What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This apple cider braised pork belly recipe is a cozy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. You’ll love how simple it’s to make, with ingredients that come together to create something truly special.
- Rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes every bite unforgettable.
- Sweet and savory flavors from the apple cider, herbs, and spices that balance perfectly.
- Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time, letting the oven do most of the work.
Recipe
Pork belly braised in apple cider becomes meltingly tender with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This dish is ideal for a comforting meal, featuring rich, caramelized notes from slow cooking.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork belly, skin scored
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 apples, cored and quartered
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear pork belly on all sides until golden, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Add onion and apples to the pot, cooking until softened (5 minutes).
- Pour in apple cider, chicken stock, and vinegar, scraping up browned bits.
- Return pork belly to the pot, add thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover and braise in the oven for 2.5–3 hours until tender.
- Optional: Uncover and broil for 5 minutes to crisp the skin.
Notes:
- For extra crispiness, pat the pork belly dry before searing.
- Substitute hard cider for a deeper flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Servings: 4
Calories: ~520 per serving
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
This recipe provides a rich and flavorful dish with a balanced nutritional profile. Below is the detailed nutrition information per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Fat | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
What To Serve With It
When I’m making apple cider braised pork belly, I love pairing it with sides that balance its rich, savory flavor.
Roasted vegetables, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, add a sweet, caramelized crunch that cuts through the richness. Creamy polenta is another favorite—its smooth texture soaks up the braising juices perfectly.
Sometimes, I’ll toss in a crisp apple slaw for freshness, or buttery mashed potatoes for extra comfort. The key is keeping things simple but flavorful, so the pork stays the star.
Trust me, these combos make every bite even better, and your guests will keep coming back for more.
