Slow Cooker Honey Balsamic Pork Roast for Easy Dinners Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve a more concentrated glaze, you can remove the pork after cooking and simmer the remaining liquid in the slow cooker on high for an additional 15 minutes with the lid off.

This will thicken the sauce and intensify the balsamic and honey flavors, providing a richer coating for your shredded pork when you return it to the pot.

For an added layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey balsamic mixture before pouring it over the pork.

These additions provide a subtle depth or a hint of heat that cuts through the sweetness of the honey, creating a more complex and well-rounded profile for the finished dish.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Balsamic: Add two tablespoons of hot sauce or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the honey balsamic mixture for a kick of heat that balances the sweetness.
• Garlic Herb Pork: Include four cloves of minced garlic and a tablespoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker to infuse the pork with earthy, aromatic notes.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until hot throughout.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the pork is cooled completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before placing it in the fridge to maintain safety and quality. When reheating, add a small splash of water or broth to prevent the meat from drying out.

This dish is perfect for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. You can prepare the entire roast, shred it, and store it in the fridge.

When ready to serve, simply reheat the desired portion in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a little extra liquid if necessary to revive the glaze.

Serving ideas

Serve this shredded honey balsamic pork over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, which act as the perfect vessel for absorbing the flavorful juices.

Alternatively, you can pile the pork onto toasted brioche buns to create delicious, messy sandwiches, perhaps topped with a crisp coleslaw to provide a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the slow-cooked meat.

For a lighter serving option, consider pairing the pork with roasted root vegetables or a fresh, acidic side salad. The sweetness of the balsamic glaze pairs exceptionally well with roasted carrots or parsnips, while the acidity of a vinaigrette-dressed salad helps to cleanse the palate between bites of the savory, tender pork roast.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Honey Balsamic Pork Roast for Easy Dinners

Prep 10 minCook 8 hRest 10 minTotal 8 h 20 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 3 lb pork shoulder
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 packet pork seasoning
• 1 cup honey balsamic mixture

Instructions

1. Place the raw pork shoulder into the base of the slow cooker insert. Ensure the pork is positioned flat to allow for even cooking throughout the process.
2. Scatter the sliced red onion over the pork. Open the seasoning packet and sprinkle the contents evenly over the meat and onions to ensure thorough flavor distribution.
3. Pour the honey balsamic mixture over the seasoned pork and onions. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 8 hours until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once cooked, remove the roast and let it rest for at least 3 minutes before shredding.
4. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred the meat using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the juices in the slow cooker to coat it well before serving.

Contains: sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

15 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.