Slow Cooker Maple-Dijon Pork Shoulder with Apple and Onion

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

Tender pork shoulder slow-cooked in a maple and Dijon mustard glaze with sweet apples and caramelized onions for a hearty, comforting meal. This american-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, maple syrup, Dijon mustard 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.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 3 pounds pork shoulder with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then sear in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Transfer pork shoulder to slow cooker. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup maple syrup, 3 tbsp Dijon mustard, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Pour the maple-Dijon sauce over pork. Add 2 sliced medium apples, 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion, and 3 fresh thyme sprigs around the pork.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until pork is fork-tender and pulls apart easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork, shred with two forks, and stir back into the juices in the slow cooker. Serve hot with apple and onion mixture spooned over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Maple-Dijon Pork Shoulder with Apple and Onion take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 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 Maple-Dijon Pork Shoulder with Apple and Onion?

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 Maple-Dijon Pork Shoulder with Apple and Onion?

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 Maple-Dijon Pork Shoulder with Apple and Onion 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 Maple-Dijon Pork Shoulder with Apple and Onion?

American pork 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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