Savory Apple & Saurkraut Pork Shoulder

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender pork shoulder simmered with tart apples, tangy sauerkraut, and warm spices in the slow cooker for a comforting Whole30 dinner. This american-inspired slow cooker (whole30, dairy free) ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, sauerkraut, medium Honeycrisp apples 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.

★ 3.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, then dice into 1-inch cubes. Place all pork pieces in the slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: Core and dice the Honeycrisp apples into 1/2-inch pieces, then add to the slow cooker along with the diced carrots, sauerkraut, and minced garlic cloves.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together coconut aminos, rosemary, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl, then pour over the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours until pork is fork-tender and apples are caramelized at the edges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Savory Apple & Saurkraut Pork Shoulder 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 Savory Apple & Saurkraut Pork Shoulder?

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 Savory Apple & Saurkraut Pork Shoulder?

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 Savory Apple & Saurkraut Pork Shoulder 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.

Is Savory Apple & Saurkraut Pork Shoulder whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, 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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