This slow cooker apple cider pulled pork is absolutely divine! The aroma of apples and warm spices filled my kitchen all day, making me even more excited for dinner.
This dish is the epitome of effortless cooking, and you just set it and forget it. It’s versatile, too. It’s great on sandwiches, tacos, or even on its own. And it makes enough for leftovers!
If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that captures the essence of autumn, give this recipe a try!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork
Effortless Cooking: This recipe requires minimal hands-on time, allowing the slow cooker to do most of the work. Simply prepare the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and enjoy tender pulled pork by dinner time.
Wonderful Aroma: As the pork cooks, your home will be filled with the warm and inviting scent of apple cider and spices. It’s perfect for fall.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of apple cider, spices, and tender pork results in a savory and slightly sweet dish. Everyone will love it.
Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe yields a generous amount of pulled pork, making it ideal for leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients
- Pork Shoulder: It’s a flavorful, marbled cut that becomes meltingly tender when slow-cooked.
- Apple Cider: It adds a subtle sweetness and acidity that complements the pork perfectly.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: It provides a tangy kick and balances out the richness of the meat.
- Brown Sugar: It contributes a deep, caramel-like sweetness to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Spices and Seasonings: A blend of salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cinnamon, and optional crushed red pepper flakes creates a flavorful rub.
- Bay Leaves: They lend a subtle, earthy aroma to the dish.
- Large Onion: When sliced and placed at the bottom of the slow cooker, it provides a flavorful base.
How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork
Once you see how easy this recipe is, you’ll make it all the time.
1. Mix the spice rub. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to create a spice rub. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, coating it evenly.
2. Layer the onions and pork. Place the sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Put the seasoned pork on top of the onions.
3. Prepare the braising liquid. In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the pork. Add the bay leaves to the slow cooker.
4. Cook the pork. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours until the pork is very tender.
5. Shred the pork. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
6. Strain the liquid. Strain the cooking liquid, discarding the solids. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and add back some of the strained liquid to moisten the meat.
7. Serve the pork. Serve the pulled pork on buns, or use it in tacos, salads, or any other dish you prefer. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork
Follow these tips for the most irresistible pork you’ve ever had.
- Be generous! Generously apply the spice rub all over the pork shoulder for maximum flavor penetration.
- Give it a good sear. For an extra layer of flavor, sear the pork on all sides in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Add some warmth. Add a cinnamon stick to the slow cooker for a subtle, warm spice note that complements the apple cider.
- Try tasty variations. Try using hard apple cider instead of regular cider for a deeper flavor. Add sliced apples to the slow cooker for extra apple essence.
- Serve it your way. Serve the pulled pork on toasted buns with apple cider coleslaw, in tacos with pickled red onions, over rice or mashed potatoes, or on top of waffle fries with cheddar cheese.
How to Store
Storing this pork makes for great leftovers throughout the week.
To Store: Place cooled pulled pork in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Keep some cooking liquid with the meat to prevent drying out.
To Freeze: Transfer cooled pulled pork with some cooking liquid to freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To Reheat: Warm pulled pork in a covered dish in the oven at 300°F for about 20 minutes, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Add a splash of apple cider or water if needed to maintain moisture.
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork
8
servings10
minutes6
hours574
kcalThis slow cooker apple cider pulled pork is downright delicious! Pile it on sandwiches, serve it over a salad, or enjoy it as is for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
4-5 lb pork shoulder
2 cups apple cider
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 bay leaves
1 large onion, sliced
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to create a spice rub. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, coating it evenly.
- Place the sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Put the seasoned pork on top of the onions.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the pork. Add the bay leaves to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Strain the cooking liquid, discarding the solids. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and add back some of the strained liquid to moisten the meat.
- Serve the pulled pork on buns, or use it in tacos, salads, or any other dish you prefer. Enjoy!
