Slow Cooker Maple-Glazed Pulled Pork with Apple Cider
Tender pulled pork slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy maple-apple cider glaze, perfect for sandwiches or hearty plates. This American-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 495 minutes, pairs pork shoulder roast, apple cider, pure maple syrup 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder roast
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create a spice rub.
- Step 2: Rub this spice blend all over the surface of the 3 lb pork shoulder roast, pressing to adhere evenly.
- Step 3: Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and pour 1 cup apple cider, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar over the meat.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the pork is fall-apart tender.
- Step 5: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Step 6: Stir the shredded pork back into the juices in the slow cooker, mixing well to coat with the maple-apple glaze before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Maple-Glazed Pulled Pork with Apple Cider 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 Pulled Pork with Apple Cider?
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 roast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Maple-Glazed Pulled Pork with Apple Cider?
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 Pulled Pork with Apple Cider 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 Pulled Pork with Apple Cider?
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.
