Slow Cooker Kentucky Bourbon Glazed Pork Shoulder

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

Tender pork shoulder slow-cooked with a sweet and tangy Kentucky bourbon glaze, perfect for a comforting family meal. This american-inspired french ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, bourbon whiskey, apple cider vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 3 lbs pork shoulder with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, and 4 minced garlic cloves, massaging the spices evenly over the meat.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork shoulder and sear on all sides until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side, then transfer to the slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup water until the sugar dissolves. Pour the mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium diced onion on top of the pork. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and tent with foil. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until it thickens into a glaze.
  6. Step 6: Shred the pork with two forks and drizzle the bourbon glaze over the top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Kentucky Bourbon Glazed 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 Kentucky Bourbon Glazed 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 Kentucky Bourbon Glazed 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 Kentucky Bourbon Glazed 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 Kentucky Bourbon Glazed Pork Shoulder?

American french 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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