A delicious and cozy apple cider braised pork shoulder always felt like the kind of meal that brought everyone to the table. Slow-cooked until tender and infused with sweet, tangy flavors, it was a recipe perfect for weekends, holidays, or anytime you wanted a hearty family dinner without the fuss.
Best Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork shoulder, bone-in or boneless | 3 to 4 pounds |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion, chopped | 1 large |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Apple cider | 2 cups |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried rosemary | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Apples, cored and sliced | 2 |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | For garnish |
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Diet: Gluten Free
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Season the pork shoulder well with salt and pepper on every side.
Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then sear the pork until beautifully browned on all sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and let it cook for one minute until fragrant.
Pour in the apple cider, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Add the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, thyme, and rosemary. Mix until everything is combined.
Return the pork shoulder to the pot, nestling it into the braising liquid. Scatter the sliced apples on top.
Cover with a lid and place the pot in the oven. Let it braise for 3–4 hours, or until the pork becomes tender enough to pull apart with a fork.
Remove the pot from the oven and allow the pork to rest for about 15 minutes. Slice or shred the meat and spoon the warm braising liquid and cooked apples over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Notes
If you want a little heat, add about 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the liquid.
This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 serving Calories: 450 Sugar: 10g Sodium: varies Fat: 30g Saturated Fat: varies Unsaturated Fat: varies Trans Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 10g Fiber: varies Protein: 35g Cholesterol: varies
