Savory Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder for Cozy Nights

November 10, 2025 by Jake

Are you ready to fill your kitchen with the mouth-watering aroma of Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder? This was one of those dishes I stumbled upon when I was desperately trying to impress my in-laws during their first visit to our new home. Boy, was it a hit! With succulent braised pork and a subtle hint of apple cider, this recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

If you’re looking for more comforting recipes, you might want to check out my breakfast potatoes recipe for easy crispy goodness.

Why you’ll love this recipe

This recipe blends the rich, savory flavors of pork with the sweet, fruity notes of fresh apple cider. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. Even on my busiest days, the minimal prep time and the oven doing most of the work make it a winner. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that taste even better the next day. Who doesn’t love that kind of meal?

Ingredients

4-5 lb pork shoulder roast or Boston butt roast
2 tablespoons neutral oil
2 cups fresh apple cider
2 cups chicken stock or broth
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon dehydrated minced onion
1 head of garlic
3 rosemary sprigs
4 thyme sprigs
1 red onion, cut into thick slices
2 firm and slightly tart apples, peeled and cut into wedges
Kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper

Step-by-step instructions

Preparing your Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F. Next, if your pork shoulder is energetically sporting a large fat cap, give it a little trim. I once left a ginormous piece on, and let’s just say it was an oily affair. Cut the pork into four large pieces unless it’s bone-in; then leave it whole.

Pat the pork dry with a paper towel, then season it liberally with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. You want all that goodness infused in your meat.

Searing and Braising

In a large Dutch oven, heat your oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the pork in a single layer, searing each side for about 4-5 minutes until it’s deeply browned.

While that’s happening, whisk together the apple cider, chicken stock, Dijon mustard, and minced onion.

Putting it All Together

Once the pork is browned, add the braising liquid to the pot. Toss in your tied bundle of rosemary and thyme, along with the garlic head. Cover and pop the pot into the oven for a 3-hour braise. Don’t forget to flip the pork halfway through!

Adding Final Touches

Approaching the final stretch, check the pork at the 2.5-hour mark if it’s boneless. Once it’s almost fork-tender, throw in the onion slices and apple wedges around the pork. Cover and continue cooking for another 30-45 minutes.

Rest and Serve

Remove your pork from the oven, allowing it to rest in the tasty braising liquid for 30 minutes. Squeeze the garlic cloves out and either mix them into the broth or let them ride on top of the pork for additional flavor. Serve with the juices generously spooned over your masterpiece.

Recipe tips & variations

To add an extra layer of flavor, you can try using smoked paprika when seasoning the pork. It’s a game-changer!

For a slight citrus twist, replace one cup of apple cider with orange juice.

Keep in mind that this dish is flexible. If you’re short on time, a boneless roast will cook faster.

Storage & reheating

The leftovers are just as divine! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, I prefer to do it over the stove in some of the braising liquid to keep the pork from drying out.

For longer storage, the pork can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to separate it from the sauce first.

FAQs

How can I tell if the pork shoulder is done?

Your pork is done when it’s fork-tender. If it feels tough, let it cook a bit longer.

Can I use hard cider instead of fresh apple cider?

Absolutely! Hard cider will introduce a subtly different flavor, but still delicious.

What sides go well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp apple salad pair perfectly.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, but some steps require the stove—like searing the pork for that lovely browned exterior.

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Enjoy creating this cozy comfort food and impressing just about anyone who takes a bite!

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

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Author: Jake
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A mouth-watering recipe for Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder perfect for cozy family dinners.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut into four large pieces if bone-in.
Pat the pork dry, season with kosher salt and black pepper.
In a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat, sear pork on all sides for 4-5 minutes until browned.
Whisk together apple cider, chicken stock, Dijon mustard, and minced onion.
Add the braising liquid to the pot with rosemary, thyme, and garlic. Cover and braise in the oven for 3 hours, flipping halfway through.
At 2.5 hours, check pork for doneness. Add onion and apple wedges, cover, and cook for another 30-45 minutes.
Remove from oven, let rest for 30 minutes in the liquid. Squeeze garlic into broth or serve atop the pork.