Maple Bacon-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Blueberry BBQ Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork shoulder smoked to perfection and glazed with a unique blueberry and maple syrup BBQ sauce accented with smoky bacon. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 630 minutes blends pounds pork shoulder, kosher salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 8, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 30 min Cook: 600 min Serves 8 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, and 2 tbsp brown sugar. Rub this spice mix evenly over all sides of the 4-pound pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Place the pork shoulder directly on the grate and smoke for 8-10 hours until internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender.
  3. Step 3: While the pork smokes, cook 4 chopped bacon strips in a medium saucepan over medium heat until crispy and fat is rendered, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon pieces and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup fresh Maine blueberries, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 2 tbsp Jim Beam bourbon to the bacon fat. Simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and blueberries burst.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from smoker and let rest for 20 minutes. Shred the meat and toss with half of the blueberry BBQ sauce. Serve with remaining sauce on the side and sprinkle with the reserved crispy bacon pieces.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple Bacon-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Blueberry BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 630 minutes (30 min prep + 600 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Maple Bacon-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Blueberry BBQ Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple Bacon-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Blueberry BBQ Sauce?

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 Maple Bacon-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Blueberry BBQ Sauce 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 Maple Bacon-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Blueberry BBQ Sauce?

American bbq & smoked 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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