Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about a slow-cooked meal, especially one infused with the sweetness of apples and the richness of tender pork.

This Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe is the ultimate fall comfort food — perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home.

The apple cider creates a flavorful base that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks, infusing the meat with a slightly tangy and sweet aroma.

Each bite melts in your mouth, combining savory depth with a hint of fruitiness.

Whether served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered noodles, this Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate.

It’s hearty, rustic, and soul-satisfying. The secret is patience — slow cooking lets the flavors blend and the pork become irresistibly tender.

When I First Introduced To

I first discovered the Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe during a fall trip to Vermont.

The aroma of apples and herbs filled the kitchen, and I knew this dish would become a seasonal favorite.

It reminded me how comfort food connects people through simple, wholesome flavors.

Equipment List

• Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon
• Tongs
• Aluminum foil
• Serving platter

Full Ingredients List

• 3–4 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 apples, sliced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Pat the pork dry with paper towels.
3. Season with salt and pepper evenly.
4. Heat oil in the Dutch oven.
5. Sear pork until golden on all sides.
6. Remove pork and set aside.
7. Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
8. Stir in apples and cook for 2 minutes.
9. Add cider, broth, mustard, and vinegar.
10. Scrape browned bits from the bottom.
11. Return pork to the pot.
12. Add thyme and bay leaf.
13. Cover with lid or foil.
14. Transfer to oven and braise 3 hours.
15. Remove lid for last 20 minutes.
16. Check tenderness; pork should shred easily.
17. Discard bay leaf and thyme sprigs.
18. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Recipe Tips

1. Use real apple cider, not cider vinegar.
2. Sear pork well to lock in flavor.
3. Add a splash of cider before serving for brightness.
4. Shred leftovers for sandwiches or tacos.
5. Let pork rest before slicing for juicier meat.

What to Serve With Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
Smooth and buttery mashed potatoes absorb the apple-cider gravy perfectly, balancing the rich flavors of the pork.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts:
Their nutty, caramelized edges pair beautifully with the tangy-sweet sauce from the Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe.

3. Buttery Egg Noodles:
Light and comforting, these noodles make an ideal base for the tender, shredded pork and its luscious sauce.

Conclusion

The Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe is a cozy, flavorful meal for any season, but it shines brightest in fall.

Simple to prepare yet full of depth, it transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary. Serve it for family dinners or festive gatherings — it’s always a crowd-pleaser.