Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Pork Roast

Tender pork roast slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze with honey, soy sauce, and fresh herbs. An easy, flavor-packed dinner option perfect for busy weeknights.

Personal Story

Ah, the Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Pork Roast—a dish that brings back memories of my grandma’s Sunday dinners where the aroma of slow-cooked pork would fill the entire house. I still remember her carefully layering onions at the bottom of the pot, ensuring every bite was infused with flavor. Now, every time I whip up this slow-cooked wonder, I’m transported back to those cozy family gatherings, the warm embrace of laughter, and the delicious anticipation of sharing a meal together. It’s my little way of keeping tradition alive, but with a modern, stress-free twist.

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Unique Selling Points

If you’re on the fence about trying this Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Pork Roast, here’s why you’ll absolutely fall in love with it:

• Set-It-and-Forget-It: Toss it in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
• Bold, Balanced Flavor: Sweet honey, tangy balsamic vinegar, and savory soy sauce make a glaze that’s downright irresistible.
• Fall-Apart Tenderness: This pork roast practically melts in your mouth—no knife required!
• Versatile Pairing: It’s perfect with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even a simple salad.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers reheat beautifully and make fantastic sandwiches.

Ingredients Notes

Before you get started on this Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Pork Roast, let’s unpack why these ingredients make it shine:

• Pork Roast (Shoulder or Loin): Choose a 3-4 lb cut for best results. Shoulder is more marbled (juicy!) while loin is leaner.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds that signature tang and depth.
• Honey: Brings the sweetness to balance out the acidity.
• Soy Sauce (Low Sodium Preferred): Adds umami and saltiness without overpowering the other flavors.
• Garlic, Rosemary, Thyme: A trio of aromatic wonders that elevate every bite.
• Onion: Sliced onions at the bottom soak up all those juices and create a built-in side dish.
• Chicken Broth: Keeps everything moist without washing away the glaze.
• Cornstarch (Optional): For thickening that luscious glaze if desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to dive into this Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Pork Roast adventure? Here’s the easy, stress-free roadmap:

Step 1: Pat and Season
Start by patting your pork roast dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick better. Then, season it generously on all sides with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Meat
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork roast for 2-3 minutes per side until it’s golden brown and caramelized. This step locks in those glorious juices.

Step 3: Layer the Slow Cooker
Slice your onion and lay it at the bottom of the slow cooker. This bed of onions not only adds incredible flavor but also prevents the meat from sticking.

Step 4: Mix the Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and dried thyme until well blended.

Step 5: Combine Everything
Place the seared pork roast on top of the onions in the slow cooker. Pour the glaze mixture all over the pork, ensuring it’s fully coated.

Step 6: Add the Broth
Carefully pour the chicken broth around (not on top of) the pork. This keeps things moist while letting the glaze shine.

Step 7: Let It Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and practically falling apart.

Step 8: Rest and Slice
Once done, remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute.

Step 9: Thicken the Glaze (Optional)
If you’d like a thicker glaze, strain the liquid into a saucepan. Whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it into the liquid and simmer until thickened.

Step 10: Serve and Savor
Slice or shred the pork, drizzle with the glorious glaze, and serve with those tender onions and your favorite sides.

Storage Options

This Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Pork Roast stores like a dream! Pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep things moist. For longer storage, freeze in portions—simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

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Variations and Substitutions

Want to put your own spin on this Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Pork Roast? Here are some fun ideas:

• Maple Syrup Instead of Honey: Adds a different sweetness and a hint of smokiness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: A tangy twist if balsamic isn’t your jam.
• Different Herbs: Try sage or oregano for a unique flavor profile.
• Bone-In Pork Roast: Adds extra depth of flavor and richness.
• Add Veggies: Toss in carrots or potatoes to make it a one-pot meal.