Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Apple and Fennel
Tender, slow-roasted pork shoulder partnered with sweet apples and aromatic fennel for a comforting Whole30 meal with layered flavors. This whole30-inspired whole30 (whole30) ready in about 275 minutes pairs bone-in pork shoulder, medium apple, cored and sliced, large fennel bulb, sliced thin 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs bone-in pork shoulder
- 2 medium apple, cored and sliced
- 1 large fennel bulb, sliced thin
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Rub 3 lbs bone-in pork shoulder all over with 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary.
- Step 2: Place pork shoulder fat side up in a large roasting pan. Surround with 2 sliced medium apples and 1 large thinly sliced fennel bulb.
- Step 3: Pour 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar and 1 cup water into the pan, cover tightly with foil, and roast for 4 hours until pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
- Step 4: Remove foil, increase oven to 425°F, and roast uncovered for 20 minutes to crisp the exterior.
- Step 5: Let pork rest for 15 minutes, then shred with two forks, mixing in roasted apples and fennel before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Apple and Fennel take to make?
Total time is about 275 minutes (15 min prep + 260 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-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Apple and Fennel?
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-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Apple and Fennel?
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-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Apple and Fennel 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.
Is Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Apple and Fennel whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
