Print

Tender Crockpot Apple Cider Braised Pork Recipe with Caramelized Onions

Tender Crockpot Apple Cider Braised Pork - featured image
Print Recipe

This slow-cooked pork shoulder braised in apple cider becomes tender and flavorful, enhanced by sweet caramelized onions. It’s an easy, comforting dish perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), well-marbled
  • 2 cups apple cider (fresh-pressed, unsweetened)
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder if desired. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
  2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally for 25-30 minutes until onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
  3. Push onions aside in the skillet and increase heat to medium-high. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides for 3-4 minutes each to lock in juices (optional but recommended).
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
  5. Place the pork shoulder into the crockpot. Pour the braising liquid over the pork, then top with caramelized onions and fresh thyme sprigs.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart. Alternatively, cook on high for 4-5 hours.
  7. Remove pork from crockpot and let rest for 10 minutes. Shred with two forks, mixing in the braising juices and onions. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed before serving.

Notes

Use fresh-pressed, unsweetened apple cider for best flavor. Caramelize onions slowly for rich sweetness. Searing the pork before slow cooking adds depth but can be skipped if short on time. Keep an eye on liquid level during cooking and add more cider or broth if needed. Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches 190°F for shredding. Rest meat after cooking to keep it moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot pork, apple cider pork, braised pork shoulder, caramelized onions, slow cooker recipe, easy pork dinner, fall recipe, comforting meal

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/tender-crockpot-apple-cider-braised-pork-recipe-with-caramelized-onions-easy-and-delicious/