Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder

A succulent, tender pork shoulder slow-roasted with apples, onions, and aromatic herbs—perfect for a comforting family meal.

I first made this on a chilly autumn weekend and it filled the kitchen with wonderful aromas. The slow roasting transforms the pork into fall-apart goodness that everyone devours.

Ingredients

• Pork: 1 (4–5 lb / 1.8–2.3 kg) bone-in pork shoulder, skin scored, 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 2 tbsp olive oil
• Vegetables & Fruit: 2 large onions (sliced), 3 large apples (cored, cut into wedges), 4 garlic cloves (smashed)
• Herbs & Seasonings: 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 tsp fennel seeds (lightly crushed), ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Liquids: 1 cup (240 ml) dry hard apple cider (or chicken broth), ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth

Instructions

Prepare Oven:

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).

Season Pork:

Pat pork shoulder dry and rub all over with salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Arrange Vegetables:

Place onions, apple wedges, and garlic in roasting pan. Scatter rosemary, thyme, and fennel seeds.

Add Pork:

Set pork on top of apple-onion mixture, skin side up. Sprinkle with smoked paprika if using.

Add Liquids:

Pour apple cider and chicken broth into pan around pork.

Roast Covered:

Cover pan tightly with foil or lid. Roast for 3½ hours.

Crisp Skin:

Increase oven to 425°F (220°C). Uncover, roast 30 minutes until skin is crisp and pork is fork-tender.

Rest & Serve:

Let pork rest 15 minutes, then slice or shred to serve with apples, onions, and pan juices.

Save

This dish always reminds me of Sunday gatherings where the pork is pulled at the table while laughter fills the room. The sweet apples are always a favorite with the kids.

Required Tools

Large roasting pan, sharp knife, cutting board, aluminum foil or roasting pan lid.

Allergen Information

Contains none of the major allergens. Always check broth and cider labels for gluten or other allergens if sensitive.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 520, Total Fat 28 g, Carbohydrates 19 g, Protein 46 g.

Save

Try this slow-roasted pork shoulder for your next gathering. The leftovers are delicious in sandwiches the following day.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What is the best cut for this preparation?

A bone-in pork shoulder with the skin scored is ideal for slow roasting, offering rich flavor and tenderness.

→ How do apples enhance the dish?

Apples add a natural sweetness and moisture that complement the savory pork and herbs, balancing flavors beautifully.

→ Why score the pork skin?

Scoring helps fat render during cooking and allows the skin to become crispy when roasted at high heat at the end.

→ Can I use other liquids besides apple cider?

Yes, dry apple cider or chicken broth works well to keep the meat moist and add deeper flavor to the pan juices.

→ What herbs work best for seasoning?

Fresh rosemary, thyme, and fennel seeds provide aromatic, earthy notes that complement the pork and fruit elements.

→ Is it necessary to cover the pan during cooking?

Covering helps retain moisture during the low-temperature roasting, ensuring tender meat before crisping the skin uncovered.