Slow-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Peach Glaze

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

Fall-apart tender pork shoulder smoked low and slow, finished with a sweet-tart peach glaze that complements local produce. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 500 minutes pairs Pork shoulder (bone-in), Brown sugar, Smoked paprika 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare a smoker to 225°F (107°C) with 1/2 cup hickory wood chips in the smoker box and 1 cup water in the water pan.
  2. Step 2: Pat 5 lbs pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt evenly over the entire surface.
  3. Step 3: Place pork shoulder on the smoker rack and smoke for 6-8 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 195°F, adding 1 cup water to the water pan as needed to maintain moisture.
  4. Step 4: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup peach preserves and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Heat over medium-low until melted and smooth, about 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: During the last 30 minutes of smoking, brush 1/4 cup peach glaze over the pork shoulder every 10 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Peach Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 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-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Peach 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 pork shoulder (bone-in) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Peach 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-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Peach Glaze 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-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Peach Glaze?

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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