- Prepare the Pork Hocks
Pat the pork hocks dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and black pepper.
If your pork hocks have a lot of surface fat, you can trim some of it, but leaving a little helps keep the meat flavorful during slow cooking.
- Add the Onion and Garlic
Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Arrange the pork hocks on top.
- Add the Broth and Mustard
Pour the chicken broth around the pork hocks.
Spread the Dijon mustard over the pork as evenly as possible. Some of it will mix with the broth as everything cooks, creating a savory cooking liquid.
- Slow Cook
Cover and cook on:
- LOW for 8–9 hours, or
- HIGH for 4–5 hours
The pork hocks are ready when the meat is very tender and easily separates from the bone.
- Serve
Carefully transfer the pork hocks to a serving platter. They will be very tender, so use a large spoon or tongs.
Spoon some of the flavorful cooking juices over the pork before serving.
Helpful Tips
Don’t Rush the Cooking
Pork hocks contain connective tissue that becomes tender with long, slow cooking. LOW heat is ideal when you want the meat to become exceptionally tender.
Skim Excess Fat
After cooking, you can skim some of the fat from the surface of the broth if you prefer a lighter sauce.
Add More Flavor
Although this is a simple five-ingredient recipe, you can customize it with optional seasonings such as smoked paprika, bay leaves, thyme, or crushed red pepper.
Let the Meat Rest
Allow the pork hocks to rest for a few minutes after removing them from the slow cooker. This makes them easier to handle and serve.
What to Serve With Pork Hocks
These tender pork hocks pair beautifully with classic comfort-food sides:
- Mashed potatoes
- Braised cabbage
- Green beans
- Buttered corn
- Sauerkraut
- White beans
- Collard greens
- Roasted potatoes
- Crusty dinner rolls
For an especially hearty meal, serve the pork over mashed potatoes and spoon some of the cooking broth over everything.
Storage
Let leftover pork cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked pork in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months.
Reheating
Reheat the pork gently in a saucepan or skillet with some of the reserved cooking liquid. Cover and warm over medium-low heat until heated through.
You can also microwave individual portions with a little broth to keep the meat moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pork hocks the same as ham hocks?
They come from a similar part of the pig, but they are not necessarily the same product. Pork hocks can be sold fresh, while ham hocks are commonly cured or smoked.
Can I use smoked pork hocks?
Yes. Smoked pork hocks will give the dish a stronger smoky flavor. If using smoked hocks, go easy on the salt because they can already contain a significant amount of sodium.
Can I add potatoes?
Absolutely. Add peeled baby potatoes or chopped potatoes during cooking for an easy one-pot-style meal.
Why are my pork hocks tough?
They probably need more cooking time. Pork hocks contain connective tissue that takes time to break down. Continue cooking until the meat is very tender.
Can I make this recipe with sauerkraut?
Yes. Sauerkraut is a classic pairing with pork and can be added to the slow cooker for a tangy, hearty variation.
Recipe Card
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pork Hocks
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8–9 hours
Total Time: About 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 4 pork hocks, about 3–4 pounds total
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Pat the pork hocks dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Place sliced onion and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Arrange the pork hocks over the onion.
- Pour in the chicken broth and spread Dijon mustard over the pork.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
- Cook until the pork is extremely tender and separates easily from the bone.
- Carefully transfer the pork hocks to a serving platter.
- Spoon some of the cooking juices over the pork and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Final Thoughts
These 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pork Hocks prove that a handful of simple ingredients can make an incredibly satisfying meal. The slow cooker does the hard work, transforming the pork into tender, rich comfort food with almost no hands-on effort.
Serve it with potatoes, cabbage, beans, or warm bread for an old-fashioned dinner the whole family can enjoy.