There is something mighty comforting about letting a slow cooker do the steady work while a fine roast turns tender all afternoon, and this 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Dog Days Feast is just the sort of meal folks remember. A pork crown roast has an old-fashioned special-occasion look to it, but this version keeps things simple enough for a busy day, using just a handful of pantry staples to make a rich, savory supper with hardly any fuss.
This roast is lovely served with buttery mashed potatoes, spoonfuls of the cooking juices, and a green vegetable like simple steamed beans or sweet corn. If you want to round it out for company, add warm dinner rolls, applesauce, or a crisp slaw to balance the richness of the pork.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Dog Days Feast
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 raw bone-in pork crown roast, about 6 to 8 pounds
2 large sweet onions, sliced thick
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup apple cider
1 packet dry onion soup mix
Directions
1. Scatter the thick slices of onion across the bottom of a large slow cooker to make a bed for the roast.
2. Set the pork crown roast on top of the onions, adjusting it gently so it sits as evenly as possible inside the cooker.
3. Pour the chicken broth and apple cider around the roast, then sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the top.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the pork is very tender and reaches a safe internal temperature.
5. Carefully transfer the roast to a serving platter, spoon some of the softened onions and juices over the top, and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Apple-Sage Touch: If you have a little dried sage in the cupboard, add a small pinch for a deeper autumn flavor that goes especially well with the apple cider and pork.
For Better Browning: This roast can go straight into the slow cooker, but if you want a darker, more roasted look, brown it in a hot oven for a short spell before serving or run it under the broiler briefly after it comes out of the cooker.
Slow Cooker Size Tip: Crown roasts are large and shaped a bit awkwardly, so be sure your slow cooker is roomy enough. If the lid does not sit properly, this recipe is better saved for a different cut, such as a pork rib roast or shoulder roast.
Make the Juices Richer: If you would like a thicker sauce, pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan after the roast is done and simmer it a few minutes until it reduces and concentrates.
Leftover Idea: Leftover pork makes wonderful sandwiches the next day, especially piled onto soft rolls with a spoonful of the onions and a little mustard.