Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple Chutney
Slow-cooked pork shoulder with a sweet-spicy maple glaze, served alongside a fruity apple chutney for a comforting weeknight meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 370 minutes blends pork shoulder, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar 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 450 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup (chopped) onion
- 1 cup (diced) apples
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 lbs pork shoulder in a slow cooker, then mix 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard in a bowl and pour over the pork, ensuring even coating.
- Step 2: Top pork with 1/2 cup chopped onion, cover, and cook on LOW for 6 hours until fork-tender.
- Step 3: While pork cooks, sauté 1 cup diced apples and 1/4 cup raisins in a small saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes until apples soften, then stir in 1/2 tsp cinnamon and cook 2 more minutes.
- Step 4: Remove pork from slow cooker, slice, and serve with 1 tbsp all-purpose flour mixed into the pan juices (simmer 1 minute to thicken), spooning over pork and chutney.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple Chutney take to make?
Total time is about 370 minutes (10 min prep + 360 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple Chutney?
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-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple Chutney?
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 Chutney for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Chutney?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.