Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Apple Cider Glaze

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

Tender pork shoulder simmered in a sweet-tangy apple cider glaze, served on toasted buns with a refreshing coleslaw topping. This southern-inspired slow cooker ready in about 495 minutes pairs pounds, boneless pork shoulder, apple cider, tablespoons brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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 Southern cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1.5 pounds boneless pork shoulder in a slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup apple cider, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Pour the apple cider mixture over the pork in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat with sauce.
  4. Step 4: Toast 4 buns in a skillet over medium heat until golden. Place a generous portion of pulled pork on each bun and top with 1/4 cup coleslaw.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Apple Cider Glaze 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 Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Apple Cider Glaze?

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 apple cider from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Apple Cider Glaze?

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 Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Apple Cider Glaze 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 Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Apple Cider Glaze?

Southern 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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