Easy Crock Pot Pork Roast with Cranberries

Transform your dinner routine with this vibrant and flavorful Easy Crock Pot Pork Roast with Cranberries. This slow-cooked masterpiece combines tender, juicy pork shoulder with a sweet-tart cranberry glaze, infused with notes of orange juice, brown sugar, and a touch of balsamic vinegar for depth. With just 15 minutes of prep, the crock pot does all the work, creating a melt-in-your-mouth roast perfect for cozy family dinners or holiday tables. The homemade thickened cranberry sauce elevates the dish to perfection, while a garnish of fresh parsley adds a pop of color. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a show-stopping, low-effort meal the whole family will love. Ideal for slow cooker enthusiasts, this recipe is simple, delicious, and packed with seasonal flair!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:480 mins

Total Time:495 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 pounds pork shoulder roast
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 0.5 cups brown sugar
• 1 cup orange juice
• 0.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Pat the pork shoulder roast dry with paper towels and season it evenly with salt and black pepper.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the pork roast on all sides until browned, about 2 minutes per side. This step is optional but adds a depth of flavor.

Step 3

Place the seared pork roast into the crock pot.

Step 4

Add the cranberries, brown sugar, orange juice, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and dried thyme into the crock pot. Stir gently to combine the ingredients around the roast.

Step 5

Cover the crock pot with the lid and set to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.

Step 6

Once the pork is fully cooked, remove it from the crock pot and place it on a cutting board or serving platter. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing or shredding.

Step 7

To make a thickened cranberry sauce, strain the cooking liquid into a small saucepan. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Bring the strained liquid to a simmer and slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry, cooking until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 8

Serve the pork roast with the cranberry sauce drizzled over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Step 9

Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2293.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4089.1

Total Fat 273.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 95.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 952.5mg	0%
Sodium 3371.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 168.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.9g	0%
Total Sugars 112.9g
Protein 250.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 281.1mg	0%
Iron 17.8mg	0%
Potassium 4798.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.6%

Protein: 24.2%

Carbs: 16.3%