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Slow-Cooked Apple Cider Pork Roast

This dish features tender pork roast slow-cooked with apple cider and warm spices until it easily falls apart. The final result is a juicy, flavorful roast with a savory and slightly sweet sauce, complemented by aromatic cinnamon and apples that develop a rich, caramelized exterior and tender interior.
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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 shoulder or pork roast preferably boneless
  • 2 cups apple cider preferably unfiltered for extra flavor
  • 2 apples apples sliced into wedges
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt, pepper, and cinnamon all over the surface.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil, waiting until it shimmers and just begins to smoke slightly.
  3. Place the pork in the hot skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized edges form, filling the kitchen with a savory aroma.
  4. Transfer the seared pork to your slow cooker, placing it in a single layer for even cooking.
  5. Pour apple cider over the pork, then add sliced apples around the roast for added sweetness and texture.
  6. Cover the slow cooker with its lid tightly, ensuring no steam escapes, and set to low. Let it cook for about 6 hours until the pork is very tender and falls apart when gently prodded.
  7. Once cooked, remove the pork and apples and transfer the liquid to a small saucepan, simmering over medium heat to reduce slightly and intensify the flavors if desired.
  8. Shred the pork using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker or serve directly, drizzled with the flavorful apple cider sauce.
  9. Serve the tender pork with caramelized apple slices and a drizzle of the thickened cider sauce, pairing well with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Notes

For an extra caramelization, you can broil the shredded pork briefly after returning it to the sauce, to create a slight crispy texture on the edges.