Perfect Oven-Roasted Pork Shoulder (Easy & Flavorful!)

Pork Roast Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a perfectly roasted pork shoulder filling your kitchen. This Pork Roast Recipedelivers a juicy, tender center with a crispy, herb-crusted exterior. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for Sunday dinners or holiday gatherings.

Whether you’re working with a boneless pork butt or pork loin, this recipe gives you bold flavor, satisfying texture, and a reliable method every time.


🌟 Why I Love This Recipe

This roast is:

  • Packed with savory herbs and warm spices
  • Simple to prep and mostly hands-off
  • Crisp on the outside and tender inside
  • Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or guests

The spice rub of garlic, paprika, thyme, and sage gives the meat rich color and a smoky, herbal crust that’s impossible to resist.


🛒 Ingredients

  • Olive oil spray
  • 1 tbsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt
    (or ½ tbsp Morton kosher salt or any other brand)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp paprika (regular or smoked)
  • 1 tsp dried sage
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 3 lb boneless pork shoulder (also called pork butt or loin)

⏱️ Total Time: ~2.5 hours
🍽️ Yield: 6–8 servings


🔁 Substitutions & Notes

  • Smoked paprika gives a deeper BBQ flavor.
  • Add a tsp of onion powder or rosemary for extra depth.
  • Swap pork shoulder for a center-cut pork loin for leaner meat (adjust cook time accordingly).
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep the Pan & Roast

Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
Place a wire rack on top and spray it with olive oil.

In a small bowl, mix:

  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Sage
  • Thyme

Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels. Place on the wire rack and rub the spice mix all over the surface.
Spray the top generously with olive oil.

2. Preheat & Rest

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Let the roast sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while the oven heats. This helps it cook evenly.

3. Roast

Insert an oven-safe thermometer into the center of the roast.
Place in oven and roast for 20 minutes at 425°F to create a crust.
Then reduce oven to 350°F (175°C) and roast for another 1 hour 30 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 145°F.

4. Rest and Serve

Remove from oven.
Loosely tent with foil and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
Remove butcher twine if used.

Slice against the grain and serve hot.


🔥 Tips for Juicy Pork Roast

  • Room temp meat roasts more evenly—don’t skip the 30-minute rest before roasting.
  • Always use a thermometer for accuracy—pork dries out quickly if overcooked.
  • Letting the roast rest before slicing helps retain juices.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair your pork roast with:


🧊 Storage & Leftovers

  • Store sliced pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
  • Reheat in the oven with a splash of broth to prevent drying
  • Great for sandwiches, wraps, or tacos

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🥄 Final Thoughts

This Herb-Crusted Pork Roast is the definition of comfort food with class—easy to make, bold in flavor, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Whether it’s Sunday supper or a holiday feast, this roast will earn its place at your table.

Tried it? Tag @chefmaniac on Instagram and show us your roast! Don’t forget to subscribe for more hearty mains and delicious weeknight recipes.