Summited by Paulene Christie
Roast Pork + AMAZING PORK CRACKLE
Serving: 6
Ingredients
- 1-2kg roast pork cut of any kind you prefer with the rind/crackle attached
- Pourable, fine, table salt
- 2T oil
Instructions
- Remove any netting from your roast pork and place pork directly into slow cooker. It’s ok to leave simple string on the roast but not the complex net that some have around them – it’s much easier to remove this netting now then at the end when it’s hot and takes all your crackle with it.
- You don’t need to prep the pork in any other way. Straight in to the slow cooker nothing else added.
- Cook on LOW for 8-9hrs. 8hrs for 1-1.5kg, 9hrs for 2kg
- In the final 15mins of cooking time pre heat your oven to 220 degree Celcius
- Carefully remove your pork and place it on a rimmed oven tray
- Remove any string that remains at this point
- GENEROUSLY salt all over the crackle area with the salt. Don’t miss any spots. Don’t be sparing on the salt as it’s important to cover it well. Rub in this salt into the scores of the rind and into it all over the rind area (not on the meat only on the rind) with your fingers. Note it’s hot but not usually so hot that you can’t touch this rind.
- Then sprinkle oil over this salted rind. Again use your fingers to rub it in really well over all the rind.
- Then salt a second time over the now oily rind, but only lighter this time, covering all the rind area in a light salt sprinkling – but this time do not rub it in.
- Place pork in the extra hot oven for approximately 20-30mins, MAKE SURE checking it every so often to make sure it doesn’t burn. I usually cook with 200-220 degrees C in a fan forced oven.
- Your crackle is done when it’s bubbled and hard/crisp to the tap all over.
- Remove carefully from oven and cut off crackle – it will usually come away in one piece. Cut or break into strips to serve.
- Slice pork and serve with your favourite roast vegetables and lashings of gravy.
Notes
- I cook my roast vegetables either in another slow cooker or in the oven in the hour or so before the pork is finished cooking then remove them from the oven and keep them warm in their tray covered with foil and a tea towel during the crackle process as the high temps needed for the crackle would otherwise burn the vegetables. You can always add them back in for the final 5mins to make sure they are all piping hot again ?
- We also like to serve with peas and also gravy made with a dash of the cooking juices added to the boiling water and instant gravy mix
- If you salt and oil heavily and cover every surface of that crackle then be sure your oven is that super hot level you can’t go wrong. Everyone will be talking about your crackle from that night on!
- If you have areas that don’t crackle you’ve missed them with the salt and oil or didn’t add enough in those spots or your oven isn’t on super hot – all these things are easy for you to fix next time until you master it 🙂
- This recipe is also in our new book READY SET SLOW
Tried this recipe?Scroll Down To Share What You Think
I followed this recipe for Christmas 2020, it was no hassle and perfect in every way- the best crackling I’ve ever achieved!! For the non pork eater- crackling is an expectation of pork eaters. Great crackling will make the meal!
This recipe never fails me! Most tender pork I’ve ever tasted and let’s not forget the crackle 🙂 perfect every time!
Amazing! Tender meat,perfect crackle and the gravy is simply delicious. A favourite in my house 🙂
Sorry but big fail… meat burnt in oven trying to crisp crackle, cooked at 220degrees air forced for 30 minutes, still didn’t crackle…
If it fails to crackle it just means you needed more salt and oil 🙂 That way it crackles faster and fully without drying out your meat as yours did 🙂
Usually with Fan Forced ovens you want to drop 20 degrees off the temp it calls for a non-fan forced oven just a tip unless it specifically says ” in a fan forced oven”
Can you cut the fat off before placing in slow cooker and cook crackling in the oven on its own?
Some do but I find it works best left on the crackle myself 🙂
Even using the wrong cut of Pork, this dish was spot on. The crackling was top notch. The gravy was really delicious, I only added about 1/2 cup of water to stir in the gravy mix….
AMAZING!!!
Never cooked a pork roast before!
Followed recipe exactly!
Crackle was the best, very succulent meat!
Husband a BIG FAN of the crackle!!!
Thanks for Sharing- definitely adding to the regular dinner menu!!
Tammy
🙂
Easy recipe for Roast Pork. You’d never know it was a meal from the slow cooker because it still has that crispy crackling!
Totally best ever roast pork crackling. Meat was tender and crackling amazing. Did it just like Pauline stated.
Amazing! It tasted as tender as pulled pork but I could slice it. I am no gluten and I just used the juices as they are as gravy. I took off the rind and blasted that in the oven and left the sliced pork sitting in the juices while it crisped up. The only other change was just rinsing the pork before putting it in the slow cooker.
Morning Pauline I put a 3kg shoulder pork roast in my slow cooker would this take 10 hours to cook and still the same time frame for the crackling above thanks my first time doing a roast pork in slow cooker ?
A 3kg piece is quite large so I’d go 10hrs but the first couple hours on high then down to low 🙂
OMG i put my roast in the air fryer to do the crackling for 20mins OMG came out crackling and looks really good im so hooked on slow cooking ??
Can you cook this on high for a shorter amount of time and get the same result?
You can cook a roast like this faster on high yes Jade 🙂
Have cooked this recipe a couple of times now and what a wonderful easy way to cook a roast pork. Great crackling and tender meat. Enjoyed by everyone who ate it. Thank you a great recipe ?
Hi Paulene Christie just wanted to let you know that I used this recipe last night and it was amazing! The meat was so tender, and everyone LOVED the crackling!! Winner, Winner, Roast Pork dinner?
Tips for crackling: I wrapped the meat in foil with only the top skin part exposed before putting in the hot oven. Took it out after the 20 mins so meat didn’t overcook or dry out, removed skin & put on plate & back in hot oven to finish crackling while we carved meat & served up veges. Crackle was perfect after this!
I loooooove slow cooked Roast Pork I won’t have it any other way. I use a boneless shoulder pork as it is the one I prefer and the crackling normally takes 25mins in the oven for me, I do however remove the rind and do the crackling by itself while I rest the roast.
this was done today but I couldn’t seem to get the crackling to crash hot, feed was great but only got a portion of the rind made crackling..
My advice is more salt and oil next time and leave it in super hot oven longer 🙂
Sometimes takes longer than others – I guess related to rind thickness etc
Easy peasy, the best roast pork and crackle I’ve ever cooked, tender and juicy meat and yummy crunchy crackle. ? The only way I’ll do roast pork now, thanks Pauline we loved it.
This was the nicest roast pork I’ve had. I was sceptical that the pork would be dry but it was absolutely delicious. I followed the instructions until the pork had been in the oven for 20 minutes, then I cut the rind off and put back in the oven and covered the pork in foil to rest. Rave reviews!!!
I just had that last night for tea & OMG. The pork just melted in our mouth & the crackling was spot on ?
Absolutely DIVINE. I will take about 30 mins off the cooking time next time. The crackling was superb though! I put 4 large carrots under the pork too, & they were delish.
Amazing! Crackling was perfect ! Next time I will cut the cooking time by about 45 mins.
First time trying this recipe. So simple and so yummy. Soft, juicy pork and the crackle was a rippa too!
Loved this recipe! I’ve never had much luck making good pork crackle but this was very successful and hubby was rather pleased.
Delicious. I was a bit heavy on with the salt so I’ll use less next time.
Wow, this was amazing. Followed the recipe and perfection. Maybe a little heavy handed with the salt, but still polished it all off.
This was awesome, I’ve never had such crunchy yummy crackle
The meat was lovely as well… but let’s face it…. It’s all about the crackle, and this recipe certainly delivers!
Yummy! Wasn’t sure if the crackle was going to work out as I checked it in the oven but it came good! Might go a little lighter on the salt next time though.
Wow it worked ,the meat was so Tender and the crackling perfect.
Cooked this the other night and was amazing.
Cooked this again tonight and as always was lovely. Have perfected the crackle now. I think, first time I went over board on the salt and couldn’t eat it as if was far too salty. Now it’s perfect. Thanks this is a winner in our household. Was served with roast potatoes, veg and gravy ?
For 55 years, my crackling has been hit and miss well, never again. All the crackling was perfect. One thing I did though, was leave the meat in the liquid, while I took the crackling off, and followed the recipe then. No burnt, cloud tender meat, and perfect crackling. I’m ssooooo excited!
NEVER fails to disappoint!! So good ?
I tried this recipe a while ago, and it was the best roast pork I’ve ever cooked.
Cooked another time and wasn’t so good. I think my pork wasn’t properly thawed and so had more of a steamed taste. Even crackle wasn’t so good.
But am going to try again tomorrow!
Thank you for this recipe ?
Definitely ALWAYS need to be fully defrosted meat before slow cooking x
I’d say that was why your second result wasn’t the same as your first huge success
But also just for food safety please do always fully defrost first Patricia it’s so important x
Has anyone ever made this pork in the slow cooker the day/night before and then done the crackling in the oven the next day. Recipe to me indicates you do it straight after but that would mean I have to ger up at 3.00 am to put the slow cooker on
I’ve never cooked pork before and this was amazing
Thank u Pauline for your help. Lovely & moist and great crackle. 10/10
Awesome! Yummy! After reading some comments I could have done a bit more salt and oil so it crackled quicker and I didn’t dry out the meat but it was still edible! Yummy and easy way to do roast pork ?
This morning at 6.30am before I ran out the door for work I thought crap what’s for dinner…?? I thought damn I don’t have enough time to prepare my pork. Then I remembered reading this recipe which involves nothing but placing it in the slow cooker. I grabbed scissors cut off the packaging threw it in and turned it on low for 8 hours before running off to work. I got home at 4pm and left it on keep warm so I could do a sport practice with my daughter. Came in salted, oiled, salted then threw in the airfryer for 20 minutes and continued on with kids stuff. It turned out amazingly and was easier than all my other recipes!!! This recipe has been saved so thank you for sharing and creating an awesome roast pork recipe for busy people ??
Cooked this pork today. Followed the recipe as is. Amazing Crackle was fantastic. Could not fault. Thank you Pauline.
I think my slow cooker cooks high as I had a 2.3kg and I cooked it for 9 hours and it nearly fell to pieces (maybe 30-1hour less next time) Took longer for crackle to crackle, (I think cos it was in pieces and fairly squishy) but eventually got there.
Will have to tweak for the future, but family enjoyed it. Thanks Paulene.
I never managed to make a cracking in my whole life, and trust me, I tried. I followed the recipe to the T and it was AMAZING! I didn’t have the chance to even take a photo.
I ?????????? this feedback!!
I missed the bit where it said low for 9 hours so I did high for 5ish, air fryer for 30 mins – it was tender and oh so yum! My boys both loved it – younger son was never a fan of roast pork and he even had seconds!
Absolutely delicious, pork was beautiful and crackle was amazing, definitely cooking this way again , family loved it
I cooked this on Monday night. My goodness, the meat was absolutely divine! I didn’t have great success with the crackling, only the edges really crisped up. I wasn’t too fussed about the crackle though because the meat exceeded expectations. Will be the only way I cook pork from now on.
Hi Michelle, so pleased you loved it 🙂
Note: if only the edges are crackled it just needs more time to reach the middle xx
Made this 2 nights ago & omg whole family loved it & asked me to make again could not believe there was none left by the end of it so it’s a for sure family fav will make again.
The slow cooking time was accurate for the weight of pork however my crackling took approximately 45 mins at 220°C. Taste & texture of both the meat & crackling was superb. I’ll never cook a pork roast any other way!
Had a very small rolled shoulder put on for about 5 hours on low ( in Breville), put lots root veg cut smallish under and around. Finished all in my poor old gas oven oven on 220c for about 30 mins ( did the oil salt thing on crackling). Made gravy from juices. Was amazing, husband can’t get over how the meat was still so succulent and crackling perfect, veg was all so caramelised and lovely. ps did par cook the parsnips in micro as they are hard to get right. Thank you.
Yey Di so happy your meal impressed! 🙂
I will never do roast pork any other way again! Turned out perfectly and crackled all over and the meat was so tender and succulent.
Made this recipe with a boneless leg yesterday. Family loved it. The crackling didn’t come together, but I believe that was user error as we tried a new and untested method. Will be ‘roasting’ the pork like this from now on!
Tried pork roast boneless shoulder this way last night, was 2.2 kgs so put it on for 9hrs, it fell apart!
Dont get me wrong that was a great thing, but without something under it i had to think of a great way to get it out!
My daughter loved it! She said it was a little dry so possibly could have cooked less in my slow cooker, but so simple, and amazing, and crackle was soooo good!
Fantastic way to cook roast pork. Simple but perfect.
Crackling was super crunchy. 10/10
Thank you.
My husband and I bought some pork racks on sale and last week he did his in the bbq and today was my turn in the slow cooker. I cooked my pork rack plus some potatoes and pumpkin and it was amazing! I usually score my cooking quite harshly but this was a 10/10! I said to my husband that I think this is the best meal I have ever cooked. I even nailed the crackle which I have never been able to get right. (I did cook my crackle for 40 mins).
I love the flavour, texture and goodness of the veggies done in the slow cooker and only cook them this way now. The pork was amazingly tender and juicy – you just can’t go wrong!
Made this on Christmas Day with a 1.8 kg loin roast. Was very sceptical when salting and oiling but 35 mins later I had the best crackle I’ve ever made. Meat was super tender. Used some juices to make gravy. Was soooo easy to make and sooo yummy! Don’t think I’ll ever go back to cooking another way.
made this for the first time for Christmas lunch (no pressure or anything lol)
turned out amazing
I’ve never managed to get crackle to work but this was on point!
after taking from the slowcooker I finished the crackle in the airfryer.
lots of excellent feedback from the guests who thoroughly enjoyed the meal.
thanks for a straight forward but effective recipe x
I love this recipe! Have made it twice and it has been perfect both times. Just wondering g if I could put it on high for less time and get the same result? Forgot to put it on this morning in time for 9hrs! Thanks
Hi Bec, you can do this one on high for a shorter time. Approx 5-6hrs depending on the size of your roast pork
This is absolutely beautiful.
The only difference I do is instead of doing the crackling in the oven, I use my Weber Q
Cooked a 2 kg pork roast in slow cooker last night pork was delicious but crackling was a disaster, followed recipe, when I took pork out of slow cooker rind was very soft & hard to rub the salt in as it was sticking to my hands, so it did not crackle not sure if I will try again.
Yep sticky is normal 🙂
It just needs the right salt/oil/heat and that sticky turns into beautiful beautiful crispy crackle 🙂
I made this yesterday for dinner. I had it on low for 5 hours then the power went out. I had to leave for work soon after so I put it in the fridge for 4 hours. I was able to scoop fat off top of liquid to make yummy gravy. I heated pork up again (searing to get the juices hot then low) for an hour in sc then did the crackle in my turbo oven. It turned out great. Pork was soft and gelatinous and crackle just right although I did have to watch it to prevent it burning. I tried this method a while ago when we had friends over. My husband was very sceptical and insisted in doing the crackle separately in the BBQ, however after last nights dinner he agreed it was better to leave skin on the pork and crackle at the end. I think some times there are too many cooks in my house!
The pork was beautiful, but the crackle would not crackle as hard as I tried. It was fully salted and oiled, the oven was fan forced at 250•C and nadda. But again the pork was perfection!
Could be more salt/oil or simply longer time – it’ll always work with that combo at the right amounts but times can vary 🙂
review from my kids – ” best pork ever!
And it was so easy!!
Tell them I said I love that review Michelle! 🙂 🙂
This recipe was so easy. First time doing crackle, it was amazing. Meat was cooked perfectly too. Everyone loved it.
I love this! Thanks so much for leaving your feedback Jane 🙂
3rd time attempting this one…, finally got the crackling sorted! YAY!!!
meat is soooo tender, and made the most amazing gravy with the juice in slow cooker.
Now that I’ve mastered the crackling, won’t be cooking roast pork any other way.
Amazing! I love making delicious meals for my family, and this will be a regular in our house now.
Thanks for the recipe.
Hooray Danielle!!! 🙂 🙂
I have hesitated for well over a decade to cook a pork roast.
A. Because my husband doesn’t like pork.
B. Because I always fail with the crackling and over cook and dry out the meat.
But wow! This was so easy. I can’t believe that even after the time in the oven ( a lot longer than 20mins, but I stopped counting) it’s didn’t dry out.
The crackling I did pull off towards the end and put it in the air-fryer to finish. I think the problem with the crackling might have been because it was a supermarket cut of meat. Which I’ve read is extremely hard to get good crackling with.
Thank you. As my son and I love pork and it was so easy, I threaten hubby by saying I was going to cook it a lot more often.
How I love love this feedback Alisha!
I cooked this tonight for the meat eaters in the family. Turned out perfect! 1kg piece of pork cooked for 7.5hrs on low, then into oven for 30 mins at 220°. It wasn’t quite crispy so then popped it under a hot grill for 5 minutes.
The meat was fall apart, not sliceable (which was fine) and crackling was very crispy.
Thanks Paulene for another fab recipe.
Fantastic Anita! 🙂
Great recipe, so much better than doing it in the oven
Thanks so much for your great review Fiona! 🙂
I know I have already commented but seriously this is the most amazing roast pork recipe!!! I don’t use an oven for the crackling I use my large air fryer which does it beautifully!! Christmas Day I’ve been assigned pork as it’s always the best ever!!! Thank you again!!
Awww this feedback brings me SUCH joy!! Thank you Ebony xx
Hi Pauline,
Do I reduce the cooking time in this recipe if I’m cooking a pork loin rather than a shoulder please? Just thinking it might be less time due to the thickness of the meat.
Yes that would need less if it’s less thick 🙂
lovely succulent pork, might have been a bit to enthusiastic with the salt, but it certainly crackled well
Wonderful to hear Lea! 🙂
AMAZING FOR SURE.
Meat so tender cooked 10 + hours.
Hubby said, that’s next level!
Crackle finished off in air fryer, oh boy …. the best ever !!
That’s some amazing feedback – thanks Kerry! 🙂 🙂