Cinnamon-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Caramelized Apples and Sauerkraut

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork shoulder slow-cooked with warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and tangy sauerkraut for a comforting meal that's perfect for chilly evenings. This french-inspired slow cooker (whole30) ready in about 495 minutes pairs Pork shoulder, medium, peeled and diced Apple, Sauerkraut for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 419 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 3.7 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 4 French cuisine 419 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear the pork shoulder for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, transferring it to the slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: Add the diced onions to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits, and stir in 1 tsp cinnamon and 1 cup drained sauerkraut.
  3. Step 3: Pour the onion mixture and 2 medium peeled and diced apples (about 3 cups) over the pork in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the pork is fork-tender.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cinnamon-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Caramelized Apples and Sauerkraut take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 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 Cinnamon-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Caramelized Apples and Sauerkraut?

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 Cinnamon-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Caramelized Apples and Sauerkraut?

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 Cinnamon-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Caramelized Apples and Sauerkraut for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Cinnamon-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Caramelized Apples and Sauerkraut whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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