Savory Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Roast 🍖🍇

This incredibly tender and flavorful pork roast is both festive and simple to prepare. The combination of sweet cranberry sauce and rich pork creates a delightful dish that’s perfect for special gatherings or a cozy family dinner. It's a set-it-and-forget-it recipe, making it ideal for busy days! Pair it with mashed potatoes or a vibrant salad for a complete meal. 🌿🥔

Ingredients

For the roast

• 1 1/2-pound boneless pork loin roast
• 1 can (16 ounces) jellied cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cranberry juice
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• Salt, to taste

For the sauce

• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

1. Place the pork roast in the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, mash the cranberry sauce and stir in the sugar, cranberry juice, dry mustard, ground cloves, and salt to taste.
3. Pour the cranberry mixture over the pork roast.

⏳ Let the slow cooker work its magic! Cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.

4. Once cooked, transfer the roast to a plate, cover it to keep it warm, and let it rest while you prepare the sauce.

5. Skim off any excess fat from the cranberry mixture in the slow cooker. Measure out 2 cups of the mixture; add water if needed to make up the volume.

6. Pour the measured mixture into a saucepan and bring it to a boil.

7. Whisk together the cold water and cornstarch until smooth, then stir it into the boiling cranberry mixture. Cook and stir for 5 to 10 minutes, until thickened.

8. Slice the roast and serve with the thickened sauce drizzled on top.

🍽️ This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers make for amazing sandwiches the next day! Add some crispy lettuce for crunch.

Tips & Variations

• Add some spice: For an extra kick, incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of hot sauce into the cranberry mixture.
• Cut down on sugar: If you're watching your sugar intake, consider using a sugar substitute that's suitable for cooking.
• Slow cooker alternatives: If you don't have a slow cooker, you can bake the pork roast covered in a casserole dish at 300°F for about 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
• Herbal twist: Throw in some fresh rosemary or thyme into the slow cooker for a fragrant, herbaceous note that pairs wonderfully with the pork.

Enjoy your delightful meal! 🌟