Slow-Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Shoulder: Set-and-Forget Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can sear the pork shoulder in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This adds a caramelized crust, but it's optional—the slow cooker still yields delicious results.

If you have time, let the shredded pork sit in the gravy for 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

To make the cowboy butter from scratch, mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Shape into a log, chill, and slice into medallions. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Store extra butter in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Variations

• Spicy Chipotle Pork: Add 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced, along with the garlic. Use a chipotle-lime compound butter instead of cowboy butter. The smokiness pairs well with the herbs.
• Citrus and Herb Pork: Add the zest and juice of one orange to the slow cooker, and use a mix of oregano and thyme instead of rosemary. The citrus brightens the rich pork.
• Honey Garlic Pork: Drizzle 2 tablespoons honey over the pork before adding the butter. Use a garlic-herb butter with a touch of honey mixed in. This adds a subtle sweetness.
• BBQ Pulled Pork: After shredding, toss the pork with your favorite barbecue sauce and serve on buns with coleslaw. Skip the cowboy butter and use a dry rub instead.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The gravy will solidify, but it will re-liquefy when reheated.

Freezer

Freeze the pork in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy.

Store leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the gravy with the meat to maintain moisture.

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. The pork also freezes well; see below for details.

You can assemble the raw ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate.

In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed. Alternatively, cook the pork fully, shred it, and refrigerate or freeze for quick meals later.

Serving ideas

Serve the pulled pork over buttered egg noodles, as shown, or on soft rolls for sandwiches. It also pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad. Spoon extra gravy over each serving for maximum flavor.

For a complete meal, add a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp slaw. The pork's rich flavor is balanced by something bright and acidic, like a vinegar-based slaw or pickles. Leftovers can be used in tacos, quesadillas, or as a topping for baked potatoes.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow-Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Shoulder: Set-and-Forget

Prep 15 minCook 8 hRest 10 minTotal 8 h 25 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 4 lb boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt)
• 12 cloves garlic, smashed
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme
• 4 medallions garlic-herb compound cowboy butter

Instructions

1. Place the pork shoulder in the center of the slow cooker insert. Scatter the smashed garlic cloves over the top, then lay the rosemary and thyme sprigs across the meat. Press the herbs gently so they stay in place.
2. Place the four medallions of cowboy butter evenly on top of the roast, spacing them so they will melt and baste the meat as it cooks.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds. The internal temperature should read at least 145°F (63°C), but for shredding, cook until it reaches 200°F (93°C) for best texture. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
4. Turn off the slow cooker and let the pork rest in the liquid for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes the meat easier to handle.
5. Transfer the pork to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-size pieces, discarding any large fat pieces. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir gently to coat with the garlic-herb butter gravy. Serve warm over buttered egg noodles or your favorite sides.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

520

Protein

42 g

Carbohydrates

3 g

Fat

38 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.