Indulge in Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork for Dinner Tonight

When the chilly weather rolls in, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of slow-cooked pork wafting through the house. And this Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork recipe is the perfect way to savor the flavors of fall. By simmering a boneless pork shoulder in a delectable blend of apple cider, spices, and aromatics, you’ll end up with melt-in-your-mouth tender meat that’s bursting with sweet and savory notes. The best part? This Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork is an easy set-it-and-forget-it dish that requires minimal hands-on time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings.

Table of Contents

Key Ingredients for Flavorful Apple Cider Pulled Pork

To create this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork, you’ll need a few key ingredients that work together to deliver maximum flavor. The star of the show is a 5-pound boneless pork shoulder or pork butt, which will become wonderfully tender and shredable after hours of slow cooking. To season the pork, you’ll mix together salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and ground cinnamon for a fragrant dry rub. Sliced yellow onions, Dijon mustard, garlic, and fresh thyme provide the aromatic base, while apple cider and apple cider vinegar lend the signature sweet-tart flavor profile.

• 5 pounds boneless pork shoulder or pork butt
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 yellow onions, sliced
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (remove woody stems)
• 2.5 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Preparing the Pork for Slow Cooking

The key to mouthwatering Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork starts with the preparation of the pork shoulder. First, you’ll want to mix together the dry rub ingredients – salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and ground cinnamon – in a small bowl. Then, generously rub this flavorful spice blend all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it’s evenly coated on all sides. This dry rub will infuse the meat with an irresistible depth of flavor as it slowly cooks.

When selecting your pork shoulder, look for a well-marbled cut that has a nice layer of fat on the exterior. The fat will render down during the long cooking process, basting the meat and keeping it incredibly tender and juicy. Avoid pork that appears too lean, as it may dry out over the extended cook time.

Setting Up the Slow Cooker

To build the flavor foundation for your Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork, start by layering the sliced yellow onions in the bottom of your slow cooker. Toss the onions with the Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and chopped fresh thyme. This aromatic base will infuse the pork with an incredible savory essence as it slowly cooks.

Next, place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onion mixture. Pour the apple cider and apple cider vinegar around the sides of the pork, being careful not to wash away the dry rub. The cider and vinegar will create a flavorful braising liquid that will slowly transform the tough pork shoulder into melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

The Slow Cooking Process Explained

Once your Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork is assembled, it’s time to let the magic happen. You can opt to cook the pork on the low setting for 8 hours or the high setting for 5 hours, depending on your schedule. The low and slow cooking method is best for achieving the most tender and juicy results, as it allows the connective tissues in the pork to break down gradually.

As the pork cooks, the flavors will meld together, and the meat will become incredibly tender and shredable. You’ll know the pork is ready when it practically falls apart with the touch of a fork. The aroma wafting through your home will be simply irresistible!

Shredding and Serving the Pulled Pork

Once the Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork is cooked to perfection, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Be sure to discard any tough connective tissues or bits of fat. Then, you can either serve the shredded pork as-is, allowing your guests to pile it high on soft burger buns or rolls, or you can mix it back into the cooking liquid for an extra-moist and flavorful presentation.

For a thicker sauce, you can also transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer it over medium heat until it’s reduced and slightly thickened. Drizzle this rich, apple cider-infused sauce over the shredded pork for a truly indulgent treat.

Serve your Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, roasted sweet potatoes, or a fresh green salad. The possibilities are endless when it comes to enjoying this versatile, flavor-packed pork dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I adjust the recipe for a smaller or larger serving size?

If you need to adjust the recipe for a smaller or larger gathering, you can scale the ingredients proportionally. For a smaller batch, consider using a 2-3 pound pork shoulder and reduce the other ingredients accordingly. For instance, halve the spices and liquids while ensuring you maintain a good flavor balance. Conversely, for a larger batch, increase the pork and other ingredients in a similar ratio, but be cautious about the capacity of your slow cooker; it should not be filled more than two-thirds full. Cooking times may remain the same, but it’s best to check for doneness as larger cuts may take slightly longer.

Can I use frozen pork shoulder in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen pork shoulder in your slow cooker, but it’s important to thaw it first for even cooking and to ensure food safety. If you forget to thaw, you can still cook it from frozen, but you should increase the cooking time by about 50%. Make sure your pork reaches an internal temperature of at least 190°F for optimal tenderness. Additionally, you may need to add a bit more liquid to the slow cooker to account for moisture loss during the thawing process.

What are some variations I can try to customize the flavor?

There are several ways to customize the flavor of your Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork. You can experiment with different spices, such as adding chili powder for heat or switching out the smoked paprika for regular paprika for a milder taste. Consider incorporating fruits like sliced apple or pear in the mixture for added sweetness, or swapping out the Dijon mustard for whole grain mustard for a different texture. You can also adjust the amount of apple cider vinegar to increase tanginess or add a splash of bourbon or rum for depth of flavor.

How can I make this dish healthier without sacrificing flavor?

To make your Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork healthier, consider using a leaner cut of pork, such as a pork loin instead of pork shoulder, though this may result in slightly less tenderness and flavor. You can also reduce the amount of added sugars in the apple cider or opt for a low-sugar version. Additionally, replace some of the apple cider with unsweetened apple juice or broth to cut down on calories while still maintaining moisture. Lastly, serve the pulled pork on whole grain buns or over a bed of greens instead of traditional white bread to enhance the nutritional profile.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

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• BBQ Pulled Pork Bacon Cheese Roll Bombs
• Smoky Pulled Pork Bacon Tater Tot Bombs
• Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for cozy fall gatherings. The combination of tender, shredded pork, sweet and tangy apple cider, and aromatic spices creates a flavor explosion in every bite. With minimal hands-on time required, this set-it-and-forget-it recipe allows you to enjoy the delicious aroma wafting through your home while the pork transforms into melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Whether you serve it on soft buns, over a bed of greens, or alongside your favorite sides, this Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork is sure to become a new family favorite. Give it a try and experience the pure bliss of this seasonal slow-cooked delight!

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