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Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Recipe

Content Editor
When I think of a comforting dish like slow cooker cranberry pork, a few side dishes come to mind that can take this meal to the next level.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 393 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow cooker, mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs lean pork loin roast
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken stock
  • 1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp raw honey
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

  • Start with a clean working surface. Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. This step will ensure a beautiful sear later on. Season the pork generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

Step 2: Sear the Pork

  • In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork loin. Sear it for about 3-4 minutes on each side until a nice brown crust forms. You’re looking for a beautiful golden color, which will add to the depth of flavor in the final dish. Once done, transfer the pork to your slow cooker.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Next, stir in the cranberry sauce, chicken stock, apple cider vinegar, raw honey, and ground cinnamon. Make sure to scrape up any delicious bits stuck at the bottom; they add flavor to your sauce.

Step 4: Add It to the Slow Cooker

  • Pour the sauce over the seared pork in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the chopped rosemary over everything, making sure it's evenly distributed for the best flavor.

Step 5: Cook

  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for approximately 4 hours. You know it’s ready when the pork shreds easily with a fork.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

  • Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Pour this into the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover for another 15-30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

  • Slice or shred the pork as desired. Serve it drizzled with sauce or nestle it in a bed of mashed potatoes. The choice is entirely yours. Enjoy the incredible flavors and the easy cleanup that follows!

Notes

Here are some tips to make the process even smoother:
Select the Right Cut: Opt for a pork loin roast for the best balance of flavor and tenderness.
Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing locks in moisture and flavor. It makes a big difference.
Fresh Ingredients Win: Using fresh rosemary and quality honey elevates the dish significantly.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Depending on your preference, you can tweak the amount of honey used.
Leftover Versatility: Don’t let it go to waste! Use leftovers in sandwiches, tacos, or salads.

Nutrition

Calories: 393kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 40gFat: 14.6gSaturated Fat: 4.5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 122mgSodium: 122mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg
Keyword Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Recipe
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