Name: Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Loin with a Sweet Maple Glaze
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 30 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup maple syrup; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 lbs pork loin; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 3 cloves garlic, minced

This Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Loin with a Sweet Maple Glaze features tender pork in a smoky BBQ sauce with a hint of maple sweetness. Perfect for a hassle-free meal, it’s an easy recipe that delivers rich, comforting flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker BBQ pork loin with a sweet maple glaze is a mouthwatering, set-it-and-forget-it meal that infuses tender pork with smoky BBQ sauce and a touch of maple sweetness, making it perfect for busy days or family gatherings. Versatile—serve with mashed potatoes, veggies, or sandwiches—it’s ideal for meal prep and offers a juicy, flavorful dish with minimal effort. The slow cooker’s simplicity creates a protein-packed, comforting meal with a delightful sweet-smoky balance.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Trim Excess Fat: Remove fat for even cooking and less greasiness.

Sear for Depth: Browning adds a rich, caramelized crust.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste and tweak maple syrup to your liking.
Thicken the Sauce: Use a cornstarch slurry for a glossy finish.

Low Heat Only: Cook on low to keep pork tender.
Rest Before Serving: Let it sit for 10 minutes to retain juices.
Use Fresh Garlic: Enhances the sauce’s aroma over powdered.

Stir Gently: Avoid breaking pork pieces when mixing.
Check Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper based on taste.
Serve Hot: Maximizes the BBQ-maple contrast.

Yield: 8 servings

Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Loin with a Sweet Maple Glaze

Tender BBQ pork loin with sweet maple glaze, easy in crock pot.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

¼ cup maple syrup
½ tsp black pepper

1 cup BBQ sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp smoked paprika
2 green onions, chopped
2 lbs pork loin

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

Prep the Pork: Trim excess fat from the pork loin and season with black pepper.

Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork for 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and smoked paprika until smooth.
Pour Over Pork: Pour the sauce mixture over the pork in the slow cooker, ensuring even coating.

Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until pork is tender and juicy.
Prepare Cornstarch: Mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to create a slurry; set aside.
Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry, cover, and cook on high for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Check Seasoning: Taste and adjust with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Rest and Slice: Turn off the slow cooker and let the pork rest for 10 minutes. Slice or shred as desired, stirring to coat with sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped green onions, serve with your favorite sides, and savor this sweet-smoky delight!

Notes

Trim excess fat from pork to avoid greasiness; sear in batches if needed.
Use pure maple syrup for authentic flavor; adjust sweetness to your taste.
Store leftovers promptly to maintain freshness.

This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free or low-carb diets with appropriate swaps.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 328Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 91mgSodium 417mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 1gSugar 18gProtein 30g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Pork Loin (2 lbs): Trimmed of excess fat for tenderness.
BBQ Sauce (1 cup): Low-sugar or homemade for control; smoky flavor.
Maple Syrup (¼ cup): Pure maple for natural sweetness; adjust to taste.

Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tbsp): Adds tangy brightness to the sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves): Minced for aromatic warmth.
Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Enhances smoky flavor; use sparingly.

Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Thickens the sauce; dissolve in water before adding.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Used for searing, adding depth.
Black Pepper (½ tsp): Enhances flavors; adjust to taste.

Green Onions (2, chopped): For garnish, adds fresh flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Pork Swap: Use pork shoulder or ribs; adjust cooking time.
BBQ Sauce Alternatives: Substitute with teriyaki or hoisin for variety.

Sweetener Swap: Replace maple syrup with honey or erythritol.
Vinegar Options: Use balsamic vinegar for a different tang.
Spice Twist: Add cayenne or chili powder for heat.

Oil Swap: Use avocado oil or skip for oil-free cooking.
Garnish Swap: Use parsley or cilantro instead of green onions.
Gluten-Free: Ensure BBQ sauce and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat with broth.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months; thaw in fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or microwave, stirring to blend sauce.