Slow Cooker Cinnamon-Studded Pork Shoulder
Tender pork shoulder braised with warm spices and apple cider until fork-tender, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, apple cider, diced onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 large diced onions
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2.5 lbs pork shoulder in slow cooker, then add 1 cup diced onions, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth.
- Step 2: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours until pork is fork-tender, stirring once after 4 hours to distribute flavors.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups diced carrots, 2 cups diced potatoes, and 1 tbsp fresh thyme during the last 30 minutes of cooking, then cook until vegetables are tender and sauce has thickened slightly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Cinnamon-Studded Pork Shoulder take to make?
Total time is about 500 minutes (20 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 Cooker Cinnamon-Studded 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 Cinnamon-Studded 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 Cinnamon-Studded 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 Cinnamon-Studded 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
