Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Introduction

Nothing brings warmth and comfort to the table quite like Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder. The savory flavor of tender pork, slow-braised in aromatic apple cider and spices, creates an irresistible main course perfect for Sunday dinner, celebrations, or cozy family gatherings. This dish delivers deep, complex flavor with surprisingly simple ingredients, all cooked in one pot—making it a standout choice for any home chef looking to impress without the stress.

Why Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a Family Favorite

What makes this dish so special is the sweet and tangy reduction created as the pork braises in apple cider, mingling with onions, garlic, and herbs. The result is fork-tender meat drenched in a glossy, flavor-packed sauce that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this is a crowd-pleaser for both weeknight dinners and festive tables.

Building Layers of Flavor

Browning the pork first forms a tasty crust that locks in juices, while sauteed aromatics lay the flavor foundation. As the pork slowly braises in the oven, the apple cider breaks down the meat’s fibers, infusing every bite with gentle sweetness and subtle acidity—elevating the humble pork shoulder into pure comfort food.

Serving Suggestions for Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Serve generous slices of pork shoulder atop creamy mashed potatoes or a rustic root vegetable mash, spooning plenty of the rich apple cider sauce on top. Pair with sautéed greens or roasted carrots for color and nutrition. This main dish is substantial enough to be the centerpiece of a holiday dinner or a cozy fall supper.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people, depending on portion size. Each serving typically provides around 350–400 calories, with 30g protein, 15g fat, and 15g carbohydrates (nutrition values will vary based on the cut and any added sides). Pork shoulder is an excellent source of protein and essential minerals, making this dish both flavorful and satisfying.

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder (Recap)

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder brings together savory meat, cider’s touch of sweetness, and comforting, rich flavors. It’s easy enough for everyday cooking but impressive enough for entertaining.

💡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 weekly meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the pork shoulder dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until well browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer pork to a plate.
3. In the same pot, add onions and sauté for 2–3 minutes, scraping up browned bits. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in apple cider, broth, and apple cider vinegar. Stir in Dijon mustard, bay leaves, and thyme.
5. Return pork to the pot, nestling it among the liquid and aromatics. Tuck apple wedges around the pork. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover tightly with a lid or heavy foil.
6. Transfer to the oven and braise for 3–3.5 hours, or until pork is fork-tender and pulls apart easily.
7. Remove from oven. Skim excess fat, discard bay leaves and thyme stems, and transfer pork to a platter. Shred large pieces with two forks, mixing with onions, apples, and braising liquid.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is perfect for meal prepping and planning family meals throughout the week. Save and schedule this recipe to plan cooking days and automatically generate a consolidated shopping list—integrating all your planned meals for streamlined grocery runs.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculates total ingredients across all scheduled recipes
– Organizes your shopping list by grocery store section for speedy shopping
– Helps you prevent duplicate buys and forgotten items
– Cuts down on prep and decision time so you can enjoy more home-cooked meals

Pro tip: When you schedule multiple dinners including this braised pork, CookifyAI will sum overlapping ingredients (like onions, apples, or broth) so you buy only what you need—making your meal prep smarter and less wasteful.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3–3.5 hours
Total Time: About 3 hours 45 minutes