Slow Cooker Champagne Glazed Pork Medallions

Servings: 4

If you are looking for a dinner that feels elegant enough for a special occasion but is incredibly easy to prepare, these Slow Cooker Champagne Glazed Pork Medallions are exactly what you need. Tender pork tenderloin medallions are slow-cooked in a sweet, tangy, and savory sauce made with champagne, honey, and Dijon mustard. The result is a restaurant-quality dish that requires minimal effort.

The slow cooker gently cooks the pork to perfection, keeping it moist and tender, while the sauce reduces down into a beautiful, glossy glaze. It is perfect for a romantic dinner at home, a holiday celebration, or simply a delicious weekend meal.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe relies on the magic of slow cooking and reduction. Pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat that can dry out quickly if cooked at high heat. Cooking it gently in the slow cooker in a flavorful liquid ensures it stays juicy and tender. The champagne adds a subtle acidity and depth, while the honey provides a natural sweetness and the Dijon mustard brings a tangy kick. Reducing the cooking liquid at the end concentrates all those flavors into a rich, sticky glaze.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds pork tenderloin, sliced into 1-inch medallions
• 1 cup champagne or dry sparkling wine
• 1/3 cup honey (or firmly packed light brown sugar)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Place the raw pork tenderloin medallions in an even layer on the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. The pieces can overlap slightly, but try not to stack them too high so they cook evenly.
2. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the champagne, honey, and Dijon mustard until the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture looks smooth. If using, whisk in the salt and pepper.
3. Pour the champagne mixture evenly over the pork medallions in the slow cooker. The liquid will not fully cover the meat, and that’s fine—the pork will release juices as it cooks.
4. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours, or on HIGH for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours, until the pork medallions are tender and reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). Avoid lifting the lid frequently, as this extends cooking time.
5. Once the pork is done, use a slotted spoon to gently transfer the medallions to a serving platter, tenting loosely with foil to keep them warm while you finish the glaze.
6. Carefully pour the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a medium saucepan. Bring it to a lively simmer over medium-high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by about half and thickens slightly to a light glaze, 8 to 12 minutes. (It should coat the back of a spoon; it will thicken a bit more as it cools.)
7. Taste the glaze and adjust seasoning if needed with a pinch of salt or a small drizzle of extra honey. Spoon the warm champagne glaze over the pork medallions on the platter, reserving some to pass at the table.
8. Serve the champagne glazed pork medallions immediately, topped with any remaining glaze and accompanied by your favorite sides.

Tips for the Best Results

Slice the pork evenly. Uniform 1-inch medallions cook at the same rate, ensuring you don’t end up with some pieces dry and others undercooked.

Use a dry sparkling wine. A dry champagne or brut sparkling wine works best here. A very sweet wine will make the glaze overly sugary.

Don’t skip the reduction. The step of simmering the cooking liquid down into a glaze is what takes this dish from good to exceptional. It concentrates the flavors and creates a beautiful, glossy sauce.

Watch the salt. Champagne and Dijon mustard can both be salty. Wait until the glaze is reduced before tasting and adding any extra salt.

Let the pork rest. Tenting the pork with foil while you finish the glaze allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover pork and glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the glaze has thickened too much. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.

Elegant, flavorful, and completely hands-off, these Slow Cooker Champagne Glazed Pork Medallions are a fantastic recipe to keep in your rotation for easy entertaining.