Braised Green County Pork Shoulder with Apple and Sage

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

Tender pork shoulder slow-braised with tart apples and fragrant sage, inspired by South Central Wisconsin flavors. This american-inspired pork ready in about 170 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch chunks pork shoulder, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 3 lbs of pork shoulder chunks with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the pork in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply caramelized, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 large sliced yellow onion to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 6 chopped fresh sage leaves, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 1/2 cups apple cider and 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add 1 large peeled and sliced green apple and 3 thyme sprigs.
  4. Step 4: Return the pork to the pot, bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Braise gently for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork and apples to a serving dish. Stir 2 tbsp butter into the braising liquid and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Pour the sauce over the pork and apples before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Braised Green County Pork Shoulder with Apple and Sage take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Braised Green County Pork Shoulder with Apple and Sage?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Green County Pork Shoulder with Apple and Sage?

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 Braised Green County Pork Shoulder with Apple and Sage 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 Braised Green County Pork Shoulder with Apple and Sage?

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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