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Easy Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork (Best Fall Recipe)

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This tender, flavorful pulled pork is made with apple cider and a smoky spice rub, cooked low and slow in the slow cooker for a cozy, fall-inspired meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds bone-in or boneless pork shoulder (pork butt)
  • 2 cups apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 6–8 soft brioche buns or hamburger buns (for serving)
  • Coleslaw (for serving, optional)
  • Extra apple cider vinegar or BBQ sauce (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
  3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
  4. Place the sliced onion in an even layer at the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
  5. Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions.
  6. Pour the apple cider and apple cider vinegar around the pork, being careful not to wash the rub off the top.
  7. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the pork and into the liquid.
  8. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, or on HIGH for 5-6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
  9. Using tongs, transfer the pork to a cutting board or rimmed baking sheet. Shred with two forks or meat claws, discarding large pieces of fat.
  10. Skim off excess fat from the cooking liquid if desired.
  11. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker with the cooking liquid and onions. Stir to coat and let sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the juices.
  12. Serve hot on buns, topped with coleslaw and extra cooking liquid or BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, sear the pork shoulder in a hot skillet before adding to the slow cooker. Let the shredded pork rest in the cooking liquid for 10-15 minutes to keep it moist. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pulled pork, apple cider pulled pork, fall recipe, pork shoulder, easy pulled pork, slow cooker recipe

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/easy-slow-cooker-apple-cider-pulled-pork-best-fall-recipe/