Discover why Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples and Garlic is the ultimate comfort food—tender, flavorful, and irresistibly savory. This dish combines the rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture of slow-cooked pork shoulder with the natural sweetness of apples and the warm aroma of roasted garlic. It’s a beautiful balance of savory and sweet that warms the soul and delights every palate, perfect for family dinners or special gatherings where everyone craves that cozy, satisfying bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Exceptional Tenderness: Slow braising transforms pork shoulder into a fork-tender masterpiece you’ll savor in every bite.
Perfect Flavor Harmony: The sweetness of apples pairs beautifully with the earthiness of garlic, creating a balanced and comforting dish.
Simple Ingredients: Using everyday pantry staples means this delicious meal is easy to prepare without any stress.
Versatile Comfort Food: It’s suitable for all seasons, whether cozying up in winter or serving at warm-weather dinners.
Impressive Yet Easy: Looks like a gourmet dish but requires minimal effort—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing complicated here—each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether boosting flavor, enhancing texture, or adding rustic charm to this Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples and Garlic.

Pork Shoulder: The star of the dish, providing rich marbling for juicy, tender meat after slow cooking.
Apples: Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith for a subtle tang and balance to the savory pork.
Garlic: Adds a sweet, mellow warmth when roasted alongside the pork.
Onions: Softened during braising, they deepen the savory base of the sauce.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Keeps the pork moist and infuses rich flavors during the braising process.
Fresh Herbs (Thyme or Rosemary): Adds a fragrant earthiness that complements both pork and apples beautifully.
Olive Oil: For browning the pork and sautéing the aromatics to develop flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.

Variations for Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples and Garlic

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs; it’s a wonderfully flexible dish that welcomes creativity.

Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or smoked paprika for a subtle heat that contrasts the sweetness of apples.
Sweet Swap: Substitute apples with pears or quince for a different fruity note while keeping the dish’s sweetness.
Vegetarian Version: Replace pork shoulder with hearty mushrooms or jackfruit and still enjoy that delicious braising flavor.
Wine Braise: Use dry white wine or apple cider instead of broth for a tangy depth in the sauce.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free but always double-check broth ingredients to maintain it.

Why Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples and Garlic Wins

How to Make Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples and Garlic

Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Pork

Begin by patting the pork shoulder dry and seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides until it develops a beautiful golden crust, locking in flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Remove the pork temporarily, then add chopped onions and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3: Add Apples and Herbs

Slice the apples and nestle them around the pork once it’s back in the pot. Toss in fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs to infuse the braising liquid with herbal notes.

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Pour chicken or vegetable broth to cover about two-thirds of the meat. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and braise in the oven or on the stovetop at low heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the pork is tender and pulls apart easily.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once cooked, remove the pork and let it rest briefly. Reduce the braising liquid over medium heat for a thicker sauce, then drizzle over the sliced pork shoulder before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples and Garlic

Use a Heavy Pot: A Dutch oven or similar heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heat and perfect braising.
Don’t Skip the Searing: Browning the pork develops complex flavors and a rich color.
Low and Slow: Patience with slow braising is key to that tender, flavorful texture.
Choose the Right Apples: Tart apples balance the savory pork better than overly sweet varieties.
Save the Sauce: The reduced braising liquid is pure magic—perfect as a luscious drizzle or dip.

How to Serve Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples and Garlic

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of thyme brighten the dish visually and add a fresh herbal pop that complements the rich pork.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up every drop of that flavorful sauce. Roasted root vegetables or a simple green salad add welcome texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the pork shoulder and stack it over a bed of sautéed greens and apples for a rustic yet elegant presentation that invites everyone to dig in immediately.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight for an even tastier meal the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes exceptionally well. Portion the pork and apples with some sauce and freeze in sealed containers for up to 3 months, perfect for easy future meals.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the oven, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the pork moist and tender.

FAQs

Can I use pork butt instead of pork shoulder?

Absolutely! Pork butt and pork shoulder are often interchangeable as they both have the fat content necessary for braising resulting in tender meat.

What type of apples work best in this recipe?

Tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn hold their shape and provide a perfect balance to the savory pork without being overly sweet.

Is it necessary to brown the pork before braising?

While optional, browning adds a depth of flavor and beautiful color, significantly enhancing the final taste of the dish.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sear the pork first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours for similar tender results.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

Remove the pork and simmer the braising liquid uncovered until it reduces and thickens naturally, or whisk in a small cornstarch slurry if needed.

Final Thoughts

Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples and Garlic is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, comforting, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe promises flavor and tenderness that invite second helpings. Give it a try and watch your kitchen fill with delicious aromas that will have everyone asking for your secret.

Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples and Garlic

Print Recipe

Braised Pork Shoulder with Apples and Garlic is a comforting, tender, and flavorful dish featuring slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with the natural sweetness of tart apples and the warmth of roasted garlic. This perfect balance of savory and sweet makes it ideal for family dinners or special gatherings, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, aromatic sauce.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Braising
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Produce

3 to 4 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed
2 tart apples (such as Granny Smith), sliced
1 head garlic, separated into cloves and peeled
1 large onion, chopped
Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (about 3-4 sprigs)

Liquids and Oils

2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings

Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare and Brown the Pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and season generously all over with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until a deep golden crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side. This locks in flavor and adds depth to the dish.
Sauté Aromatics: Remove the pork and set aside temporarily. Add the chopped onions and peeled garlic cloves to the pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
Add Apples and Herbs: Return the pork shoulder to the pot and nestle the sliced apples around it. Add the fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs to infuse herbal aroma into the braising liquid.
Pour in Broth and Simmer: Pour chicken or vegetable broth into the pot until it covers about two-thirds of the meat. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Transfer to a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) or keep on the stovetop at very low heat. Braise gently for 3 to 4 hours until the pork is fork-tender and pulls apart easily.
Finish and Serve: Remove the pork from the pot and allow it to rest briefly. Place the pot back on medium heat and reduce the braising liquid until slightly thickened, about 10-15 minutes. Slice the pork and drizzle with the reduced sauce before serving.

Notes

Use a heavy pot like a Dutch oven for even heat distribution and perfect braising.
Don’t skip searing the pork; it develops deeper flavor and rich color.
Low and slow cooking is essential to achieve tender, flavorful pork.
Choose tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness and savory pork.
Save the reduced braising liquid as a luscious sauce or dip.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: braised pork shoulder, pork with apples and garlic, comfort food, slow cooked pork, fall recipe, gluten free pork dish, savory and sweet pork