Cozy Apple Cider Braised Pork

This Cozy Apple Cider Braised Pork Roast is peak comfort food. Tender pork shoulder, fresh veggies, and fresh herbs all come together in a slightly sweet apple cider braising liquid. This pork roast is cooked long and slow and comes out unbelievably tender and juicy.

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The Perfect Cozy Comfort Food: Apple Cider Braised Pork Roast

There is something so cozy and comforting about slow cooked, braised protein in the cooler months. It makes the whole house smell incredible and braised recipes are usually require minimal hands on cooking time which means you can make Sunday dinner while also getting prepped for the week. LOVE THAT FOR US.

I made this Apple Cider Braised Pork Should recipe for a recent Sunday dinner and it was a hit with everyone. The pork turned out so tender and juicy, and the braising liquid was next level incredible. The combination of sweet apple cider the savory pork just worked so well. If you’ve never tried making a braised pork roast then I think you’re going to really love this recipe.  

Watch How to Make this Recipe

Recipe Ingredients

Boneless Pork Shoulder: I went with a boneless pork shoulder for this recipe mainly because I didn’t feel like having to remove the bone and then shred the meat. Of course, if you want to use a bone-in pork shoulder you are welcome to! You may need to cook it a bit longer but otherwise the recipe will remain the same.

Dijon Mustard: I’m a big believer in making sure that you get a solid crust on your protein before braising for maximum flavor. In this recipe, we’re slathering a generous amount of dijon mustard all over the pork before searing. The tangy flavor of the mustard works so well with the natural sweetness of the pork and braising liquid.

Aromatics: you’ll need fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic, and bay leaves for this recipe.

Veggies: the classic carrots, celery, and onion help to add a bit of flavor and are also delicious served alongside the pork.

Apple Cider Vinegar: you’ll use this to deglaze the braising dish after searing the pork and it adds some balance to the dish.

Apple Cider: for this recipe I like to go with an unfiltered apple cider for the best apple flavor.

Chicken Stock: l like to use low-sodium chicken stock to make a slurry at the end of cooking and thicken the gravy. Veggie broth and even water would also work though!

Arrowroot Starch: this is used at the end of cooking to help thicken the gravy! It’s an optional last step so no need to do this if you prefer your gravy on the thinner side.

How to Make This Apple Cider Braised Pork Roast Recipe

Step One: Preheat your oven to 330 degrees. Then, heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. 

Step Two: While the Dutch oven is heating, use clean paper towels to pat the pork dry. Next, rub the Dijon mustard all over the pork, and sprinkle half the salt onto one side. 

Step Three: Once the Dutch oven is hot, add the avocado oil. Place the pork in the Dutch oven salt side down. Then, sprinkle the remaining salt on the other side of the pork. 

Step Four: Sear the pork for 6 to 8 minutes on each side or until it has developed a golden brown crust. Then remove the pork from the Dutch oven, and set it aside. 

Step Five: Reduce the heat, and add the apple cider vinegar to the Dutch oven to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Next, add the onions and garlic, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. 

Step Six: Remove the Dutch oven from the heat, and add the pork, carrots, celery, apple cider, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, and black pepper. 

Step Seven: Cover the Dutch oven with a lid, and braise in the heated oven for 3 to 4 hours or until the pork is fork tender. 

Step Eight: Once tender, remove the pork from the Dutch oven, and use a spoon to skim some of the fat off the top of the braising liquid. Whisk the chicken stock and arrowroot starch in a small bowl. Next, bring the braising liquid to a simmer on the stovetop, and stir in the arrowroot slurry. The braising liquid will thicken into a gravy. 

Step Nine: Return the pork to the pot, nestling it in the gravy, ensuring everything is heated through before shutting off the heat. Let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes. Then, serve as desired, and enjoy! 

Ways to Serve

I prefer to serve this braised pork roast recipe over mashed potatoes to soak up all the juices. However, you can also serve the pork with just the veggies and another starchy side like mashed sweet potatoes or mashed cauliflower.

How to Store

1. Store: transfer leftover braised pork and veggies to an airtight container, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. 
2. Freeze: once cool, you can transfer the leftover pork and veggies to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. 
3. Reheat: thaw frozen leftovers in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat in the microwave or covered in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 

More Delicious Comfort Food Recipes 

• Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs
• Mississippi Pot Roast
• The Best Dutch Oven Pot Roast
• Roasted Spatchcock Chicken
• Healthy Slow Cooker Chili
• Healthy Baked Ziti
• Beef Enchilada Casserole

I hope you give this Apple Cider Braised Pork Roast Recipe a try! It’s cozy, comforting, and great for a crowd. If you do give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews and ratings help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you trust and love.

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Recipe by: Ashlea Carver / All the Healthy Things | Photography by: Eat Love Eat