Apple Stuffed Pork Shoulder
Juicy pork shoulder stuffed with a sweet and savory apple filling, perfect for hearty family dinners or special occasions, offering warm flavors and tender meat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chopped onion in butter or margarine until golden brown.
- Combine the cooked onion with remaining stuffing ingredients: salt, pepper, oregano, bread crumbs, chopped apples, and boiling water.
- Set oven to moderate 350°F.
- Fill the pocket in the boned pork shoulder with the stuffing mixture.
- Fasten the opening with white twine.
- Place the stuffed pork on a rack in an open roaster.
- Roast approximately 40 minutes per pound until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer stuffing, consider adding chopped walnuts or raisins for texture and flavor. If you don't have soft bread crumbs, you can use fresh bread that has been processed in a food processor. Make sure to adjust the salt content according to your taste, especially if you use salted butter. For even more flavor, try adding a dash of cinnamon to the apple mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the apple stuffed pork shoulder with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes or a side of wild rice pairs beautifully, adding a hearty touch. For a complete experience, consider offering a tangy apple sauce on the side to complement the flavors of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices of the stuffed pork shoulder in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F until heated through. This method helps retain moisture and prevents the meat from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Stuffed Pork Shoulder contains roughly 663 calories, with 48g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (96% of the Daily Value), iron (65% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 655mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the pork shoulder with chicken or turkey. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as these meats typically cook faster. Ensure that the stuffing is fully cooked before serving, and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
How can I tell when the pork is cooked through?
The best way to determine if the pork is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. It should read at least 145°F in the thickest part of the meat. Additionally, the juices should run clear, not pink, when the pork is pierced.
Is it necessary to tie the pork shoulder after stuffing?
Yes, tying the pork shoulder helps keep the stuffing inside during cooking and ensures even roasting. If you don’t have kitchen twine, you can use toothpicks to secure the opening, but twine works best for a secure hold.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).