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.