Cozy Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork
A simple and comforting slow cooker pulled pork recipe infused with apple cider and warm spices, perfect for fall and busy days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 5-6 hours (high)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes to 10 hours 15 minutes (low) or 5 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 lbs pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
- 2 cups apple cider (fresh or store-bought, less sweet, tart variety preferred)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder
- Optional: 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Optional for serving: soft sandwich buns or slider rolls
- Optional for serving: pickles
- Optional for serving: creamy sugar-free coleslaw
- Optional for serving: barbecue sauce of choice
Instructions
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Mix salt, pepper, smoked paprika, ground cloves, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice mix all over the pork, pressing it in well. (10 minutes)
- Optional: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork shoulder on all sides until golden crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side. (10 minutes)
- Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the pork shoulder on top of the onions. Pour in apple cider and apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the top. (5 minutes)
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours until pork is fork-tender and pulls apart easily.
- Remove pork from slow cooker and place on a large platter or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding large chunks of fat. (5-10 minutes)
- Skim fat from cooking liquid if desired, then return shredded pork to slow cooker. Stir well to coat in juices. Keep warm until serving.
- Pro tip: If sauce is too thin, remove pork and simmer liquid on stovetop to reduce for thicker consistency.
Notes
Browning the pork before slow cooking adds flavor but can be skipped. Use fresh apple cider for best flavor. If sauce is thin, reduce on stovetop. Shred pork while warm for easier shredding. Store leftovers in airtight container up to 4 days refrigerated or freeze up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 oz (115 g) c
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Protein: 22
Keywords: slow cooker pulled pork, apple cider pulled pork, fall recipe, easy pulled pork, slow cooker recipe, cozy dinner, autumn meal