Bourbon-Glazed Smoked Pork Shoulder with Derby Pie Sauce

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

Slow-smoked pork shoulder glazed with a rich bourbon sauce, served with a decadent pecan-chocolate Derby Pie-inspired drizzle. This American-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 500 minutes, layers pork shoulder, kosher salt, black pepper into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Rub 4 lbs pork shoulder evenly with 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, and 2 tbsp brown sugar. Place the pork in the smoker and smoke for about 8 hours until internal temperature reaches 195°F, allowing the meat to become tender.
  2. Step 2: While the pork smokes, prepare the bourbon glaze by heating 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey with 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 tbsp maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: For the Derby Pie sauce, combine 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, and 1/4 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until melted and smooth, creating a rich, nutty chocolate sauce.
  4. Step 4: Once the pork shoulder is done, brush generously with the bourbon glaze and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve slices drizzled with the Derby Pie sauce for a sweet and smoky Kentucky-inspired meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bourbon-Glazed Smoked Pork Shoulder with Derby Pie Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Bourbon-Glazed Smoked Pork Shoulder with Derby Pie Sauce?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bourbon-Glazed Smoked Pork Shoulder with Derby Pie Sauce?

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 Bourbon-Glazed Smoked Pork Shoulder with Derby Pie Sauce 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 Bourbon-Glazed Smoked Pork Shoulder with Derby Pie Sauce?

American pork 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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