Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Balsamic Pork: Tender, Sweet, and Savory

If you’re looking for a show-stopping, easy-to-make pork recipe, this Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Balsamic Pork is perfect. The pork comes out incredibly tender and juicy, infused with herbs and a sweet, tangy glaze. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, it’s a recipe that looks impressive but is effortless thanks to the slow cooker.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a combination of sweet, savory, and herby flavors. The brown sugar and balsamic glaze caramelizes beautifully over the pork, creating a rich and glossy finish. The slow cooking method allows the pork to absorb all the flavors while staying tender. It’s a hands-off recipe that still delivers restaurant-quality results.

Ingredients That Make It Special

The simple herb rub combined with the sweet and salty glaze creates a balanced flavor profile. Ground sage adds a warm, earthy aroma, while garlic enhances the savory notes. The glaze combines brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch for a thick, glossy finish.

You Will Need:

For the Pork:

• 2–3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tsp ground sage
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup water
• 3–5 pounds boneless pork loin

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3 Tbsp cornstarch
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup soy sauce

How to Make Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Balsamic Pork

This recipe requires minimal prep. Most of the cooking is done in the slow cooker, and the glaze is quick to make on the stove.

Instructions

1. Mix the sage, salt, pepper, and crushed garlic. Rub evenly over the pork.
2. Pour 1 cup of water into the slow cooker and place the pork on top. Cook on LOW for 7–9 hours.
3. About 1 hour before the pork finishes cooking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, cornstarch, balsamic vinegar, water, and soy sauce. Simmer over medium-high heat, stirring until thickened (3–4 minutes).
4. Reserve half of the glaze in a bowl for serving. Use the remaining glaze to brush over the pork several times during the last hour of cooking.
5. Optional: For a caramelized crust, transfer the pork to a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with more glaze, and broil for 1–2 minutes until bubbly.
6. Serve the pork with the reserved glaze on the side.

Tips for Best Results

• Broiling the pork at the end gives a beautiful caramelized finish.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches at least 145°F for safe consumption.
• Leftover glaze can be drizzled over vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Balsamic Pork is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and herby. It’s tender, flavorful, and easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive for special occasions. Serve with your favorite sides for a comforting meal everyone will love.

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