always felt most at ease in my own company. I’m not exactly a people-person (small talk still makes me cringe), but there are two things I’ve always loved deeply: animals and food.