Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider

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

A fall-off-the-bone tender slow cooker masterpiece with sweet-tart apple cider and smoky maple glaze, perfect for cozy weeknights. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder roast, apple cider, pure maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker, then scatter the sliced onion and chopped carrots evenly around it.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together apple cider, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a bowl, then pour the mixture over the meat and vegetables.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 5 hours, until the pork pulls apart easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Remove the pork and vegetables, then strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes until reduced by half and thickened into a glossy glaze.
  5. Step 5: Slice the pork and drizzle with the reduced glaze before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider 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 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 pork shoulder roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed 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 Maple-Glazed 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 Maple-Glazed 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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