Slow Cooker Apple-Rosemary Pork Shoulder

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

Tender pork shoulder slow-cooked with sweet apples and aromatic rosemary, creating a rich, savory sauce perfect for weeknight comfort. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 555 minutes pairs Pork shoulder, Honey, Apple cider for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 6, 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: 540 min Serves 6 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 3 lbs pork shoulder evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then pat dry with paper towels. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear the pork shoulder on all sides for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply browned.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the seared pork shoulder to a slow cooker. Add 1/4 cup honey, 1/2 cup apple cider, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 3 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 2 peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples, 1 chopped yellow onion, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Apple-Rosemary Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 555 minutes (15 min prep + 540 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 Cooker Apple-Rosemary 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 Slow Cooker Apple-Rosemary 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 Slow Cooker Apple-Rosemary Pork Shoulder for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Cooker Apple-Rosemary Pork Shoulder?

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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