Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples

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Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples

📖 Description

Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples is a comforting, sweet-savory dish perfect for busy days. Tender pork chops are slowly cooked with apples, onions, and warm spices until juicy and fall-apart soft. The natural sweetness of the apples pairs beautifully with the savory pork, creating a rustic, homestyle meal that feels both hearty and wholesome. Ideal for fall and winter, but honestly good any time of year.

🛒 Ingredients

(Serves 4)

  • 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1–1.25 lbs total)

  • 2 medium apples, cored and sliced (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith)

  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

  • 3/4 cup apple juice or apple cider

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon or whole-grain mustard

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary)

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning)

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening sauce)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Optional Browning (Recommended):
    Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork chops with salt and pepper, then sear for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. This adds flavor but can be skipped.

  2. Layer the Slow Cooker:
    Place sliced onions and apples at the bottom of the slow cooker.

  3. Add Pork Chops:
    Lay the pork chops on top of the apple-onion mixture.

  4. Mix the Sauce:
    In a bowl, whisk together apple juice, brown sugar, mustard, cinnamon, nutmeg, and thyme.

  5. Cook:
    Pour sauce over pork chops.

    • Low: 6–7 hours

    • High: 3–4 hours
      Pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

  6. Optional Sauce Thickening:
    Mix cornstarch and water, stir into the slow cooker, and cook on high for 15–20 minutes until sauce thickens.

  7. Serve:
    Spoon apples and sauce over the pork chops and enjoy.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes

  • Rice or wild rice

  • Roasted vegetables or green beans

  • Crusty bread to soak up the sauce

⭐ Tips & Notes

  • Best Apples: Use firm apples so they don’t turn mushy.

  • Avoid Dry Pork: Bone-in chops stay juicier than thin boneless ones.

  • Flavor Boost: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for balance.

  • Make It Savory: Skip brown sugar and add garlic instead.

  • Meal Prep Friendly: Tastes even better the next day.

📊 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: ~320 kcal

  • Protein: ~28 g

  • Fat: ~12 g

  • Carbohydrates: ~22 g

  • Fiber: ~3 g

  • Sugar: ~16 g

  • Sodium: ~480 mg

(Values vary depending on ingredients used)

🌿 Health Benefits

  • High Protein: Supports muscle growth and satiety

  • Apples: Rich in fiber and antioxidants

  • Slow Cooking: Retains moisture without excess fat

  • Balanced Meal: Combines protein, fruit, and natural sweetness

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use frozen pork chops?
A: It’s best to thaw them first for even cooking and food safety.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes—this recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Q: Can I use pears instead of apples?
A: Absolutely! Pears work wonderfully and add a slightly floral sweetness.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I cook this in the oven instead?
A: Yes! Bake covered at 325°F (165°C) for about 90 minutes.

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