When I need a low-effort dinner that tastes like it simmered all day with a lot more fuss than it actually did, I love a simple slow cooker pork hocks recipe like this one. Pork hocks have an old-fashioned, comfort-food feel that fits right in with vintage summer cooking, and with just a handful of pantry basics, they turn tender, savory, and rich while the crock does the work. This is the kind of budget-friendly meal that feels especially satisfying after a busy workday.
Serve these tender pork hocks with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or white rice to soak up the flavorful cooking juices. For something fresh on the side, coleslaw, green beans, corn on the cob, or sliced tomatoes balance the richness nicely, and a piece of warm cornbread or a crusty roll rounds everything out.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Vintage Summer Hocks
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 raw pork hocks
1 large onion, sliced
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
1. Scatter the sliced onion across the bottom of the slow cooker to make a bed for the pork hocks.
2. Place the raw pork hocks on top of the onions, then pour in the chicken broth and spoon the barbecue sauce over the hocks. Sprinkle with black pepper.
3. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is very tender and nearly falling off the bone.
4. Carefully transfer the pork hocks to a serving dish, spoon some of the onions and juices over the top, and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Make it tangier: If you like a sharper sauce, stir 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into the broth and barbecue sauce before cooking. It gives the finished dish a nice balance against the richness of the pork.
Add a little sweetness: A spoonful of brown sugar or a few sliced carrots can soften the smoky savory flavor and give the dish a more classic summer potluck taste.
For easier cleanup: A slow cooker liner can save time on busy nights, especially since the cooking juices can get quite rich and sticky around the edges.
Skim the fat if needed: Pork hocks naturally release quite a bit of fat as they cook. If you want a lighter sauce, carefully spoon some fat from the top of the juices before serving.
Make it ahead: These reheat well the next day, and the flavor gets even better after resting overnight in the refrigerator. Store the meat with the juices so it stays moist when warmed back up.