Honey-Mustard Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender, sweet-and-tangy pulled pork shoulder with a glossy glaze, served with roasted apples for natural sweetness kids adore. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 385 minutes pairs boneless 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 350 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.

★ 4.2 (9 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder roast dry with paper towels. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the pork on all sides until golden brown (about 3 minutes per side).
  2. Step 2: Transfer seared pork to slow cooker. Add 1 cup apple cider, 1/4 cup honey, 3 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Stir to combine.
  3. Step 3: Place 2 cups diced apples around the pork. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours until pork pulls apart easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Carefully remove pork, shred with two forks, and mix back into the sauce. Let it rest 10 minutes for flavors to meld before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 385 minutes (25 min prep + 360 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-Mustard 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 boneless pork shoulder roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Mustard 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-Mustard 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-Mustard 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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