Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Roasted Root Vegetables

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

Tender pork shoulder braised in a sweet-savory maple sauce, served with caramelized carrots and parsnips. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 165 minutes pairs pork shoulder, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 140 min Serves 4 American cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the pork shoulder for 4 minutes per side until deeply browned, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in 3 tbsp maple syrup and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar until bubbly.
  4. Step 4: Return the pork to the pot, nestling it in the sauce, then add the carrots and parsnips around it. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp fresh thyme.
  5. Step 5: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F. Braise for 2 hours until the pork is fork-tender and the vegetables are caramelized.
  6. Step 6: Remove the lid, increase oven temperature to 400°F, and roast for an additional 20 minutes until the vegetables are golden at the edges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Roasted Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 165 minutes (25 min prep + 140 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 Roasted Root Vegetables?

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 Roasted Root Vegetables?

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 Roasted Root Vegetables 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 Roasted Root Vegetables?

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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