Honey-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider

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

A fall-off-the-bone tender pork shoulder glazed with a sweet-tart apple cider reduction, slow-cooked for maximum flavor and minimal effort. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 535 minutes pairs pork shoulder roast, apple cider, honey 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.

★ 4.0 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 520 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat slow cooker to Low; season 3 lbs pork shoulder roast evenly with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried thyme.
  2. Step 2: Place seasoned pork in slow cooker, then pour 1 cup apple cider and 3 tbsp honey over it; dot with 2 tbsp Dijon mustard.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on Low for 8-10 hours until pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork to a cutting board, tent with foil, and let rest for 15 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Skim excess fat from cooking liquid, then return liquid to pot and simmer uncovered on medium-high for 10-12 minutes until reduced to a glossy glaze that coats the back of a spoon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider take to make?

Total time is about 535 minutes (15 min prep + 520 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 Honey-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider?

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 roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider?

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 Honey-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider 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 Honey-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider?

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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