Slow Cooked Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Sweet Potatoes

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

Tender pork shoulder simmered in a sweet maple and apple cider glaze with roasted sweet potatoes for a comforting weeknight meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 495 minutes pairs Pork shoulder, Maple syrup, Apple cider vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 510 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: 480 min Serves 4 American cuisine 510 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Add 3 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 4 minced garlic cloves on top.
  3. Step 3: Arrange the cubed sweet potatoes around the pork. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Pour 1/2 cup chicken broth into the slow cooker, ensuring it surrounds the vegetables but doesn't cover the pork.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is fork-tender and the sweet potatoes are caramelized.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooked Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Sweet Potatoes 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 Slow Cooked Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Sweet Potatoes?

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 Slow Cooked Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Sweet Potatoes?

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 Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Sweet Potatoes 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 Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Sweet Potatoes?

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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