Oven-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Apple and Sage

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

Slow-roasted pork shoulder infused with fresh sage and sweet apple, creating a tender and flavorful centerpiece perfect for a comforting regional meal. This american-inspired pork ready in about 245 minutes pairs bone-in pork shoulder, chopped fresh sage leaves, medium, cored and sliced apples for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 8, 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: 225 min Serves 8 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Rub 4 lbs pork shoulder all over with 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage.
  2. Step 2: Place the pork shoulder fat side up in a roasting pan. Scatter 4 smashed garlic cloves and 2 sliced apples around the meat.
  3. Step 3: Pour 1 cup chicken broth into the pan to keep the pork moist during roasting.
  4. Step 4: Cover the roasting pan tightly with foil and roast in the oven for 3 hours.
  5. Step 5: Remove the foil and add the remaining sliced apples on top of the pork, then roast uncovered for an additional 45 minutes until the pork is tender and the edges caramelize.
  6. Step 6: Let the pork rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serve with the roasted apples and pan juices.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 245 minutes (20 min prep + 225 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-Roasted 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 bone-in pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Roasted 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-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Apple and Sage for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Apple and Sage?

American pork 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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