Go Back
As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, there's a certain comfort that comes with hearty, warming meals. One dish that perfectly embodies the essence of autumn is Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder. This flavorful, tender pork dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a celebration of seasonal flavors that evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia. The combination of savory pork with the sweet and tangy notes of apple cider creates an irresistible harmony, making this recipe a must-try for anyone looking to embrace fall cooking.
Print

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder recipe! Perfect for fall, this dish features tender, flavorful pork slowly braised in sweet apple cider, complemented by aromatic vegetables and spices. Each bite is a delightful blend of savory and sweet, making it a must-try for cozy dinners or family gatherings. Get ready to fall in love with fall flavors! #PorkShoulder #FallRecipes #ComfortFood #Braising #AppleCider #FamilyDinner #CookingAtHome #YummyFood

Ingredients

4 lb pork shoulder, bone-in or boneless

2 cups apple cider

1 large onion, sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 medium apples, cored and sliced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1 cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons dried thyme

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prep the Pork: Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

    Sear the Meat: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork shoulder and sear until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.

      Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, lower the heat to medium and add sliced onions. Sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

        Add Liquids and Flavorings: Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth. Stir in Dijon mustard, brown sugar, thyme, and cinnamon, ensuring that the mixture is well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

          Add Apples and Pork: Once simmering, return the seared pork shoulder to the pot, nestling it into the liquids. Top with sliced apples. The liquid should come about halfway up the pork; add more cider or broth if necessary.

            Braise: Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the pork to braise for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.

              Finish and Serve: Once done, remove the pork shoulder from the pot and let it rest for about 15 minutes. Skim any excess fat from the sauce, then serve the pork sliced or shredded with the delicious apple and onion gravy spooned over top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 4 hours | 6-8 servings