Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, delicious dinner that fills your kitchen with heartwarming aromas, you’re going to love this Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples Recipe. This dish combines tender, juicy pork with the sweet-tart bite of apples, all slow-cooked to perfection. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a go-to for cozy nights in or impressing friends with minimal fuss.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays its part in creating the perfect braised pork. The pork shoulder is fatty and flavorful, ideal for slow cooking, while apples bring a touch of sweetness and acidity that cuts through the richness. The herbs and smoked paprika add aromatic depth, making this recipe truly stand out.

• Pork Shoulder: Look for a well-marbled piece for moist, tender meat after hours of braising.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning the meat perfectly.
• Olive Oil: For strong searing and flavor development, a good-quality extra virgin works well.
• Yellow Onions: Slowly caramelize to add natural sweetness and umami depth.
• Garlic: Adds a warm, garlicky kick without overpowering the dish.
• Dry White Wine: Helps deglaze the pot and adds acidity and brightness.
• Fresh Thyme & Rosemary: Classic pork partners that infuse the meat with earthy, herbal notes.
• Smoked Paprika: Gives a subtle smoky undertone that enhances the flavor complexity.
• Apple Cider (NOT Vinegar): Imparts sweetness with a tart apple flavor that complements the pork and apples.
• Chicken Broth: Provides rich moisture for braising without overpowering the apple-pork flavors.
• Bay Leaves: Add extra subtle aromatic depth to the braise.
• Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness balances the richness and holds up well during slow cooking.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples Recipe is. Over the years, I’ve played around with different herbs and extra spices and even swapped the apple variety depending on what’s in season. Feel free to make it yours!

• Variation: Adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg along with the apples gives a warm, cozy fall vibe that’s absolutely delightful.
• Herb Swap: Sometimes I switch out rosemary for sage, which pairs beautifully with both pork and apples.
• Wine Substitute: If you’d rather skip wine, a splash of extra apple cider or broth works just fine.
• Heat Level: I’ve kicked up the smoked paprika amount for a smoky, slightly spicy touch when I’m craving a bolder flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Pork

Start by patting your pork shoulder dry with paper towels—this helps get a good sear. Season generously all over with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the oil’s shimmering, place the pork in and don’t move it around—let it brown deeply for about 5 minutes on each side. This step builds all that fantastic flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Remove the pork and set it aside briefly. Lower the heat to medium and toss in the thinly sliced onions. Let those onions soften and get a little golden, about 4-5 minutes while stirring often. Then, add minced garlic and cook for just 20 seconds—you want that fresh garlic aroma but no bitterness.

Step 3: Deglaze and Add Herbs

Pour in the dry white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those browned bits stuck to the bottom—this is liquid gold right here! Stir in fresh thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika to infuse the base with deeper aroma and flavor.

Step 4: Braise the Pork

Nestle the pork back into the pot, then add the apple cider, chicken broth, and bay leaves. Bring everything to a boil on the stovetop. Now, cover with a lid and pop the pot into a preheated oven. After reducing the heat to 350˚F, let it braise gently for 2 hours. This is where the magic happens as the pork slowly becomes tender and juicy.

Step 5: Add Apples and Finish Cooking

Remove the lid after 2 hours, add the quartered Granny Smith apples to the pot, then cover and braise for another 30 minutes or until the pork is cooked through (ideally between 145˚F for safe and juicy, or up to 190˚F if you want it more tender and shreddable). The apples soften perfectly during this time, taking on all those savory-sweet flavors.

Step 6: Rest and Reduce Sauce

Once you take the pork out, let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes to let the juices redistribute—this is key to juicy slices. Meanwhile, crank up the heat on the stovetop to reduce the braising liquid into a thicker, more flavorful sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, and then slice your pork and serve it with those luscious onions, apples, and sauce.

How to Serve Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs to brighten it up and give it a rustic, lovely presentation. A little crack of fresh black pepper on top doesn’t hurt either!

Side Dishes

This Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples Recipe goes wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the sauce like a charm. I’ve also paired it with buttered egg noodles or even some roasted root vegetables for a wholesome meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served the sliced pork piled high on rustic wooden boards, surrounded by the cooked apples and drizzled with the thickened sauce. It’s simple, elegant, and gets everyone excited to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I like to store leftover braised pork and apples in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, and the meat stays tender for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully—just pack the pork, apples, and sauce into a freezer-safe container or bag. When frozen properly, it keeps well for up to 3 months without loss of quality.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm it in a covered skillet or in the oven at low heat to avoid drying out the pork. Adding a splash of broth or apple cider restores moisture and keeps the sauce silky smooth.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s that perfect blend of savory, sweet, and comforting all in one pot. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I promise, with these tips and steps, you’ll nail it and might even find yourself making it again and again.

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