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Cozy Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork Recipe with Buttery Rolls Made Easy

slow cooker apple cider pulled pork - featured image
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A comforting slow cooker pulled pork recipe featuring tender pork shoulder cooked in apple cider, paired with soft buttery rolls. Perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt, trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (optional, for searing)
  • 12 soft dinner rolls
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional: fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Optionally, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  2. In a small bowl, combine apple cider, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried herbs. Stir to dissolve sugar and blend spices.
  3. Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Put the pork shoulder on top, then pour the apple cider mixture evenly over the pork.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until pork is fork-tender and shreddable.
  5. Transfer pork to a plate or board and shred with two forks or tongs, discarding large fat chunks. Return shredded pork to slow cooker and stir into juices. Let soak for 10-15 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange rolls on a baking sheet and brush tops with melted butter. Bake for 8-10 minutes until warm and slightly golden.
  7. Assemble sandwiches by piling shredded pork onto buttery rolls. Optionally add toppings like coleslaw or pickles. Serve immediately.

Notes

Searing the pork before slow cooking is optional but adds extra flavor and color. If sauce is too thin after cooking, remove pork and simmer sauce to thicken before mixing back. For gluten-free, use gluten-free rolls; for dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil. Avoid lifting slow cooker lid frequently to maintain heat. Use natural, preservative-free apple cider for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pulled pork, apple cider pulled pork, buttery rolls, comfort food, easy pulled pork recipe, slow cooker recipe, family dinner, cozy meal

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