Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Saurkraut & Cinnamon Apples

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

A savory-sweet Whole30 slow cooker masterpiece featuring tender pork shoulder braised with tangy sauerkraut, sweet apples, and warm cinnamon. This american-inspired slow cooker (dairy-free, gluten-free) ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, sauerkraut, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 6 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 pounds pork shoulder dry with paper towels, then season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork shoulder for 3 minutes per side until golden brown, transferring it to the slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: Finely chop 3 garlic cloves and add to the slow cooker with 1 cup sauerkraut, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon; toss gently to coat.
  3. Step 3: Peel and core 2 medium apples, then slice into 1/4-inch thick wedges and arrange around the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
  4. Step 4: Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours until pork is fork-tender and apples are soft but hold shape.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Saurkraut & Cinnamon Apples 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 Saurkraut & Cinnamon Apples?

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 Saurkraut & Cinnamon Apples?

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 Saurkraut & Cinnamon Apples 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.

Is Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Saurkraut & Cinnamon Apples dairy-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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