Evolved Heritage Pork Shoulder with Apple & Thyme Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A modern twist on a classic dish, where slow-cooked pork shoulder melds with caramelized apples and thyme for a deeply authentic flavor journey. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 180 minutes pairs trimmed pork shoulder, apple cider, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 3.6 (13 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat 3 lbs trimmed pork shoulder dry, then rub with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1/4 cup chopped thyme. Place in a roasting pan and roast for 2.5 hours until internal temperature reaches 195°F.
  2. Step 2: While pork cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 sliced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Step 3: Slowly whisk in 1 cup apple cider and 1 cup chicken stock, bringing to a simmer. Add 2 thinly sliced apples, 1/4 cup honey, and 1 tbsp butter, cooking for 10 minutes until sauce thickens and apples are tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from oven, tent with foil, and let rest for 20 minutes. Slice pork into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
  5. Step 5: Pour the apple-thyme sauce over the sliced pork, ensuring each piece is coated. Serve immediately with the pan juices.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Evolved Heritage Pork Shoulder with Apple & Thyme Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 180 minutes (30 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 Evolved Heritage Pork Shoulder with Apple & Thyme Glaze?

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 trimmed pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Evolved Heritage Pork Shoulder with Apple & Thyme Glaze?

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 Evolved Heritage Pork Shoulder with Apple & Thyme Glaze 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 Evolved Heritage Pork Shoulder with Apple & Thyme Glaze?

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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