Bourbon-Maple Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple and Rosemary

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

A tender, aromatic pork shoulder slow-cooked with bourbon and maple syrup, featuring sweet-tart apples and earthy rosemary for a perfect weeknight meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, maple syrup, bourbon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the pork shoulder for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Stir 3 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp bourbon, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp chopped rosemary into the Dutch oven, scraping up browned bits. Pour this mixture over the pork, then add 1 cup chicken broth and 2 sliced apples.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until pork is fork-tender and pulls away from the bone.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork, slice thinly, and serve with the sauce and apples spooned over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bourbon-Maple Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple and Rosemary take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 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 Bourbon-Maple Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple and Rosemary?

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 pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bourbon-Maple Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple and Rosemary?

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-Maple Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple and Rosemary for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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-Maple Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple and Rosemary?

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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