Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pork Roast

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This slow cooker apple cider pork roast is a simple five-ingredient comfort meal that captures the warmth of autumn in every bite. Tender pork shoulder slowly simmers in spiced apple cider with onions, garlic, and herbs, creating juicy, fall-apart meat infused with sweet and savory depth. It’s an easy, low-effort dish that fills the kitchen with rich seasonal aroma and delivers big flavor with minimal prep.

🍎 Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pork Roast

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Boneless pork shoulder (pork butt)	3–4 lbs	Trimmed
Apple cider	2 cups	Unsweetened, not apple juice
Yellow onion	1 large	Sliced
Garlic cloves	2	Minced
Thyme	1 tsp dried	Or 1 tbsp fresh
Ground cinnamon	½ tsp	Adds warmth
Salt & black pepper	To taste	—
Dijon mustard (optional)	1 tbsp	For depth
Brown sugar (optional)	1 tbsp	For caramel notes

(Use a 6–7 quart slow cooker)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the pork (optional but recommended)
Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for 3–4 minutes per side until browned for extra flavor.

Step 2: Assemble in slow cooker
Add sliced onions to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the pork on top, then sprinkle with garlic, thyme, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Pour the apple cider around the meat.

Step 3: Slow cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours (or HIGH for 5–6 hours), until the pork is tender and easily shreds.

Step 4: Finish and serve
Remove the pork and cover loosely with foil to rest. Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid if needed. For a richer sauce, simmer the liquid on the stove for about 10 minutes to reduce slightly. Serve pork sliced or shredded with the onions and sauce.