Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Introduction

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder delivers irresistible comfort with a tantalizing blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Slow braising in apple cider transforms a humble cut into fork-tender perfection, while fragrant herbs and root vegetables infuse each bite with rich depth. Elegant enough for dinner parties and simple enough for family meals, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and flavor to any table.

Why Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Is a Must-Try

This recipe stands out for its cozy combination of juicy pork and apple cider—the cider mellows during a slow braise, yielding a tender roast with subtle sweetness and a gorgeous glaze. The result is a succulent pork shoulder surrounded by caramelized onions, carrots, and apples, making every serving hearty and flavorful. The aroma alone will have everyone eager for dinner.

Crafting a Flavor-Packed Braising Liquid

Your apple cider braising liquid is the foundation: fresh apple cider, chicken stock, Dijon mustard, and a splash of vinegar elevate the pork and complement autumnal flavors. For extra depth, add aromatics like garlic, rosemary, and thyme. This luscious combination bathes the pork as it slowly cooks, marrying sweet and savory notes into a glossy, spoonable sauce.

Preparing the Pork Shoulder

Begin by patting the pork dry and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and herbs. Searing the pork until golden brown locks in flavor and creates a beautiful base for your vegetables. Layer onion wedges, carrot chunks, and apple cubes in a Dutch oven, tuck the pork on top, and pour the apple cider mixture over everything. Low and slow braising in the oven ensures fall-apart tenderness.

Serving Suggestions for a Showstopping Meal

Slice or shred your pork shoulder and serve over creamy mashed potatoes or soft polenta, with the sweet cider sauce ladled on top. Garnish with chopped parsley or extra apple slices for a pop of color. This dish is equally delicious with crusty bread to mop up every drop of sauce and a side of roasted seasonal veggies.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people, with each portion averaging 400-500 calories, depending on sides and modifications. It offers a balanced mix of lean protein and satisfying root vegetables—an indulgence perfect for sharing.

Deliciously Memorable Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder (Recap)

With tender pork, caramelized vegetables, and a luscious cider sauce, this dinner is sure to impress. The balance of flavors and comforting aroma make it a must-have for festive occasions, Sunday suppers, or anytime you crave rustic, slow-cooked goodness.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and seamless meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Pat pork shoulder dry and season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high. Sear pork on all sides until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side). Transfer to a plate.
4. Add onions, carrots, and apples to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
5. Stir in garlic, cook 1 minute more.
6. Return pork to the pot. Pour in apple cider, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine.
7. Add rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
8. Cover and transfer to oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, until pork is fork-tender and sauce is reduced.
9. Remove pork; tent with foil. Skim any excess fat from sauce, simmer if needed to thicken (5-10 minutes).
10. Slice or shred pork, serve with vegetables and sauce. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This comforting recipe is ideal for incorporating into your weekly meal routine. Save and schedule this recipe to plan your week and automatically generate efficient shopping lists that consolidate ingredients across all your planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

– Instantly calculates total ingredient needs for multiple recipes
– Organizes shopping list by store sections for quicker trips
– Prevents duplicate ingredient purchases
– Simplifies complex weekly meal prep

Pro tip: When planning several dinners, schedule all your recipes to see where ingredients overlap—for instance, if another meal uses carrots or onions, your shopping list will automatically adjust, cutting down on waste and overbuying.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes