Apple-Cider Braised Pork Shoulder with Diced Apples

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork shoulder braised in a sweet-tart apple-cider glaze, with caramelized apples and aromatic spices for a balanced, comforting meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 195 minutes pairs pounds, bone-in pork shoulder, tablespoons olive oil, large, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 180 min Serves 8 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 pounds pork shoulder dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear pork for 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pot. Add 1 diced large onion and 2 sliced carrots, and cook 5 minutes over medium heat until softened. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return the seared pork to the pot. Add 1 cup apple cider, 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Nestle 2 diced apples around the pork. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Cover the pot with a lid, transfer to a preheated 325°F (163°C) oven, and braise for 3 hours until pork is fork-tender. Remove the pork, tent with foil, and let rest 15 minutes before slicing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Apple-Cider Braised Pork Shoulder with Diced Apples take to make?

Total time is about 195 minutes (15 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Apple-Cider Braised Pork Shoulder with Diced Apples?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds, bone-in pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Apple-Cider Braised Pork Shoulder with Diced Apples?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Apple-Cider Braised Pork Shoulder with Diced Apples for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Apple-Cider Braised Pork Shoulder with Diced Apples?

American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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