Baked Pork Belly with Apple Cider Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy pork belly pieces coated in a sweet-tangy apple cider glaze, baked to golden perfection for a rich, satisfying dish. This american-inspired sheet pan ready in about 45 minutes pairs Apple cider, Soy sauce, Erythritol for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place 1.5 lbs pork belly pieces on a wire rack set on a baking sheet. Season evenly with 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup apple cider, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp erythritol. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until reduced by half and slightly thickened.
  3. Step 3: Brush glaze evenly over pork belly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, basting every 10 minutes with remaining glaze, until edges are crisp and golden brown.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Pork Belly with Apple Cider Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Pork Belly with Apple Cider Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep apple cider from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Pork Belly with Apple Cider Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Pork Belly with Apple Cider Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Pork Belly with Apple Cider Glaze?

American sheet pan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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