Oven-Baked Pork Shoulder with Apple and Sage

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting dish of tender pork shoulder slow-baked with sweet apples and earthy sage, perfect for a weeknight dinner. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 170 minutes pairs Pork shoulder, Apple, Sage for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat 2 lbs pork shoulder dry and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 finely chopped onion to the pot and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return the seared pork shoulder to the pot. Add 2 diced apples (peeled, 1/2-inch cubes), 2 tbsp chopped sage, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 cup chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then cover with a lid and transfer to the oven.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 2 hours 30 minutes, or until the pork is fork-tender. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Baked Pork Shoulder with Apple and Sage take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Oven-Baked Pork Shoulder with Apple and Sage?

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 Oven-Baked Pork Shoulder with Apple and Sage?

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 Oven-Baked Pork Shoulder with Apple and Sage 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 Oven-Baked Pork Shoulder with Apple and Sage?

American one pot 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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