Slow-Cooked Honey-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple

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

A tender pork shoulder braised with apples and honey, slow-cooked to perfection for a comforting weeknight meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 390 minutes pairs trimmed of excess fat pork shoulder, olive oil, large, chopped onion 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 375 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season 2 lb trimmed pork shoulder with salt and pepper, then sear for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large chopped onion and 2 cloves minced garlic to the pot, cooking for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 1 cup apple cider, 1/4 cup honey, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp dried thyme, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
  3. Step 3: Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours until pork is fork-tender. Remove pork and set aside. Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid, then stir in 2 medium sliced apples. Cook uncovered on high for 15 minutes until apples are tender and sauce thickens slightly.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Honey-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple take to make?

Total time is about 390 minutes (15 min prep + 375 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 Slow-Cooked Honey-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Honey-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple?

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 Slow-Cooked Honey-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple 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 Slow-Cooked Honey-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple?

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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