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Nothing beats the comforting flavors of slow-braised meats when fall rolls around, and this Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder feels like autumn on a plate. The pork becomes incredibly tender as it cooks slowly in apple cider, absorbing all that sweet, tangy goodness.

As it simmers, the house fills with a warm, spiced aroma that practically begs you to grab a blanket and cozy up. It’s the perfect dish for crisp, cool evenings when all you want is something hearty and satisfying.

What makes this recipe special is the way the cider enhances the natural richness of the pork, creating a beautiful balance of flavors. The sweetness of the apples mingles with savory herbs like rosemary and thyme, while the low-and-slow cooking method ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

It’s a one-pot meal that not only tastes amazing but also gives you time to enjoy the season while it works its magic in the oven.

I love serving it with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful braising liquid, but it’s also fantastic with roasted vegetables. Share your favorite sides or tweaks, I’d love to hear how you make it your own!

What is the Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe?

Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a tender, flavorful dish where pork shoulder is slow-cooked in apple cider. The pork is first seared, then simmered with cider, onions, and herbs until it becomes soft and juicy. The cider adds a sweet, tangy flavor, making the pork perfect for serving with mashed potatoes or vegetables. Ideal for a hearty meal!

Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe

Fall flavors shine in this Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder! A comforting dish perfect for cooler weather, this recipe features succulent pork shoulder braised in sweet apple cider, infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and tender vegetables. The result is a hearty meal that’s not only simple to prepare but also perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 1

Cook Time 3 30

Total Time 4 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 445 kcal

Ingredients

5-6 lb. Pork Shoulder
1 Tbsp Kosher Salt
¼ Cup Pork Seasoning
3 Tbsp Avocado Oil
2 Cups Apple Cider
2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
½ Large White Onion Sliced
5 Cloves Garlic Minced
1 Large Honeycrisp Apple Sliced
3 lbs. Baby Red Potatoes
5 Sprigs Fresh Rosemary
5 Sprigs Fresh Thyme

Instructions

Prep the Pork: Massage the Pork Shoulder with Kosher Salt and Pork Seasoning, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325ºF.
Sear the Pork: Heat Avocado Oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat. Sear each side of the Pork Shoulder for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the pork from the pot once browned on all sides.
Deglaze the Pot: Add ½ Cup of Apple Cider Vinegar to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Then add the remaining Apple Cider, Worcestershire Sauce, Onion, and Garlic. Whisk to combine.
Add Vegetables: Toss in the Baby Red Potatoes and Honeycrisp Apple slices to coat them in the mixture.
Braise the Pork: Nestle the Pork Shoulder in the pot with the vegetables and add the Fresh Rosemary and Thyme. Cover and bake for 3-3.5 hours, basting the pork with Apple Cider every hour.
Check for Doneness: When the Pork reaches 200ºF or is easily shreddable with a fork, remove it from the oven.
Rest and Serve: Let the meat rest for 10 minutes. Remove the herb stems, shred the pork, and serve with the accompanying vegetables and sauce.

Notes

For the best flavor, use apple cider instead of apple juice.
Cooking the pork until it reaches an internal temperature of 200ºF ensures it’s easily shreddable and full of flavor.