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Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pork Roast

This dish features a tender pork roast slowly cooked with apple cider, herbs, and spices until it becomes falling-apart tender. The cider infuses the meat with a subtle sweetness, creating a juicy, visually appealing final dish with a savory, aromatic glaze.
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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 roast or pork butt
  • 2 cups apple cider preferably unfiltered for better flavor
  • 3 cloves garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for warm spice flavor
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 large onions sliced

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Smaller Bowl

Method
 

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork roast and cut any large pieces into manageable chunks for even cooking.
  2. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and ground cinnamon evenly over the pork, then rub gently to coat all sides.
  3. Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a fragrant bed for the pork to rest on.
  4. Set the seasoned pork on top of the onions, ensuring the layers are neatly assembled.
  5. Combine apple cider, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and a dash more salt in a small bowl, whisking to blend the flavors.
  6. Pour the cider mixture evenly over the pork and onions, making sure everything is submerged or well-coated.
  7. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low. Cook for approximately 6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart.
  8. Once cooking is complete, open the lid and carefully transfer the pork onto a serving platter. Let it rest for a few minutes before shredding or slicing.
  9. Optional: Juice the onions and cooking liquid into a small pan and simmer briefly until slightly thickened, then spoon over sliced pork for added moisture and flavor.
  10. Serve the pork hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

For more depth, marinate the pork with spices overnight before cooking. Using unfiltered apple cider enhances natural sweetness and flavor.