Tender apple cider pork roast slow-cooked with apple cider, herbs, and sweet-tart apples for a flavorful fall dinner.
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time3 hourshrs45 minutesmins
Total Time4 hourshrs5 minutesmins
Course: Dinner, entree, main, Main Course, main dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple cider braised pork, apple cider pork, apple cider pork roast, apple cider pork roast recipe, pork recipes, pork roast in apple cider, roasted pork recipe, slow roasted apple cider pork
4-5poundsboneless pork shoulderor Boston Butt, or picnic roast
2teaspoonskosher salt
1teaspoonground black pepper
1tablespoonolive oil
1mediumred onion cut into thick wedges
1tablespoonminced garlicabout 3 cloves
2cupsapple ciderNOT apple cider vinegar
1cupchicken broth
1teaspoonDijon mustard
½teaspoondried thyme
½teaspoondried rosemary
¼teaspoondried sage
¼teaspoonground allspice
2largeapples cored and cut into thick wedgesI used 1 Fuji, and 1 Granny Smith
1tablespooncornstarchfor slurry
2tablespoonswaterfor slurry
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, and position the rack into the lower third of the oven.
Season 4-5 pounds boneless pork shoulder on all sidesl with 2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper.
Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the pork on each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Turn the heat down to medium and add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 medium red onion cut into thick wedges to the pot. Cook and stir for 2 minutes, then add 1 tablespoon minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add 2 cups apple cider, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, ¼ teaspoon dried sage, and ¼ teaspoon ground allspice. Stir and scrape the crust off the bottom of the pan.
Add the pork back to the pot, cover with the lid, and transfer to the oven for 2 ½-3 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and shreddable.
Stir 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water together in a small bowl, then add it to the pot and stir it in around the pork. Nestle 2 large apples cored and cut into thick wedges, into the sauce. Replace the lid and roast for an additional 30 minutes, until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Shred and serve over mashed potatoes, with chopped fresh rosemary and thyme if desired.
Notes
Storage and Make Ahead Instructions
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until the pork reaches 165°F.
Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Make Ahead: Prepare through step 6, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop, then continue with the recipe.