My uncle made these sweet and savory foil pockets for spring dinner and everyone was obsessed. You only need 4 ingredients to make the juiciest meal that practically cooks itself.

These slow cooker 4-ingredient maple mustard pork packets are my ode to the kind of spring dinners my uncle used to make: sweet, savory foil pockets that you set up in minutes and then forget about while they quietly turn tender and juicy. Instead of the grill, we let the slow cooker do the work, keeping the pork moist and sealing in flavor inside individual foil packets. Maple syrup and Dijon mustard create a simple glaze that feels a little special but uses pantry staples. It’s a practical, low-effort meal that looks impressive when you open those steamy foil bundles at the table.

Serve the pork packets right out of the slow cooker, still in their foil, on individual plates so everyone can unwrap their own steamy bundle. Spoon any juices from the packet over the meat, then pair with simple sides that soak up the sauce: buttered rice, mashed or roasted potatoes, or a crusty baguette. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some simply steamed green beans or asparagus balances the sweetness of the maple mustard glaze. If you want to keep cleanup minimal, serve everything family-style and let people drizzle extra maple from the slow cooker over their sides.

Servings: 4

2 pounds boneless pork loin or pork tenderloin, cut into 4 equal portions

Tear off 4 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each about 12 to 14 inches long. Lightly crimp up the edges of each sheet to help catch any juices, forming shallow trays.

In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and kosher salt until smooth and well combined. This is your sweet and savory glaze.

Pat the pork portions dry with a paper towel. This helps the glaze cling and encourages even cooking inside the foil packets.

Place one piece of pork in the center of each foil sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the maple mustard mixture over each piece, dividing the glaze evenly so every portion is well coated on all sides.

Fold the long sides of each foil sheet up and over the pork, then roll them together to seal. Fold and crimp the short ends tightly so you have fully enclosed foil packets with no gaps for juices to escape.

Arrange the sealed foil packets in a single layer inside the slow cooker crock. It is fine if they are snug; just avoid stacking directly on top of each other so they cook evenly.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the pork is tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a piece.

Once the pork is done, carefully use tongs to nudge the foil packets slightly open just at the top, still keeping them in the slow cooker. Drizzle a little extra maple syrup over the exposed pork in each packet, then re-cover the slow cooker and let the packets rest on WARM for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors settle.

To serve, lift each foil packet out of the slow cooker with tongs and place on a plate or shallow bowl. Open the packets carefully away from your face to avoid hot steam, then spoon the maple mustard juices over the pork. Serve immediately.

For a slightly tangier version, swap half of the Dijon mustard for whole-grain mustard, which adds texture and a gentle bite. If you prefer a little heat with your sweetness, stir 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce into the maple mustard mixture before coating the pork. Boneless pork chops can be used instead of pork loin or tenderloin; choose chops about 1 inch thick and start checking for doneness on the earlier side of the cooking range. To keep the ingredient list to four items, aromatics like garlic or herbs are optional, but if you are flexible, a clove of minced garlic or a sprig of thyme tucked into each packet adds depth without complicating the process. Food safety tips: Always start with fully thawed pork so it cooks evenly and safely in the slow cooker; never place frozen meat directly into the slow cooker. Use heavy-duty foil and seal packets tightly to minimize leakage and ensure even cooking. Check that the internal temperature of the thickest piece of pork reaches at least 145°F (63°C), then let it rest a few minutes before serving to keep the juices in the meat. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking, store in an airtight container, and reheat gently until steaming hot before eating.