Herb-Crusted Pork Shoulder with Roasted Root Vegetables

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork shoulder slow-cooked with a savory herb crust, surrounded by caramelized carrots, parsnips, and potatoes for a comforting Whole30 dinner. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 500 minutes pairs bone-in pork shoulder, avocado oil, dried thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 3.9 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the 3 lbs bone-in pork shoulder dry with paper towels, then rub 2 tbsp avocado oil evenly over the surface. Sprinkle with 2 tsp dried thyme, 2 tsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp sea salt, pressing to adhere.
  2. Step 2: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker, then arrange 2 medium carrots (peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks), 2 medium parsnips (peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks), 2 medium potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks), and 1 large onion (quartered) around it.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth to the slow cooker, swirling to combine and ensure broth surrounds vegetables without submerging pork.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until pork is fork-tender and vegetables are tender when pierced.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Crusted Pork Shoulder with Roasted Root Vegetables 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 Herb-Crusted Pork Shoulder with Roasted Root Vegetables?

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 bone-in pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Crusted Pork Shoulder with Roasted Root Vegetables?

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 Herb-Crusted Pork Shoulder with Roasted Root Vegetables 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 Herb-Crusted Pork Shoulder with Roasted Root Vegetables?

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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