Imagine walking into your home after a long day, greeted by the irresistible aroma of tender, succulent pork loin infused with sweet honey and warm cinnamon, perfectly complemented by caramelized apples and onions. This Crockpot Honey Apple Pork Loin isn't just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that will have your family begging for seconds. With minimal prep time and the magic of slow cooking, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's both impressive and incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lb pork loin
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove pork loin from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning and seasoning adherence.
- Season the pork loin generously with salt, pepper, and ground cinnamon, rubbing the spices evenly across all surfaces of the meat.
- Slice onions and apples into thin, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors throughout the dish.
- Grease the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Place the seasoned pork loin in the center of the crockpot, surrounded by the sliced onions and apples.
- Drizzle honey evenly over the pork loin and surrounding ingredients, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- Cover the crockpot and set to low heat, cooking for 6 hours until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
- After cooking, remove the pork loin and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Slice the pork loin against the grain and serve with the caramelized apples and onions from the crockpot.
Tips
- To ensure your pork loin turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind: First, always bring your meat to room temperature before cooking to guarantee even heat distribution. Pat the pork dry before seasoning to help create a beautiful, flavorful crust. Use a meat thermometer to check for the ideal internal temperature of 145°F, which ensures juicy, safe-to-eat meat. Don't rush the resting period after cooking—those 10-15 minutes allow the juices to redistribute, making each slice incredibly tender. For an extra flavor boost, consider using local honey or adding a splash of apple cider to enhance the apple-honey profile. Lastly, if you want a slightly crispy exterior, you can quickly sear the seasoned pork loin in a hot skillet before placing it in the crockpot for an added layer of deliciousness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 337kcal
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
