Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork with Creamy Polenta

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get that craving for something warm and comforting? These fall meals dinners crockpot recipes is the answer. This apple cider pulled pork is a real treat, blending sweet and savory flavors perfectly.

Brief Overview

This recipe takes inspiration from classic American barbecue. It is elevated with the seasonal taste of apples, perfect to experience fall comfort food flavors.

It is an easy recipe to cook and prep, ready in just over 3 hours, serving up to 8 people.

Main Benefits

Pork is packed with protein to help you recover from your day. This makes it a satisfying meal that's perfect for a weekend gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner.

What's more, cooking the pork in a slow cooker makes it incredibly tender. The cooking process is so simple, honestly even uncle Barry can manage it with ease.

The Best Fall Crockpot Meals: Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork

This slow cooker apple recipes is one of my go-tos for easy autumn dinners slow cooker . Think of it as a hug in a bowl! This amazing recipe is inspired by my trips to the Southern US.

The combo of pork and polenta autumn dinner gives my tastebuds the best feeling. It's a delightful recipe.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Pork Shoulder: A 3-4 lb (1.4-1.8 kg) boneless pork shoulder is what you need.
• Aromatics: You will also need a yellow onion, two cloves of garlic.
• Spices: Smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
• Liquids: Grab some apple cider and apple cider vinegar.
• Sweetness and Tang: Brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard is a must.
• For the Creamy Polenta Recipe: Chicken broth, yellow cornmeal, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Okay, so you wanna dive into some proper fall meals dinners crockpot action? Ace! Let's break down what you need.

This ain't rocket science, promise. We're aiming for comfort food perfection here, the best fall crockpot meals after all!

Main Ingredients: The Nitty Gritty

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need. Precise, like a proper English tea brewing time. We want this slow cooker apple recipes spot on, you know?

• Pork Shoulder: 3-4 lb (1.4-1.8 kg). Look for a good marbling of fat. That's your flavour right there. A quality pork shoulder will make all the difference, honestly. Think pink, not grey.
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) for searing that porky goodness.
• Yellow Onion: 1 large , chopped. About 1.5 cups if you're measuring.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
• Smoked Paprika: 1 tsp (5 ml) This gives it that smoky, autumn vibe.
• Ground Cumin: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml)
• Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml), optional, for a bit of zing!
• Apple Cider: 1 1/2 cups (355 ml). Good quality stuff is key, not that sugary rubbish. It's a slow cooker fall recipes staple!
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1/2 cup (120 ml). Adds a needed tang.
• Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (60 ml), packed.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tbsp (30 ml). For umami depth.
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tbsp (15 ml).
• Salt: 1 tsp (5 ml), plus more to taste.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml), plus more to taste.
• Chicken Broth: 6 cups (1.4 L), low sodium, for that creamy polenta recipe .
• Yellow Cornmeal (Polenta): 1 cup (180g).
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml).
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (60g), grated.
• Unsalted Butter: 2 tbsp (30g).

This apple cider pulled pork recipe is gonna be amazing!

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Alright, spices are where the magic happens. This pork and polenta autumn dinner needs warmth.

• Essential Spice Combo: Smoked paprika, cumin, and a touch of cayenne (if you dare!).
• Flavour Enhancers: Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard add a richness you can't beat.
• Quick Swap: No smoked paprika? Regular paprika with a dash of liquid smoke will do in a pinch. But seriously, get some smoked paprika.

These hearty fall dinner recipes are all about layering flavours.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

No need for fancy gadgets. Just the basics. Think of easy autumn dinners slow cooker .

• Slow Cooker/Crockpot: 6-quart (5.7 L) is ideal.
• Large Skillet: For searing the pork.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Gotta be precise, right?
• Fork: For shredding that beautifully cooked pork.
• Whisk: For lump free polenta, naturally.
• Large Saucepan: For the polenta.

If you don't have a large skillet, a Dutch oven works a treat. And a wooden spoon can sub for a whisk in a pinch.

See, easy peasy. Now, go make some crockpot pork recipes !

Cooking with the Crockpot: Apple Cider Pulled Pork Magic

Oh my gosh, you guys! Are you ready for some serious fall comfort food ? Forget slaving over a hot stove.

We're talking easy autumn dinners slow cooker style. And this apple cider pulled pork is about to become your new fave.

Honestly, you can almost smell the autumn leaves just thinking about it.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Power-Up

First things first: let's get organized. Chop that onion. Mince that garlic. Get everything measured out before you even think about turning on the heat.

Trust me, it's a game changer. This simple step will save your sanity and make cooking a breeze. You know that saying: "Proper preparation prevents poor performance"? That's us! Also, don't forget to trim the pork shoulder of excess fat.

Trust me on this one.

step-by-step: Crockpot Glory

1. Sear the pork in a hot skillet with 1 tbsp of olive oil. 2- 3 minutes per side until browned.
2. Sauté the onion until soft, around 5 minutes . Add garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Whisk together 1 1/2 cups apple cider, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, Dijon, salt, and pepper.
4. Place pork in the crockpot . Pour the apple cider mixture over the pork. Top with onion mixture.
5. Cook on LOW for 6- 8 hours or HIGH for 3- 4 hours , until pork is fork tender.
6. Shred the pork with two forks. It should practically fall apart!
7. While the pork rests, bring 6 cups chicken broth to a boil. Whisk in 1 cup polenta. Reduce heat and cook, stirring, for 20- 25 minutes.
8. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and 2 tbsp butter. Season to taste.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Fall Meals Dinners Crockpot Game

• Don't skip the searing! It adds a ton of flavour. Seriously, it's the difference between "meh" and "OMG."
• If your sauce is too thin, simmer some of the liquid in a saucepan until reduced. Nobody wants watery crockpot pork recipes !
• For a truly decadent experience, try my recipe for creamy polenta. It will change your fall comfort food journey!
• make-ahead? You bet! The pulled pork is perfect made a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you're ready to eat.

So, there you have it. The ultimate best fall crockpot meals recipe. It is inspired by the slow cooker fall recipes , specially slow cooker apple recipes , and this pork and polenta autumn dinner is perfect for those hearty fall dinner recipes .

Now, go forth and conquer your cravings. Let me know how it turns out!

Recipe Notes

So, you're ready to make some magic in the kitchen? Awesome! Let's dive into a few notes to help you nail this apple cider pulled pork with creamy polenta recipe , one of the best fall meals dinners crockpot options.

Trust me, this is one of those slow cooker fall recipes that'll have everyone asking for seconds. Remember when I first tried making pulled pork? It was a disaster! Way too dry.

That's why I love this fall comfort food version the apple cider keeps everything super moist.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro!

Alright, presentation time! First of all, I love serving this pork and polenta autumn dinner in big, rustic bowls. Picture this: a generous scoop of that golden polenta, piled high with the juicy apple cider pulled pork , then drizzled with a bit of the reduced sauce.

For a pop of color, sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top. Honestly, it’s the little things that make a difference.

As for sides, you can’t go wrong with some roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon. They offer a nice contrast to the sweetness of the pork.

And to drink? A crisp, dry apple cider alcoholic or not really complements the flavours.

Storage Tips: Keeping the Goodness Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! The refrigeration guidelines are simple: just pop the pork and polenta into separate airtight containers. They'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days .

For freezing options , the pork freezes like a dream. Just let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer safe bag or container.

It'll last for 2-3 months . The polenta, on the other hand, can get a bit grainy when frozen. It's still edible, but the texture might be slightly different.

To reheat, simply warm the pork in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through. For the polenta, add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to restore its creamy texture.

Variations: Making it Your Own

Want to mix things up? No problem! For a dietary adaptation , try using a sugar-free brown sugar alternative to reduce the sugar content.

You can even use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the polenta vegetarian.

And how about seasonal ingredient swaps ? In the winter, you could add some chopped cranberries to the slow cooker for a festive touch.

You know? This is also a great one for easy autumn dinners slow cooker .

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Okay, let's talk nutrition. This hearty fall dinner recipes dish is packed with protein thanks to the pork. The polenta adds some carbs for energy, and the apple cider provides a dose of vitamins.

I am talking about this best fall crockpot meals dish!

Just remember that the exact nutritional values will depend on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Give it a go! Don’t be afraid to experiment with these crockpot pork recipes ! Let me know how it turns out! I can't wait for you to experience this slow cooker apple recipes dish!

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm a total beginner in the kitchen, is this fall meals dinners crockpot recipe really as easy as it sounds?

Absolutely! This Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork with Creamy Polenta recipe is designed with beginners in mind. The beauty of crockpot cooking is that it's largely hands off. Just sear the pork, dump everything in, and let the slow cooker do its magic even Delia Smith would be proud!

Can I make this fall meals dinners crockpot recipe ahead of time? I'm trying to get ahead of the game for a potluck.

You bet! The pulled pork can be made a day or two in advance. Shred it, store it in an airtight container with some of the sauce, and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. The polenta is best made fresh, but you can prep the ingredients beforehand to save time.

My slow cooker runs hot. Will that ruin my apple cider pulled pork?

A hot slow cooker might mean your pork cooks faster, so keep an eye on it. Start checking for tenderness around 5 hours on low or 2.5 hours on high. If it's getting too dry, add a splash of apple cider or chicken broth. Remember, every slow cooker is different, so it might take a little experimentation.

I'm watching my weight - any tips for making this fall meals dinners crockpot recipe healthier?

Definitely! Trim as much excess fat as possible from the pork shoulder before cooking. You can also reduce the amount of brown sugar, or use a sugar-free alternative. For the polenta, use skimmed milk instead of heavy cream, and go easy on the Parmesan.

Serve with a generous helping of steamed green veggies, like broccoli, to bulk out the meal.

Can I freeze leftovers of the apple cider pulled pork?

Yes, the apple cider pulled pork freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The polenta, however, doesn't freeze well, as it can become grainy and watery.

I don't have apple cider. Is there a good substitute to make this delicious fall meals dinners crockpot dish?

No worries! You can substitute apple juice for apple cider in this recipe. To get a similar flavor profile, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a bit of tang and depth. You could also add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to boost the apple flavour.