As it cooks low and slow:
The fat melts
The collagen breaks down into gelatin
The meat becomes incredibly tender
And the honey and rosemary?
They create a sweet-herbal crust that caramelizes slightly, adding depth and warmth.
This isn’t just pork.
It’s comfort in a crock.
🧄 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Pork shoulder (boneless)
3–4 lbs
Ideal cut for shredding
Fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp (or 2 tsp dried)
Earthy, fragrant flavor
Garlic, minced
4 cloves
Savory depth
Honey
⅓ cup
Natural sweetness, glaze builder
Dijon mustard
2 tbsp
Tangy balance to the honey
Olive oil
2 tbsp
Helps sear and coat
Salt
1 tsp
Enhances flavor
Black pepper
½ tsp
Warm spice
Onion, sliced (optional)
1 large
Adds moisture and sweetness
Chicken broth or apple cider (optional)
½ cup
Keeps pork juicy (only if needed)
✅ Pro Tip: Use fresh rosemary — it holds up better than dried in long cooks.
🍯 Step-by-Step: How to Make Honey Rosemary Pork in a Slow Cooker
Step 1: Sear the Pork (Optional, But Highly Recommended)
Pat the pork dry with paper towels
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat
Sear on all sides until golden brown (about 3–4 minutes per side)
✅ Why sear? It builds flavor through the Maillard reaction — trust us, it’s worth it.
Step 2: Make the Honey Rosemary Paste
In a small bowl, mix:
Honey
Minced garlic
Chopped rosemary
Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper
This paste will coat the pork and create a rich, sticky glaze.
Step 3: Coat & Place in the Slow Cooker
Rub the honey-rosemary mixture all over the pork
Place sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker (they act as a rack)
Set the pork on top
Pour in ½ cup broth or cider only if your slow cooker runs dry (not always needed)
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on:
Low for 7–8 hours
Or High for 4–5 hours
The pork is done when it shreds easily with a fork.
Step 5: Shred & Serve
Remove pork and let rest 10 minutes
Use two forks to shred the meat
Skim excess fat from the juices in the pot
Mix some of the juices back into the pork for moisture
Serve hot with the cooking liquid spooned over top.
🍽️ How to Serve Honey Rosemary Pork
Over mashed potatoes
Soaks up the sweet-herbal juices
On crusty bread or rolls
Make killer sandwiches
With roasted vegetables
Carrots, potatoes, Brussels sprouts
Over polenta or rice
Creamy base for bold flavor
In tacos or lettuce wraps
Light, fresh contrast
Also amazing cold — leftovers make incredible lunch leftovers.
🧑🍳 Pro Tips for the Best Results Every Time
Don’t skip the sear
Deepens flavor dramatically
Use fresh rosemary
Dried can taste dusty
Let it rest before shredding
Juices redistribute
Skim the fat
Cleaner taste, less greasy
Make ahead
Tastes even better the next day
Also, this freezes beautifully — shred and freeze in portions with sauce.
🍷 Final Thoughts: Sometimes the Best Meals Are the Ones That Cook Themselves
We think great food requires constant attention.
Stirring.
Checking.
Worrying.
But the truth is:
Some of the most delicious meals are the ones you walk away from.
This Honey Rosemary Pork doesn’t need you.
It just needs time.
And in return, it gives you:
Tender, juicy meat
Aromatic herbs
A kitchen that smells like heaven
So next time you’re tired, busy, or just plain hungry…
Don’t stress.
Turn on the slow cooker.
Rub on the honey.
Walk away.
Because sometimes, the difference between a tough dinner and a tender one…
Isn’t in the seasoning.
It’s in the simmer.
And once you try this?
You’ll wonder how you ever cooked pork any other way.