Slow Cooker Apple Cider Braised Pork: A Fall Favorite

Fall is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a comforting, flavorful dish that fills your home with the warm aromas of apples and spices? This Slow Cooker Apple Cider Braised Pork recipe is the perfect answer. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, practically hands-off, and results in fall-apart tender pork infused with the sweet and tangy flavors of apple cider, herbs, and a touch of Dijon mustard. This is a recipe that will become a family favorite, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive weekend gathering.

## Why Slow Cooker Braised Pork?

The slow cooker is a magical tool for transforming tougher cuts of meat into melt-in-your-mouth masterpieces. Braising, a cooking method that involves searing the meat and then simmering it in liquid, works wonders in a slow cooker. The low and slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissues, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy pork. Using apple cider as the braising liquid adds a delightful sweetness and acidity that complements the richness of the pork.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt):** About 3-4 pounds. This cut is ideal for slow cooking because it has plenty of marbling, which renders down during the long cooking time, keeping the pork moist and flavorful.
* **Apple Cider:** 4 cups. Use good-quality apple cider, not apple juice. The cider provides the signature flavor of the dish.
* **Yellow Onion:** 1 large, chopped. The onion adds depth of flavor to the braising liquid.
* **Apples:** 2 medium, peeled, cored, and chopped. Choose a variety like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji that holds its shape well during cooking.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Garlic is a flavor booster.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 2 tablespoons. Dijon adds a tangy, slightly spicy note that balances the sweetness of the cider.
* **Fresh Thyme:** 2 sprigs. Thyme adds an earthy, aromatic element.
* **Fresh Rosemary:** 1 sprig. Rosemary complements the apple and pork flavors beautifully.
* **Bay Leaf:** 1. Bay leaf provides a subtle, savory undertone.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. For searing the pork.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Essential for seasoning.
* **Optional: Apple Cider Vinegar:** 1 tablespoon. Adds extra tang if needed.
* **Optional: Cornstarch Slurry:** 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water. For thickening the sauce if desired.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own Slow Cooker Apple Cider Braised Pork:

**Step 1: Prepare the Pork**

* Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps it to brown better.
* Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.

**Step 2: Sear the Pork**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
* Carefully place the pork shoulder in the hot skillet and sear on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step is crucial for developing flavor and creating a beautiful crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to sear the pork in batches.
* Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 3: Sauté Aromatics**

* In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

**Step 4: Assemble in the Slow Cooker**

* Place the seared pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
* Pour the apple cider over the pork.
* Add the sautéed onions and garlic, chopped apples, Dijon mustard, thyme sprigs, rosemary sprig, and bay leaf.

**Step 5: Slow Cook**

* Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The pork is done when it is fork-tender and easily shreds.

**Step 6: Shred the Pork**

* Once the pork is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
* Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard any excess fat.

**Step 7: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)**

* If you want a thicker sauce, strain the braising liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan.
* Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat.
* In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
* Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering liquid, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
* Season with additional salt, pepper, or a splash of apple cider vinegar to taste.

**Step 8: Combine and Serve**

* Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to combine it with the sauce.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

## Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Apple Cider Braised Pork is incredibly versatile. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **On a bed of creamy mashed potatoes:** The rich sauce soaks into the potatoes, creating a truly decadent dish.
* **In sandwiches or sliders:** Top with coleslaw or a tangy apple chutney for a delicious lunch or party snack.
* **Over polenta:** The creamy polenta provides a comforting base for the flavorful pork.
* **With roasted vegetables:** Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes for a complete and healthy meal.
* **In tacos or burritos:** Add some shredded cabbage, salsa, and your favorite toppings for a flavorful Mexican-inspired twist.
* **As a topping for baked sweet potatoes:** A hearty and satisfying combination.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use bone-in pork shoulder:** The bone adds extra flavor to the braising liquid.
* **Add other vegetables:** Consider adding carrots, celery, or parsnips to the slow cooker for even more flavor and nutrients.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
* **Make it sweeter:** Add a tablespoon of maple syrup or brown sugar for a richer, sweeter flavor.
* **Use hard cider:** For a more complex flavor, try using hard cider instead of regular apple cider.
* **Add dried fruit:** A handful of dried cranberries or raisins adds a touch of sweetness and chewiness.
* **Make it ahead:** This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors will actually meld together even more overnight.
* **Freezing:** Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Recipe Card

**Slow Cooker Apple Cider Braised Pork**

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 8-10 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)

**Ingredients:**

* 3-4 pound pork shoulder (Boston butt)
* 4 cups apple cider
* 1 large yellow onion, chopped
* 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 2 sprigs fresh thyme
* 1 sprig fresh rosemary
* 1 bay leaf
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening sauce)

**Instructions:**

1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Place the seared pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour apple cider over the pork. Add the sautéed onions and garlic, chopped apples, Dijon mustard, thyme sprigs, rosemary sprig, and bay leaf.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
6. Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Shred the pork with two forks. Discard any excess fat.
7. (Optional) Strain the braising liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering liquid, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with additional salt, pepper, or apple cider vinegar to taste.
8. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
9. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, polenta, in sandwiches, or with roasted vegetables. Enjoy!

## Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Apple Cider Braised Pork is a delightful and effortless way to embrace the flavors of fall. The combination of tender pork, sweet apple cider, and fragrant herbs creates a truly memorable meal. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a taste of autumn comfort. This recipe is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home, bringing warmth and deliciousness to your table year after year. The ease of preparation and the incredible flavor payoff make it a winning recipe for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Enjoy the season and happy cooking!