Easy Slow Cooker Honey Apple Pork Loin Recipe

Easy Slow cooker honey Apple pork loin Recipe! This isn’t just dinner; it’s a hug in a bowl. Sweet apples, savory pork, and that melt-in-your-mouth texture? YES, PLEASE. Seriously, if you’re looking for something that’s both impressive and ridiculously easy, this is your jam.

My husband, bless his heart, isn’t the biggest fan of pork… or so he thought. I whipped this up one Sunday, figuring I’d have leftovers for days. Wrong! He went back for seconds… and thirds. The next day, he was fighting my son over the last piece. It’s a regular request now, and honestly, I’m not complaining. It makes me feel like I actually know what I’m doing in the kitchen. Plus, the house smells amazing all day while it’s cooking. Win-win!

Why You’ll Love This Easy slow cooker honey apple Pork loin recipe

• It’s basically foolproof. I mean, even I haven’t messed it up (yet!).
• The smell. Oh, the smell! It’s like fall exploded in your kitchen in the best way possible.
• It’s sweet and savory. A little bit of everything, so even the pickiest eaters find something to love.
• Helloooo, leftovers! Pork tacos, pork sandwiches, pork scrambled eggs… the possibilities are endless.
• It’s impressive enough for company but easy enough for a Tuesday.

How to Make It

Okay, picture this: you’re in your comfy pants, maybe got a glass of wine (or three) going, and you’re just tossing stuff in a slow cooker. That’s basically how this goes.

First, you’re gonna grab your pork loin and give it a good sear in a pan with some oil. Don’t skip this step! It gives the pork a nice color and locks in all that juicy goodness. Honestly, I usually just eyeball the oil amount – a glug or two should do it. Sear it on all sides until it’s nicely browned, then take it out and set it aside.

Next, in the same pan, you’re gonna throw in your sliced apples and onions. Cook them until they’re softened and a little caramelized. This is where the magic happens, people! All that sweetness and flavor gets built right here. Don’t be afraid to let them get a little brown, it just adds to the deliciousness.

Now, it’s slow cooker time! Put the apple-onion mixture in the bottom of your slow cooker, then nestle that beautiful pork loin on top. In a separate bowl, whisk together all the saucy stuff – honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy!). Pour this glorious concoction over the pork loin, making sure everything is nicely coated.

Cover the slow cooker and let it do its thing for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. I usually go for low because I like the way it makes the pork fall-apart tender, but if you’re in a hurry, high works too. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out!

Once it’s done, shred the pork with two forks and mix it with the apple mixture and the sauce. Serve it up with your favorite sides and get ready for some serious yumminess!

Ingredient Notes

• Pork Loin: Don’t accidentally grab a pork tenderloin! They cook differently. I almost did that once, disaster averted!
• Apples: I like using a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. But honestly, use whatever you have on hand. It’s all good.
• Honey: This is what gives the sauce that sweet, sticky deliciousness. I’ve tried maple syrup when I was out of honey, and it works in a pinch!
• Soy Sauce: Adds that savory, umami flavor. If you’re gluten-free, tamari is your best friend here.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a little tanginess to balance out the sweetness. Don’t skip this!
• Garlic and Ginger: Because everything’s better with garlic and ginger, am I right? I usually use fresh, but powdered works too if you’re in a jam.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch for a little kick! Totally optional, but I like a little heat with my sweet.

Recipe Steps:

1. Sear the pork loin on all sides in a pan with oil.
2. Cook sliced apples and onions in the same pan until softened and caramelized.
3. Place the apple-onion mixture in the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Nestle the seared pork loin on top of the apple mixture.
5. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
6. Pour the sauce over the pork loin, ensuring everything is coated.
7. Cover and cook in the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
8. Shred the pork with two forks and mix with the apple mixture and the sauce.
9. Serve and enjoy!

What to Serve It With

Okay, so this pork is seriously versatile. I love serving it with:

• Mashed potatoes (duh!)
• Roasted veggies (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots – you name it!)
• Rice (white, brown, wild – whatever floats your boat)
• Coleslaw (for a little crunch and tang)
• Cornbread (because cornbread makes everything better)

Tips & Mistakes

• Don’t overcook the pork! It should be tender and shreddable, but not dry. If it starts to look dry, add a little broth or apple juice to the slow cooker.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with the flavors! Add a splash of bourbon to the sauce, or throw in some dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
• If you’re short on time, you can skip the searing step, but it really does add a lot of flavor.
• Watch out for that red pepper! A little goes a long way. I accidentally dumped too much in once and it was… memorable.

Storage Tips

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Honestly, they never last that long in my house! You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

And hey, don’t knock cold pork until you try it! I’ve been known to sneak a bite straight from the fridge for breakfast. No shame in my game.

Variations and Substitutions

Okay, so let’s say you’re staring into the abyss of your fridge and realize you’re missing an ingredient or two. Don’t panic! Here are some things I’ve tried:

• No honey? Maple syrup or brown sugar works just fine.
• Out of apple cider vinegar? White vinegar or lemon juice will do the trick.
• Don’t have fresh garlic or ginger? Powdered versions are okay in a pinch, but use less (about 1/4 teaspoon for every clove of garlic or inch of ginger).
• No apples? Pears would be delicious! Or even pineapple. I’ve even skipped the fruit entirely once and it was still pretty good.
• Want to make it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Slow Cooker Honey Apple Pork Loin Recipe

This slow cooker honey apple pork loin is an easy and delicious recipe that's perfect for a family dinner. The combination of sweet honey and apples adds a delightful twist to a classic pork loin.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours hours

Total Time: 8 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 3 pounds pork loin trimmed of excess fat
• ▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ▢ 3 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ 1 cup apple juice
• ▢ 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
• ▢ 0.5 cup honey
• ▢ 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ▢ 2 whole apples cored and sliced
• ▢ 0.5 teaspoon salt or to taste
• ▢ 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
• ▢ 1 sprig rosemary fresh

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork loin on all sides until golden brown, about 8 minutes.
• Remove pork loin from skillet and place it in the slow cooker.
• In a bowl, mix together apple juice, chicken broth, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Pour the mixture over the pork loin in the slow cooker.
• Arrange apple slices around the pork loin and add the rosemary sprig.
• Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is tender.
• Once cooked, remove the pork and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with the apples and the cooking juices.

Notes

This dish is perfect for autumn and winter evenings. Try pairing it with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.