House-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Apple-Herb Glaze

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

Slow-smoked pork shoulder glazed with a sweet-tart apple and rosemary reduction for tender, flavorful slices. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 265 minutes pairs pork shoulder butt, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 8, 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 240 min Serves 8 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp coarse sea salt, and 1 tsp black pepper in a small bowl. Rub evenly over all surfaces of 4 lbs pork shoulder butt.
  2. Step 2: Smoke pork shoulder at 225°F for 3-4 hours until internal temperature reaches 165°F, or until bark forms on the surface.
  3. Step 3: While smoking, simmer 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, and 1/4 cup diced onion in a small saucepan over medium heat for 10 minutes until reduced by half and thickened slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from smoker and let rest for 15 minutes. Slice 1 inch thick, then brush generously with the apple-herb glaze.
  5. Step 5: Return slices to smoker for 15 minutes to reheat and absorb glaze, then serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does House-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Apple-Herb Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 265 minutes (25 min prep + 240 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 House-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Apple-Herb 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 pork shoulder butt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in House-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Apple-Herb 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 House-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Apple-Herb Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 House-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Apple-Herb 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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