Apple Cider Pork Roast

There’s something so incredibly comforting about a slow-roasted pork with the luscious flavors of apple cider. I remember the first time I made this Apple Cider Pork Roast. It was one of those crisp autumn evenings, and the air was filled with the warm scent of cinnamon and nostalgia as I experimented in the kitchen. The combination of sweet and savory made my taste buds dance, and ever since, it’s become a staple in my home. I often whip it up for family gatherings or cozy dinners, where I can share my love for good food and create lasting memories around the dinner table.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Alright, let’s dive into what makes this recipe an absolute gem. First off, you’re blending the richness of pork with the refreshing sweetness of apple cider. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s perfect for any occasion. You’ll love the way the savory flavors mingle with the natural sweetness of the cider and the aromatic herbs. It’s like a big, warm hug on a plate!

But what really sets this recipe apart is its ease. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, you can create a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours while you attended to other things. So why not take a night off? Don your cozy apron, grab a glass of cider, and let your kitchen fill with comforting aromas while you kick back and relax! You’ll have family and friends singing your praises, and trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds!

Gather these ingredients

First things first—let’s talk about what you’ll need for this tantalizing dish. Here’s the lineup:

• Pork roast: Choose a nice cut—like a shoulder or butt roast—for that beautiful marbling, which keeps the meat juicy.
• Apple cider: Opt for fresh, unpasteurized cider if you can. It brings an authentic flavor that store-bought options just can’t replicate. It’s the secret sauce in this whole recipe!
• Onions: Yellow onions work best here, adding that sweet and savory base when sautéed. They caramelize beautifully during cooking.
• Garlic: Because what’s life without garlic? It brings depth and enhances the other flavors.
• Carrots: Not only do they add color, but they also provide a subtle sweetness that balances the dish perfectly.
• Thyme: Fresh or dried, thyme adds that earthy touch. If you have fresh on hand, it’s even better!
• Salt and pepper: Basic but essential—don’t skimp on these to enhance all the delicious flavors.
• Olive oil: To get that browning going for your roast and veggies.

Feel free to swap the pork for chicken or even a plant-based option if you’re feeling adventurous, but the apple cider flavor truly shines with pork!

Step-by-step instructions

Let me break this down for you in a way that feels almost like a warm kitchen chat over a cup of tea.

1. Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) because this is where the magic happens.
2. In a Dutch oven, heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat. Get it nice and hot!
3. Season your pork roast generously with salt and pepper. Then, brown it in the Dutch oven on all sides. Don’t rush this—browning creates a flavor depth that’s just chef’s kiss!
4. Once beautifully browned, remove the roast and set it aside. Let it rest for a moment while you work some vegetable magic.
5. In the same pot, toss in chopped onions, minced garlic, and sliced carrots. Sauté until everything softens and smells divine.
6. Next, pour in that lovely apple cider. This is where you’ll want to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom—trust me, it adds a depth you can’t miss!
7. Return the pork roast to the magical mix, sprinkle with thyme, and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
8. Cover the Dutch oven and pop it in your preheated oven.
9. Let it roast for about 2 to 2.5 hours. Just think about that tender, fragrant pork!
10. When it’s done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving—it’s essential to keep those juices intact!

How to serve it

Now, let’s talk presentation—because we eat with our eyes first, right? Serve your beautifully sliced pork on a large platter surrounded by those vibrant carrots and onions. You can drizzle some of that luscious apple cider sauce over the top for a stunning presentation.

Pair it with buttery mashed potatoes, which nestle into the sauce perfectly, or some roasted veggies that complement the flavor profile. Maybe a leafy green salad dressed in a tart vinaigrette to cut through the richness—a balance is key! And don’t forget a glass of cider or a nice red wine to wash it down. Hosting? You could even turn this into a delightful dinner buffet by serving warm crusty bread on the side for that extra comfort factor!

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge where they’ll happily stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you’re looking at a longer timeframe, this dish freezes beautifully. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before packing it away in freezer-safe bags or containers—squeeze out as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn.

When reheating, try doing so low and slow on the stovetop or in the oven. This will help maintain the juicy texture we worked so hard to achieve. Remember, it’s all about that gentle heat!

Pro chef tips

• Want an extra burst of flavor? Sear your roast longer, letting that deep browning develop. Trust me, it pays off!
• If you can, use fresh thyme over dried; it just elevates the dish.
• For a little kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes when you’re sautéing the veggies—or even better, a splash of apple cider vinegar for an extra zing!
• If it’s a weeknight and time is tight, your trusty slow cooker can also work wonders for this recipe. Just follow the steps up till putting everything in the pot and set it for 6-8 hours on low.

Creative Twists

Don’t feel boxed in by tradition! You can play around with this recipe too. Want to switch the flavor profile? Try swapping the thyme for rosemary or sage!

Feeling a bit zesty? Add a splash of orange juice along with the apple cider for a bright twist. For something a bit heartier, throw in potatoes in the mix or make a side of apple chutney to serve alongside.

Ingredients

1. Pork roast
2. Apple cider
3. Onions
4. Garlic
5. Carrots
6. Thyme
7. Salt
8. Pepper
9. Olive oil

Directions to follow

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Season the pork roast with salt and pepper. Brown it on all sides.
4. Remove the roast and set aside.
5. Add chopped onions, garlic, and carrots to the pot. Sauté until softened.
6. Pour in the apple cider and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
7. Return the pork roast to the pot. Add thyme and adjust salt and pepper.
8. Cover the Dutch oven and place it in the oven.
9. Roast for 2 to 2.5 hours until the pork is tender.
10. Let it rest before slicing and serving.

Your questions answered

1. What’s the prep time for this dish? About 20-30 minutes of hands-on prep before it goes in the oven.
2. Can I use other cuts of meat? Yes! Chicken and turkey are great alternatives.
3. What are good sides to serve? Mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli make great pairings!
4. How do I know when the pork is done? It should reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).
5. Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! It’s even better the next day after the flavors meld.

Creating this Apple Cider Pork Roast is more than just following a recipe; it’s about bringing warmth, love, and lasting memories to the table. The health benefits? Well, pork is a great source of protein, while apples and veggies bring vitamins and fiber to the feast. The comfort this dish provides can’t be beaten, either. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! I would love to hear all about your experience or any twists you put on it. Share your joy and let’s keep this cooking bond alive!

Print Recipe

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Apple Cider Pork Roast

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 190 hrs

Cooking Temp: 325  F Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 400

Best Season: Autumn

Description

A melt-in-your-mouth apple cider pork roast that's perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 3 pounds Pork roast (shoulder or butt cut) (Provides juiciness and flavor)
• 2 cups Apple cider (Fresh, unpasteurized preferred)
• 2 medium Onions (Chopped, yellow onions)
• 4 cloves Garlic (Minced)
• 3 medium Carrots (Sliced)
• 1 tablespoon Thyme (Fresh or dried)
• Salt Salt (To taste)
• Pepper Pepper (To taste)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil (For browning)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat oven

   Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
   Mark as complete

2. Brown the Roast

   Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the pork roast generously with salt and pepper, then brown it on all sides.
   Browning creates a flavor depth.
   Mark as complete

3. Sauté the Vegetables

   Remove the roast and set it aside. Add chopped onions, garlic, and sliced carrots to the pot. Sauté until softened.
   Mark as complete

4. Add Cider and Return Roast

   Pour in the apple cider and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the pork roast to the pot, add thyme, and adjust seasonings.
   Mark as complete

5. Roast in Oven

   Cover the Dutch oven and place it in the oven. Roast for 2 to 2.5 hours until the pork is tender.
   Mark as complete

6. Rest and Serve

   Let the roast rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
   Resting helps to retain juices.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 400kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 5g25%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 100mg34%

Sodium 300mg13%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 20g7%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Sugars 10g

Protein 35g70%

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Vitamin A 2 IU

Vitamin C 6 mg

Calcium 2 mg

Iron 8 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 0 IU

Vitamin K 3 mcg

Thiamin 10 mg

Riboflavin 2 mg

Niacin 15 mg

Vitamin B6 10 mg

Folate 2 mcg

Vitamin B12 10 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 5 mg

Phosphorus 15 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 2 mg

Zinc 10 mg

Selenium 10 mcg

Copper 5 mg

Manganese 5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Feel free to switch the pork for chicken or plant-based options.

Keywords: Pork, Apple Cider, Comfort Food, Slow Roasted, Easy Recipe