The Amish Holiday Hero is a comforting, slow-cooked pork dish infused with sweet and tangy flavors, making it the perfect centerpiece for festive gatherings. This recipe combines succulent pork shoulder with a rich sauce featuring crushed pineapple, apricot preserves, warm spices, and a touch of Dijon mustard for depth. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth, flavor-packed dish that’s as effortless as it is irresistible. Whether served over mashed potatoes or piled onto soft buns, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless slow cooking: Set it and forget it—perfect for holiday prep.
- Incredible flavor balance: Sweet pineapple and apricot contrast beautifully with tangy vinegar and aromatic spices.
- Versatile serving options: Serve as a hearty main dish or as a sandwich filling.
Ingredients & Their Roles
For the Pork & Sauce:
- 2 (3-4 pound) boneless pork shoulder roasts – The star of the dish, becoming tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained – Adds natural sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of the pork.
- 1 (12 ounce) bottle apricot preserves – Enhances the dish with a deep, fruity sweetness.
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted – Provides a creamy base that ties all the flavors together.
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar – Adds tanginess, balancing the sweetness and helping to tenderize the pork.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – Deepens the sweetness with a rich molasses undertone.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Introduces a subtle sharpness that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger – Adds warmth and a gentle spice.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves – Provides a distinct, aromatic depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Complements the other spices with a mild, nutty warmth.
Equipment Needed
- Large slow cooker (6-quart or larger) – Essential for evenly cooking the pork until tender.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the crushed pineapple, apricot preserves, cream of chicken soup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground ginger, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg. This mixture will create a rich, flavorful braising liquid for the pork.
2. Add the Pork to the Slow Cooker
Place the pork shoulder roasts into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the pork, ensuring the meat is well coated.
3. Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Shred and Serve
Using two forks, shred the pork directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the flavorful sauce. Serve as a standalone dish with mashed potatoes or rice, or pile it onto buns or dinner rolls for a mouthwatering sandwich.
Pro Tips for the Best Amish Holiday Hero
- Boost the flavor: Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker for an herbal touch.
- Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a richer consistency, remove the pork and whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) to the sauce. Let it cook for a few minutes until thickened.
- Make it ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.
Serving Suggestions
The Amish Holiday Hero is incredibly versatile. Here are a few delicious ways to serve it:
- Classic Style: Spoon the shredded pork over buttery mashed potatoes with a side of roasted vegetables.
- Sandwich Style: Pile the pork onto soft brioche buns or Amish-style dinner rolls for a hearty sandwich.
- Over Rice: Serve with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- With Egg Noodles: Toss with buttered egg noodles for a comforting twist.
Final Thoughts
The Amish Holiday Hero is the ultimate sweet and savory slow cooker dish, delivering fall-apart tender pork bathed in a rich, tangy sauce. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect recipe for holiday dinners, cozy family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite!
Looking for more comforting slow cooker recipes? Stay tuned for more Amish-inspired classics!