Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple and Sage

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

A tender slow-cooker meal with sweet maple and savory apple, ideal for busy weeknights. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, maple syrup, medium apple for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 3 lb pork shoulder with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place in slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: Peel, core, and dice 2 medium apples into 1/2-inch pieces. Add to slow cooker with 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 cup chicken broth, and 1 diced large onion. Pour mixture over pork shoulder.
  4. Step 4: Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork and vegetables from slow cooker. Strain cooking liquid into a small saucepan and simmer on medium-high until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 10 minutes. Pour sauce over sliced pork and serve with roasted vegetables.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple and Sage take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 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 Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple and Sage?

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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple and Sage?

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-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple and Sage 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-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple and Sage?

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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