Apple Cider Pork Roast is a rustic, flavorful main dish that’s perfect for fall dinners, Sunday roasts, or holiday meals. Juicy pork roast is slow-cooked or oven-roasted with apple cider, aromatic herbs, garlic, onions, and tender apples to create a rich and savory-sweet dish with incredible depth. The natural sweetness of apple cider complements the savory pork beautifully, creating a cozy, seasonal roast that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or stuffing. Whether cooked in a Dutch oven, roasting pan, or slow cooker, this comforting dish is easy to prepare yet elegant enough to serve at festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3–4 pound boneless pork shoulder or pork loin roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and sliced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 3 sprigs fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 2 sprigs fresh)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) if roasting in the oven. Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels. Rub it with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, garlic, and Dijon mustard.
Step 2: In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat, sear the pork roast on all sides until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Arrange the sliced onions and apples around the pork. Pour the apple cider, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar over and around the roast.
Step 4: Cover with a lid or foil and roast in the preheated oven for 3 to 3½ hours, or until the pork is tender and pulls apart easily with a fork. Baste once or twice during roasting if desired.
Step 5: Transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, strain the cooking liquid and pour it into a saucepan.
Step 6: To make gravy, bring the strained liquid to a simmer. Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir in to thicken. Simmer until slightly thickened. Serve the pork sliced or shredded with the warm cider gravy.
Variation
- Add chopped carrots and potatoes around the pork for a full one-pan meal.
- Use pears instead of apples for a delicate flavor.
- Replace Dijon with grainy mustard for texture.
- Add a splash of bourbon or white wine to deepen the sauce.
- Use a slow cooker: sear pork, then cook on low 7–8 hours or high 4–5 hours.
Cooking Note
Pork shoulder provides more marbling and becomes fork-tender when slow roasted, while pork loin is leaner and best sliced. Adjust cooking time based on the cut you choose. For extra flavor, marinate the pork overnight in apple cider, mustard, and herbs before roasting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Apple Cider Pork Roast with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or buttered egg noodles. A side of sautéed green beans or a fall salad with cranberries and pecans adds brightness. It also pairs beautifully with warm rolls or rustic sourdough bread to soak up the gravy. For drinks, try a glass of dry cider, white wine, or sparkling water with lemon.
Tips
- Let pork rest before slicing to retain juices.
- Use an oven-safe meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Strain fat from the pan juices before making gravy if desired.
- Double the sauce ingredients for extra gravy.
- For a crispy top, uncover for the last 20 minutes of roasting.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: 430 per serving
Protein: 38g
Sodium: 720mg
FAQs
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
- Yes, but apple cider gives a richer, more concentrated apple flavor. Try to use fresh, unfiltered cider if possible.
Can I make this ahead of time?
- Absolutely. Cook the pork a day ahead, store in the fridge, and reheat gently with the gravy before serving.
What’s the best cut of pork for this recipe?
- Pork shoulder is best for shredding and slow cooking. Pork loin works well if you prefer sliced roast and a leaner option.
Can I use a slow cooker instead of roasting?
- Yes. After searing, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until tender.
Does this freeze well?
- Yes. Shred the pork, cool completely, and freeze in portions with the sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Apple Cider Pork Roast is the perfect centerpiece for a cozy dinner or holiday gathering. With its tender, flavorful meat and naturally sweet-savory cider gravy, it captures the essence of fall and winter comfort. Simple to prepare yet elegant enough for guests, this roast is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve it on a weeknight or for a celebration, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. Let the aromas of apple, herbs, and roasting pork fill your kitchen, it’s a dish that warms both the home and the heart.