Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple Slices

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

Tender pork shoulder slow-cooked with a sweet maple glaze and fresh apples for a comforting, one-pot dinner. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs pork shoulder, pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.0 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 lbs pork shoulder in slow cooker. Whisk 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme in a bowl; pour over pork.
  2. Step 2: Arrange 2 medium cored and sliced apples and 1 large sliced onion around pork. Sprinkle 2 minced garlic cloves over top.
  3. Step 3: Pour 1 cup chicken broth into slow cooker, ensuring liquid covers the bottom but doesn't submerge pork.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork and vegetables; skim excess fat from cooking liquid, then return pork and vegetables to glaze for 15 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 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 Slices?

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 Slices?

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 Slices 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 Slices?

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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