Cozy Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Pulled Pork

This recipe emphasizes the warm spices that complement the apple cider, creating a comforting and flavorful pulled pork.

Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed of excess fat
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups apple cider
• ½ cup apple butter
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• Optional: 1 apple, cored and chopped (add in the last hour for texture)
• Optional: Bay leaf (1-2)
• Buns, coleslaw, and your favorite BBQ sauce for serving

Equipment:

• Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
• Large fork or meat claws for shredding

Instructions:

1. Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended for Flavor): In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the pork shoulder on all sides until nicely browned. This step adds depth of flavor to the final dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Add the Pork: Place the seared (or unseared) pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.
4. Make the Apple Cider Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the apple cider, apple butter, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, salt, and pepper. Add the bay leaf if using.
5. Pour Sauce Over Pork: Pour the apple cider sauce over the pork shoulder, ensuring it’s mostly submerged.
6. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
7. Add Apples (Optional): If using chopped apple, add it to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
8. Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two large forks or meat claws to shred the pork. Discard any large pieces of fat.
9. Toss with Sauce: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker with the cooking liquid. Toss to coat thoroughly. You can simmer on low for another 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld further and the sauce to thicken slightly.
10. Serve: Serve the spiced apple pulled pork on your favorite buns with a generous dollop of coleslaw and a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce (if desired, though it’s delicious on its own!).

Tips & Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of spices to your preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
• Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet pulled pork, reduce the amount of apple butter or brown sugar.
• Herbs: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker for an herbaceous note.
• Liquid Level: If the sauce seems too thin at the end of cooking, you can remove the lid and cook on high for a short period to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and the sauce to thicken.
• Serving Ideas: Besides buns, serve this pulled pork in tacos, on top of baked sweet potatoes, or as a filling for sliders.

Enjoy this warm and comforting Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Pulled Pork!