Slow Cooker Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apples and Onions

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

A tender, fall-apart pork shoulder simmered with sweet apples and caramelized onions in a sticky maple glaze, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar 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.

★ 4.2 (13 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: Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker, then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, rubbing to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Arrange sliced onions and apples around the pork, then scatter minced garlic, dried thyme, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar over the top.
  3. Step 3: Cook on LOW for 8 hours until pork is fork-tender and apples are soft, basting once halfway through with the cooking juices.
  4. Step 4: Transfer pork to a cutting board, tent with foil, and rest for 15 minutes before slicing thinly.
  5. Step 5: Discard excess liquid from the slow cooker, then return the cooked apples and onions to the pot, simmering on HIGH for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Serve sliced pork topped with the warm apple-onion mixture.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apples and Onions 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-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apples and Onions?

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-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apples and Onions?

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-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apples and Onions 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-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Apples and Onions?

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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