Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple

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

Tender pork shoulder simmered in a sweet-tart honey-apple glaze, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that requires minimal effort. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 500 minutes pairs bone-in pork shoulder, olive oil, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place the 3 lbs bone-in pork shoulder in the slow cooker and rub with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; sear on all sides in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes per side until golden brown, then return to the slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 3 minced garlic cloves until smooth; pour over the pork.
  3. Step 3: Add the 1 large onion (thinly sliced), 2 cups chicken broth, 2 medium apples (peeled and diced), and 1 tsp dried thyme to the slow cooker.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the pork is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork and let rest for 10 minutes. Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid, then strain and return to the slow cooker; simmer on high for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Slice the pork and serve with the reduced sauce and apples.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple 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 Honey-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple?

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 bone-in pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple?

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 Honey-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple 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 Honey-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apple?

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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