Crockpot Cider Pulled Pork ~ Easy Slow Cooker Recipe ~ Crocktober Collab

apple cider

🥗Healthier: unsweetened apple juice

💰Cheaper: water + apple extract

Unsweetened apple juice provides a similar flavor with less sugar.

pork shoulder

🥗Healthier: pork loin

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Pork loin is leaner, while chicken thighs offer a more affordable protein option.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Coconut sugar is less processed, while white sugar is more economical.

buns

🥗Healthier: whole grain buns

💰Cheaper: white bread

Whole grain buns provide more fiber, while white bread is often cheaper.

Welcome viewers and introduce the recipe as part of a collaboration for Crocktober.

Mention the use of a pork roast cooked in apple cider and ginger ale with warm spices.

Discuss portioning the pork roast for freezing and reheating later.

Prepare the pork roast by trimming excess fat if desired.

Mix the rub by combining 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of seasoned salt, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 2 teaspoons of onion powder, and 2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper.

Add 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke to the rub mixture and mix well.

Add a tablespoon of apple cider to the rub to achieve a glaze consistency.

Spread the rub mixture over the pork roast evenly.

Pour 2 cups of apple cider and 12 ounces of ginger ale over the pork roast in the slow cooker.

Cover the slow cooker and set to high heat for a larger roast, or medium/low for smaller roasts, cooking for 8-10 hours until tender.

After cooking, check that the roast is tender and easily pulls apart, then turn off the slow cooker and let it cool slightly before shredding.

Prepare the barbecue sauce by mixing ketchup, 1 tablespoon of dried onion, 2 tablespoons of molasses, 1 teaspoon of dried mustard, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1/3 cup of lightly packed brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of apple butter in a bowl.

Whisk the sauce ingredients together until well combined.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: