Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Spiced Apple-Maple Glaze

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

Tender slow-roasted pork shoulder glazed with a warm blend of apple cider, maple syrup, and aromatic spices for a comforting meal. This american-inspired pork ready in about 320 minutes pairs bone-in pork shoulder, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 8, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 300 min Serves 8 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Mix 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 4 lbs pork shoulder all over with 2 tbsp olive oil, then evenly coat with the spice mixture.
  3. Step 3: Place pork in a roasting pan, tuck 3 sprigs fresh thyme around it, and roast uncovered for 4.5 to 5 hours until meat is fork-tender and internal temperature reaches 195°F.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine 1 cup apple cider, 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and reduce by half until syrupy, about 15 minutes.
  5. Step 5: During the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the glaze generously over the pork every 10 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before shredding or slicing. Serve with any remaining glaze.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Spiced Apple-Maple Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 320 minutes (20 min prep + 300 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 Spiced Apple-Maple Glaze?

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 Spiced Apple-Maple Glaze?

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 Spiced Apple-Maple Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Spiced Apple-Maple Glaze?

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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