Applesauce Pulled Pork Sandwiches

The first time I made applesauce pulled pork, I was skeptical. My grandmother had mentioned passing apples through her roasts for years, but turning that concept into sandwiches felt like uncharted territory. That afternoon, the house filled with an incredible aroma that had my neighbor actually knocking on the door to ask what I was cooking. When we finally sat down to eat, my husband took one bite and declared this his new favorite Sunday dinner. Now it's the one recipe that guarantees everyone gathers around the table without being called twice.

Last autumn, I brought a big batch of these sandwiches to my daughters soccer team potluck. The coach pulled me aside afterward to ask for the recipe, and three other moms messaged me that evening. Theres something about the smell of cinnamon and apples simmering with pork that makes people feel instantly at home. Now whenever I see that slow cooker bubble away on my counter, I know were in for one of those meals where conversation just flows naturally.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder: This cut has enough marbling to stay tender through eight hours of cooking, and the flavor develops beautifully
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt: Essential for drawing out the porks natural flavors and creating that perfect seasoning balance
• 1 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground gives you the best aromatic punch against the sweetness
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: This is your secret weapon for adding depth without overpowering the apple profile
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon: Just enough to hint at autumn warmth without making the pork taste like dessert
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce: The base of your sauce, so choose one with good apple flavor, not just added sugars
• 1 cup apple cider: Look for fresh pressed cider in the refrigerated section, not the shelf stable stuff with preservatives
• ¼ cup brown sugar: Dark brown gives you a richer molasses note that pairs beautifully with pork
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard: Provides that essential tangy contrast to all the sweetness
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Cuts through the richness and keeps every bite balanced
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced: These will melt down into the sauce and add savory backbone
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Dont be shy with the garlic, it mellows beautifully during long cooking
• 6 sandwich buns: Brioche or potato buns hold up well without getting soggy too quickly
• 1 cup coleslaw: That crunch and acidity takes these sandwiches over the top

Instructions

Season the pork generously:

Pat the pork shoulder completely dry with paper towels, then rub the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cinnamon all over every surface.

Build your flavor foundation:

Scatter those sliced onions and minced garlic across the bottom of your slow cooker.

Whisk up the magic sauce:

Combine the applesauce, apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl until the sugar dissolves completely.

Layer it all together:

Place the seasoned pork right on top of the onions, then pour that beautiful applesauce mixture evenly over everything.

Let time work its wonders:

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is so tender it practically falls apart when you touch it with a fork.

Shred like a pro:

Lift the pork out onto a cutting board, use two forks to pull it apart, and toss any obvious fat pieces.

Bring it all back home:

Skim the excess fat off the cooking liquid, then return the shredded pork and mix it thoroughly with all that flavorful sauce.

Pile it high and serve:

Mound the pork onto toasted buns and crown with coleslaw if you want that perfect crunch contrast.

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These sandwiches have become our go to for rainy Sundays when we want something comforting but dont want to actually cook. Something magical happens when you let apples and pork become friends over eight hours. The way the cinnamon mingles with the savory pork creates this incredible warmth that feels like a hug on a plate.

Making It Your Own

Once youve made this a few times, youll start developing your own little twists. Sometimes I throw in a diced apple along with the onions for extra texture, and other times I add a splash of bourbon to the sauce. The recipe forgives experimentation while still delivering that signature sweet and savory profile every time.

Perfect Pairings

Simple sides work best here so they dont compete with the star of the show. I usually serve these with oven roasted potato wedges or a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Pickles on the side are non negotiable in our house, that acid brightens everything beautifully.

Storage and Make Ahead Magic

This recipe might be the ultimate meal prep champion. The pork actually develops more flavor overnight in the refrigerator, so making it a day ahead is secretly the professional move. Reheat gently with a splash of cider to bring back all those saucy juices.

• Freeze portions in freezer bags with some sauce for emergency weeknight dinners
• The pork works incredibly well over baked potatoes or in quesadillas
• Keep those buns separate until serving time to prevent any sogginess

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Theres nothing quite like watching people take that first bite and seeing their eyes light up. These sandwiches have that rare power to turn an ordinary Tuesday into something worth remembering.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of pork is best for this dish?

For the most tender and flavorful results, boneless pork shoulder or pork butt (also known as Boston butt) is highly recommended. These cuts have a good amount of fat and connective tissue that breaks down during slow cooking, yielding incredibly juicy shredded pork.

→ Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

While apple cider offers a more complex and tart flavor profile, unsweetened apple juice can be used as a substitute if apple cider isn't available. The overall sweetness of the dish might be slightly higher, so you might consider reducing the brown sugar slightly.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To add a pleasant kick, consider incorporating ¼ to ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes into the applesauce sauce mixture before pouring it over the pork. You can adjust the amount to your preferred level of heat.

→ Can I prepare this in advance or freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! This pulled pork is excellent for meal prep. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked and shredded pork in its sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

→ What are some good serving suggestions besides buns?

Beyond classic sandwich buns, this versatile pulled pork can be served over rice, polenta, or even mashed potatoes. It also makes a fantastic topping for baked sweet potatoes or can be incorporated into tacos or quesadillas. Don't forget to offer pickles or a fresh green salad on the side.