Savory Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Pork Roast
Bring a burst of flavor to your dinner table with this Savory Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Pork Roast. Infused with the rich essence of garlic and a blend of aromatic herbs, this tender and juicy pork roast is cooked low and slow, making it a perfect dish for busy days. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a delectable meal that can be enjoyed for supper with roasted vegetables or shredded for delicious next-day sandwiches. Ideal for family gatherings or meal prep, this roast also makes excellent leftovers. Just imagine the savory aroma wafting from your kitchen as it cooks all day— it's bound to leave everyone eagerly anticipating mealtime!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic cloves
6 (quartered)
boneless pork roast
5 lbs (whole)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
ground thyme
1 teaspoon (none)
sage
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon (none)
fresh lemon rind
1 teaspoon (grated)
water
1/2 cup (for slow cooker)
cornstarch
3 tablespoons (optional, for gravy)
water
3 tablespoons (optional, for gravy)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your pork roast: Cut 24 small pockets into the meat and generously insert quartered garlic cloves into each pocket to infuse flavor.
2
In a small mixing bowl, combine salt, ground thyme, sage, ground cloves, and freshly grated lemon rind to create an aromatic rub.
3
Rub this seasoning mixture thoroughly over the entire surface of the pork roast, ensuring it gets into all the nooks and crannies for maximum flavor.
4
Pour 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of your slow cooker or Crock Pot. This will help keep the roast moist as it cooks.
5
Place the seasoned pork roast into the slow cooker, nestling it in the water.
6
Cover and cook on LOW for 9 to 10 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your specific slow cooker model, so adjust as necessary.
7
If desired, 30 minutes before serving, mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Stir this mixture into the juices of the roast to create a thick, flavorful gravy.
8
Once cooked, the roast should be tender and beautifully caramelized. Let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing or shredding.
9
Serve the pork roast hot, with your favorite sides, or use it to make mouth-watering sandwiches.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary cooking method for this pork roast?
This recipe utilizes a slow cooker or Crock Pot to cook the meat low and slow for maximum tenderness.
What size pork roast is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 5 lb boneless pork roast.
How many garlic cloves are used in the Savory Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Pork Roast?
The recipe requires 6 garlic cloves, which should be quartered.
How is the garlic incorporated into the meat?
You should cut 24 small pockets into the meat and insert the quartered garlic cloves directly into those pockets.
What herbs and spices are used in the seasoning rub?
The aromatic rub consists of salt, ground thyme, sage, ground cloves, and freshly grated lemon rind.
Should I use bone-in or boneless pork roast?
A boneless pork roast is recommended for this specific recipe.
How much water should I add to the bottom of the slow cooker?
Pour 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of the slow cooker to help keep the roast moist.
What is the recommended cooking setting and duration?
The pork roast should be cooked on the LOW setting for 9 to 10 hours.
Can I make a gravy from the cooking juices?
Yes, you can create a thick gravy by mixing cornstarch and water and stirring it into the juices 30 minutes before serving.
What are the measurements for the optional gravy thickener?
Mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water.
How long should the pork rest before slicing?
The roast should rest for about 15 minutes after cooking to ensure it stays juicy.
Is lemon used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of freshly grated lemon rind is used in the seasoning rub for a burst of flavor.
What are some serving suggestions for this pork roast?
It can be served hot with roasted vegetables or shredded to make delicious sandwiches.
Does this recipe include ground cloves?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves is included in the herb rub.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep as it yields a large amount of meat that makes excellent leftovers.
How much sage is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of sage.
How much thyme is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground thyme.
What is the texture of the finished roast?
The slow cooking process results in a roast that is tender, juicy, and beautifully caramelized.
Can I adjust the cooking time?
Yes, cooking times may vary depending on your specific slow cooker model, so you should adjust as necessary.
Should the seasoning be applied to the entire roast?
Yes, the seasoning mixture should be rubbed thoroughly over the entire surface, including all nooks and crannies.
What tags describe this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as slow cooker, pork roast, garlic, herbs, easy dinner, meal prep, and comfort food.
How many garlic pockets should I make?
You should cut approximately 24 small pockets into the pork roast.
Is the water for the gravy hot or cold?
The water used for the cornstarch slurry should be cold.
Does the recipe require browning the meat before slow cooking?
No, the instructions indicate placing the seasoned roast directly into the slow cooker.
How much salt is in the seasoning?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
Is this a good dish for family gatherings?
Yes, its large size and savory flavor make it perfect for family gatherings.
Can the pork be shredded?
Yes, once cooked and rested, the pork is tender enough to be easily shredded for sandwiches.
When should I start preparing the gravy?
You should begin adding the cornstarch mixture approximately 30 minutes before you plan to serve the meal.
What is the purpose of the 1/2 cup of water in the slow cooker?
The water helps maintain moisture and prevents the roast from drying out during the long cooking time.
Is this recipe considered an 'easy dinner'?
Yes, because it is prepared in a slow cooker and requires minimal active work, it is classified as an easy dinner.