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Hey y’all! If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dish that fills your home with irresistible aromas and delivers juicy, fork-tender bites, this Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is about to become your new favorite. The subtle sweetness of apple cider melds beautifully with savory spices, creating a melt-in-your-mouth main that’s perfect for Sunday dinners, cozy holiday gatherings, or any night that needs something special. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

The pork turns out incredibly tender and juicy thanks to slow braising.

Apple cider adds a subtle, sweet complexity that perfectly complements the pork.
This recipe is ideal for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping.
It’s mostly hands-off after a quick sear and easy to make ahead.

The aroma while it cooks will have everyone’s mouths watering!

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Ingredients

1 (4-5 lb) boneless pork shoulder (also called Boston butt)
2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large yellow onion, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)

1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
1 large apple, cored and sliced

Directions: How to Make Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Step 1: Prep and Season the Pork Shoulder

Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Mix together the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Rub this seasoning blend all over the pork, pressing it into every crevice.

Step 2: Sear for Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side, until a deep golden crust forms. Transfer pork to a plate.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes, scraping up browned bits. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.

Step 4: Braise

Pour in apple cider and chicken broth, scraping up any remaining bits from the pot bottom. Whisk in Dijon mustard and brown sugar. Add bay leaves and apple slices. Return the pork shoulder (and any juices) to the pot, nestling it into the liquid.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Braise in the oven for 3 to 3.5 hours, turning the pork halfway through, until the meat is fork-tender and pulls apart easily.

Step 6: Rest, Shred, and Serve

Remove pork shoulder from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, remove bay leaves. Skim excess fat from the liquid if desired. Shred the pork with two forks, then spoon some cooking liquid and apples over the top to serve.

Notes & Tips for Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

For extra flavor, marinate the pork with the spice rub overnight in the fridge.
If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a heavy roasting pan tightly covered with foil works in a pinch (learn more about Dutch ovens here).
Try using freshly pressed apple cider for deeper apple flavor, available at most grocery stores in the fall (what is apple cider?).

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Variations

Spicy Apple Cider Pork: Add 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes or a chopped chipotle in adobo to the braising liquid.
Herb-Roasted Pork Shoulder: Swap thyme for rosemary and sage for an herb-forward flavor profile.
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pork: After searing, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.

Required Equipment for Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Large Dutch oven or oven-safe heavy pot with lid
Cutting board and sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Tongs or sturdy spatula
Two forks for shredding

Storage Instructions & Shelf Life

Let leftover pork cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of the cooking liquid to keep it moist.

Serving Recommendations & Pairings

Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta to soak up the flavorful juices.
Pair with sautéed greens, roasted carrots, or a crisp apple slaw for a balanced meal.
Try it piled high on a toasted brioche bun for a mouthwatering sandwich.

For wine, a medium-bodied Pinot Noir or hard apple cider pairs beautifully (wine and pork pairing tips).

Pro Tips for Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Don’t skip the searing step—it locks in flavor and creates delicious caramelized edges.
Let the pork rest before shredding to keep it juicy and easy to pull apart.

For thicker sauce, simmer the braising liquid on the stovetop after removing the pork until reduced to your liking (how to thicken sauces).

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder FAQ

Can I use bone-in pork shoulder?: Absolutely! Just allow an extra 30-45 minutes of cooking time; the bone adds even more flavor.
What’s the difference between apple cider and apple cider vinegar?: Apple cider is a sweet, unfiltered apple juice, while apple cider vinegar is fermented—never substitute one for the other in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe ahead?: Yes—Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder can be made a day in advance and reheated, making it perfect for entertaining.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Total time: 3 hours 50 minutes

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Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Ingredients

Directions: How to Make Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder