Hickory-Smoked Pork Belly with Apple Compote

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

Tender pork belly slow-cooked with a sweet-tart apple compote for a perfect balance of savory and fruity flavors. This southern-inspired slow cooker ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork belly, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs pork belly dry with paper towels. Rub with 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, pressing to adhere.
  2. Step 2: Place pork belly in slow cooker, nestling 2 medium apples cut into wedges around it. Add 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tbsp fresh thyme.
  3. Step 3: Cook on low for 8 hours until pork is fork-tender. Remove pork and apples; strain cooking liquid into a small saucepan.
  4. Step 4: Simmer strained liquid over medium heat for 10 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally until reduced by half.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hickory-Smoked Pork Belly with Apple Compote take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 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 Hickory-Smoked Pork Belly with Apple Compote?

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 pork belly from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hickory-Smoked Pork Belly with Apple Compote?

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 Hickory-Smoked Pork Belly with Apple Compote 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 Hickory-Smoked Pork Belly with Apple Compote?

Southern slow cooker 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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