There’s something effortlessly comforting about a tender pork tenderloin slow-cooked to perfection, especially when it’s infused with the deep sweetness of honey, the bite of garlic, and the earthy aroma of fresh sage. This slow cooker honey garlic pork tenderloin with sage isn't just a mouthful to say—it’s a flavor-packed dish that delivers the kind of cozy satisfaction you'd want for a weeknight dinner or even a relaxed Thanksgiving spread. It’s one of those pork tenderloin crock pot recipes easy enough to pull together but impressive enough to wow your guests. Whether you're a fan of pork loin crock pot recipes or hunting for new healthy crockpot meals, this dish checks all the right boxes.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin with Sage
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 4 hours hrs
Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Slow Cooker (Crockpot) A 6-quart crockpot is ideal for this recipe. If you have a smaller or larger one, adjust the quantity of liquids and space accordingly.
Skillet For searing the pork before slow cooking. Optional but recommended.
Tongs Helpful for flipping the meat while searing.
Meat Thermometer To ensure the pork reaches a safe internal temperature (145°F).
Cutting board & sharp knife. For chopping vegetables and slicing the tenderloin after cooking.
For the Pork
- 2 to 2.5 lbs pork tenderloin or pork loin if you prefer a slightly fattier cut
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional for heat
Optional Add-ins
- 1 lb baby potatoes halved
- 2 large carrots chopped into thick chunks
- 1 onion sliced thickly
Sear the Pork (Optional but Adds Flavor)
Start by patting the pork tenderloin dry and seasoning it with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and chopped sage. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown. This caramelization boosts flavor and gives the exterior a nice texture.
Prepare the Crockpot Base
Add the halved potatoes, carrots, and sliced onions to the bottom of your slow cooker (if using). These veggies soak up the juices and turn buttery soft by the end.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Pour half of the sauce over the vegetables, and place the seared pork tenderloin on top. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the pork.
Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or on high for 4 hours. If using a meat thermometer, check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F. If your crockpot has a warming function, let it rest in the pot for another 20–30 minutes before slicing.
Make It a Little Fancy (Optional Glaze Step)
Remove the pork from the crockpot, cover loosely with foil to rest. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 10–15 minutes. Brush this glaze over the sliced pork just before serving.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice the pork tenderloin against the grain. Serve with the roasted vegetables and a generous drizzle of the glaze. Garnish with additional fresh sage for that earthy pop.
Pairings
This dish is deeply savory with sweet, herbal notes, so the right pairings can elevate your meal.
Side Dishes
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze: The acidity plays well against the honey and sage.
- Creamy mashed cauliflower: A lighter, healthier twist that complements the richness of the pork.
- Buttery cornbread: Adds a classic Southern touch and absorbs all the extra glaze.
Drinks
- Chardonnay or a Pinot Noir: Both wines balance the sweet-salty profile.
- Sparkling apple cider: Especially around Thanksgiving, this is a festive non-alcoholic choice.
Desserts
- Cranberry apple crisp: A tart-sweet way to end the meal.
- Pumpkin cheesecake bars: Rich and creamy, perfect for the season.
FAQs
1. Can I use pork loin instead of pork tenderloin?
Yes, but expect a slightly longer cooking time. Pork loin is thicker and a bit fattier, which can be great for moisture, but you may need to adjust cooking times or slice it in half to fit in your slow cooker. This still qualifies under pork loin in crockpot recipes and can be equally delicious.
2. What’s the difference between pork tenderloin and pork roast in the crock pot?
Pork tenderloin is a lean, narrow cut that cooks faster and stays tender with gentle heat. A pork roast (like a shoulder or butt) is fattier and often used for pulled pork. This recipe works best with tenderloin for slicing, but if you want to make pork tenderloin pulled pork slow cooker style, just shred it after cooking and toss it in the reduced sauce.
3. Can I prep this the night before?
Absolutely. Season and sear the pork, mix the sauce, and prep the veggies. Assemble everything in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the slow cooker base and start cooking. That makes this one of those pork tenderloin recipes in crockpot easy enough for meal prep.
4. Is this recipe healthy?
It definitely leans healthier. With lean protein, minimal added fat, and the option to include vegetables, it fits well within the realm of healthy crockpot meals. You can reduce the honey slightly if you’re watching sugar intake.
5. Can I make this for Thanksgiving?
Absolutely! It’s a great alternative to traditional turkey and won’t take up precious oven space. Since it pairs well with many classic holiday sides, it offers a fresh twist on a Thanksgiving main dish without all the fuss.
