Slow Cooker Cinnamon-Spiced Pulled Pork with Pineapple

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

Tender pork shoulder shredded in a sweet-tangy pineapple glaze, ideal for sandwiches or bowls. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 525 minutes pairs pork shoulder, pineapple juice, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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.

★ 4.3 (76 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 510 min Serves 6 American cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 lbs cubed pork shoulder, 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 minced onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves in slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork, shred with two forks, and return to slow cooker with 1/2 cup pineapple chunks. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes to thicken sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Cinnamon-Spiced Pulled Pork with Pineapple take to make?

Total time is about 525 minutes (15 min prep + 510 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 Cinnamon-Spiced Pulled Pork with Pineapple?

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 Cinnamon-Spiced Pulled Pork with Pineapple?

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 Cinnamon-Spiced Pulled Pork with Pineapple 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 Cinnamon-Spiced Pulled Pork with Pineapple?

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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