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Slow-Cooked Pork with Caramelized Apples and Spiced Cider

This dish features a pork roast cooked slowly until tender, combined with caramelized apple slices and a flavorful cider sauce infused with spices. The final dish has a juicy, fall-apricot-colored pork shoulder paired with tender apples and a rich, aromatic sauce that creates a comforting, rustic presentation.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds pork shoulder roast trimmed of excess fat
  • 3 large apples firm, such as Fuji or Honeycrisp, cored and sliced
  • 2 cups apple cider preferably unfiltered
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme optional for added flavor
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Large Skillet
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Season the pork roast generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cinnamon. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side, to develop a rich crust and enhance flavor.
  2. While the pork is searing, slice the apples into thick wedges and chop the onion. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes. This builds layers of flavor for the sauce.
  3. Transfer the seared pork to the slow cooker. Add the sautéed onions, garlic, and sliced apples around the meat. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon, thyme, and a pinch of salt over everything for added warmth and depth.
  4. Pour the apple cider over the assembled ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and set to low. Let everything cook slowly for 4 hours until the pork is fall-apart tender and the apples are soft and caramelized.
  5. Once cooked, carefully remove the pork roast from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover loosely with foil to rest for 10 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute. Meanwhile, skim any excess fat from the surface of the cooking liquid.
  6. Use a ladle to transfer the apple and onion mixture to a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes, helping to intensify the flavors into a rich sauce. If desired, mash some apples for a smoother consistency.
  7. Shred or carve the rested pork, then serve it topped with the warm caramelized apple sauce. The pork will be juicy and tender, complemented beautifully by the sweet and spiced apples and sauce.
  8. Enjoy the dish with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, and savor the cozy, autumn-inspired flavors of this slow-cooked pork.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, sear the pork in batches if your skillet is small. You can also make this dish ahead of time—the flavors meld beautifully after a day in the fridge.