Delighting both the palate and the senses, this slow cooker honey apple pork loin recipe is more than a dish. It is an experience. With a harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and savory elements, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into something truly special. The pork loin is tender and juicy, the honey adds a touch of sweetness, while the apples lend a slightly tart edge. It's a dish that's sure to impress.
All the ingredients for this recipe are easily available. Pork loin is a common cut you can find in any supermarket or butcher shop. While honey and spices like cinnamon, salt, and pepper are pantry staples. Granny Smith apples are a popular apple variety known for their tartness which complements the sweetness of the honey. They are often used in cooking and baking and can be found in the produce section of most grocery stores.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Apple Pork Loin
Pork loin: A delicious cut that becomes tender and juicy in the slow cooker.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the pork and other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat to contrast with the sweetness of the honey.
Cinnamon: This spice enhances the sweetness of the honey and complements the tartness of the apples.
Granny Smith apples: These apples are tart, which balances the sweetness of the honey.
Sweet onions: Adds a hint of sweetness and a depth of flavor.
Honey: Adds sweetness to the dish and creates a beautiful glaze on the pork.
One reader, Ermin Luckett says:
This slow cooker honey apple pork loin recipe is a game-changer! The pork is incredibly tender and flavorful, and the combination of honey and apples adds a delightful sweetness. It's a perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Slow Cooker Honey Apple Pork Loin Recipe
How to prepare the pork loin: Rub the pork loin with salt, black pepper, and cinnamon, then make slits and insert apple slices.
How to cook in the slow cooker: Place the pork loin over the apples and onions, cover with honey, and cook on low for 5 hours.
How to serve: Carve the pork into slices, serve with the apples and onions, and drizzle with the cooking liquid.
How To Make Slow Cooker Honey Apple Pork Loin
Here’s a great holiday meal for you to try. This apple pork loin is slow cooked pork with fresh apples, sweet onions, and a splash of honey.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4lbspork loinnot tenderloin
- ½tspSaltflake
- ¼tspblack peppercoarse ground
- 1tspcinnamonground
- 4granny Smith applessliced in ¼- ½ inch thick slices
- 2sweet onionssliced
- ¼cuphoney
Instructions
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Using a small paring knife, cut about a dozen apple length slits about three inches deep into the pork.
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Rub the pork loin with the salt, black pepper and cinnamon.
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Reserve just enough apple slices to place into the pork.
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Put the remaining apples and the onion slices into the bottom of the slow cooker.
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Place the reserved apple slices into the pork, one slice per opening.
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Place the pork loin over the apples and onions.
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Cover the pork in honey.
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Cook on Low for 5 hours.
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To serve, carve the pork into slices, serve with the apples and onions and a couple of spoonfuls of the liquid (once the fat has been rendered off).
Nutrition
- Calories: 4070.17kcal
- Fat: 228.83g
- Saturated Fat: 79.13g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 101.80g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 24.32g
- Carbohydrates: 122.37g
- Fiber: 7.69g
- Sugar: 102.89g
- Protein: 363.89g
- Cholesterol: 1143.05mg
- Sodium: 2126.68mg
- Calcium: 494.06mg
- Potassium: 7312.09mg
- Iron: 16.71mg
- Vitamin A: 36.87µg
- Vitamin C: 43.18mg
Helpful Technique for Preparing Slow Cooker Honey Apple Pork Loin
When preparing the pork loin, it's important to make the slits evenly spaced and deep enough to hold the apple slices. This not only ensures an even distribution of flavor throughout the meat, but also helps to keep the pork moist during the slow cooking process. Additionally, when you're adding the honey, try to drizzle it evenly over the pork. This will create a deliciously sweet and sticky glaze as the pork cooks. Lastly, remember to skim off the fat from the liquid before serving. This will give you a much cleaner, more flavorful sauce to serve with your pork.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Slow Cooker Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the pork loin and seasonings the night before and store in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Use a slow cooker liner: Using a slow cooker liner will make cleanup much quicker and easier.
Invest in a good quality slow cooker: A high-quality slow cooker with even heat distribution can save time and ensure consistent results.
Sharp knives: Keep your knives sharp to make cutting and slicing ingredients quicker and more efficient.
Organize your ingredients: Before you start cooking, organize all your ingredients and tools to save time searching for items while cooking.
Multi-task: While the pork loin is cooking, use the time to prepare side dishes or set the table to save time later.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Honey Apple Pork Loin Recipe
pork loin - Substitute with beef chuck roast: Beef chuck roast is a flavorful and tender cut that works well in slow cooking recipes, and it will provide a rich and succulent alternative to pork loin.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm and slightly sweet flavor similar to cinnamon, making it a suitable replacement in this recipe.
granny smith apples - Substitute with honeycrisp apples: Honeycrisp apples have a sweet-tart flavor and firm texture, which makes them a great substitute for granny smith apples in this recipe.
sweet onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a mild, sweet flavor and a similar texture to sweet onions, making them a suitable substitute in this recipe.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and depth of flavor to honey, making it a great substitute in this pork loin recipe.
Presenting Your Honey Apple Pork Loin
Elevate the pork slices: Arrange the pork slices in a circular pattern on the plate, slightly overlapping each other to create a visually appealing presentation.
Garnish with apple slices: Thinly slice the reserved apples and arrange them in a decorative manner around the pork slices to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Drizzle with honey reduction: Create a honey reduction by simmering honey in a saucepan until it thickens slightly. Drizzle the reduction over the pork slices in an artistic manner to add a touch of sweetness and shine.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon: Lightly dust the plate with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon to enhance the aroma and tie in the flavors of the dish.
Serve with caramelized onions: Place a small mound of caramelized onions on the side of the plate to complement the pork and add a savory element to the presentation.
Use fresh herb sprigs as a finishing touch: Garnish the dish with a few sprigs of fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to add a touch of greenery and elevate the overall visual appeal.
Essential Equipment for Making Slow Cooker Honey Apple Pork Loin
- Small paring knife: A small, sharp knife used for intricate cutting and peeling.
- Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance that cooks food at a low temperature over a long period of time.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing food.
- Spoon: A utensil consisting of a small shallow bowl attached to a handle, used for stirring, serving, and tasting.
Storing and Freezing Slow Cooker Honey Apple Pork Loin
Allow the pork loin to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and affecting the quality of the meat.
For short-term storage, place the cooled pork loin in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze the pork loin, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring that there are no air pockets. For extra protection against freezer burn, place the wrapped pork in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Label the package with the date and contents to keep track of when it was frozen.
When freezing, it's best to portion the pork loin into serving sizes that suit your needs. This will allow you to thaw only what you need without having to defrost the entire piece of meat.
Frozen pork loin can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months without significant loss of quality.
To thaw the frozen pork loin, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw slowly overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.
Once thawed, consume the pork loin within 2-3 days and reheat it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
If you have leftover apples and onions from the slow cooker, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be reheated or enjoyed cold as a side dish.
Reheating Leftover Slow Cooker Honey Apple Pork Loin
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the leftover pork loin in a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method helps retain moisture and prevents the meat from drying out.
Slice the leftover pork loin into 1-inch thick pieces. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the pork slices and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through. This method gives the pork a nice crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
If you have leftover apples and onions from the slow cooker, place them in a microwave-safe dish along with the sliced pork loin. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the ingredients halfway through to ensure even heating.
For a quick and easy meal, shred the leftover pork loin using two forks. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded pork and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Serve the shredded pork in tacos, sandwiches, or salads for a delicious and versatile meal.
If you have a sous vide machine, you can reheat the leftover pork loin to perfection. Place the pork in a vacuum-sealed bag or a ziplock bag with the air removed. Set your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C) and submerge the bag in the water bath. Cook for about 1 hour, or until the pork is heated through. This method ensures that the pork is evenly heated and retains its original texture and moisture.
Interesting Trivia About Slow Cooker Honey Apple Pork Loin
Pork loin is a lean cut of meat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy option for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Is Making Honey Apple Pork Loin in a Slow Cooker Cost-Effective?
This slow cooker honey apple pork loin recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as pork loin, apples, onions, and honey, are commonly found and reasonably priced. The dish yields a generous portion, making it suitable for a family of four. The estimated cost for this recipe is approximately $20, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, ease of preparation, and delightful flavors.
Is This Slow Cooker Pork Loin Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The slow cooker honey apple pork loin recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. However, from a nutritional standpoint, it has some areas that could be improved to make it a healthier dish.
On the positive side:
- Pork loin is a lean cut of meat, providing a good source of protein
- Apples and onions offer dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Cinnamon has potential anti-inflammatory properties
However, there are a few concerns:
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of honey, which adds extra sugar and calories
- The lack of vegetables in the dish limits its overall nutritional value
- Slow cooking may lead to the loss of some heat-sensitive nutrients
To enhance the nutritional profile of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of honey used, or replace it with a natural, low-calorie sweetener like stevia
- Add a variety of colorful vegetables to the slow cooker, such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, to increase the fiber, vitamin, and mineral content
- Use a small amount of healthy fat, like olive oil, to sear the pork loin before placing it in the slow cooker, which can help lock in moisture and flavor
- Experiment with additional herbs and spices, like rosemary or garlic, to add depth to the dish without relying on sugar or salt
- Serve the pork loin with a side of nutrient-dense, whole-grain options like quinoa or brown rice to create a balanced meal
By making these adjustments, you can transform this slow cooker honey apple pork loin recipe into a more nutritious and well-rounded dish that still satisfies your taste buds.
Editor's Opinion on This Honey Apple Pork Loin Recipe
The slow cooker honey apple pork loin recipe is a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors. The pork loin is seasoned perfectly with salt, pepper, and cinnamon, while the apples and onions add a delicious fruity essence. The addition of honey brings a lovely glaze to the dish. Cooking the pork loin in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a tender and succulent dish. This recipe is a wonderful choice for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, and it's sure to impress with its delightful aroma and delectable taste.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker Honey Apple Pork Loin Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Slow Cooker Honey Apple Pork Loin Recipe:
This slow cooker honey apple pork loin recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish that will impress your guests. The combination of cinnamon and honey adds a warm and sweet flavor to the tender pork loin. The use of granny smith apples and sweet onions infuses the dish with a delightful fruity aroma. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a mouthwatering and succulent pork loin. Trust this recipe to elevate your culinary skills and create a memorable dining experience.
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