Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops

Okay, friend, let me tell you about these Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops. Picture this: it’s a chilly autumn evening, leaves are crunching underfoot, and the air smells like cinnamon and crisp apples. Now, imagine coming home to a slow cooker filled with juicy, tender pork chops swimming in a sweet and savory apple sauce. This recipe is *that* feeling in food form. It’s way easier than making a full-on apple pie, but gives you all those warm and cozy fall vibes. Seriously, it’s become a staple in our house – especially when I’m craving something comforting without a ton of effort. It reminds me a bit of the baked apples my grandma used to make, but with a hearty protein boost. The flavors just meld together in the most amazing way! I think your family will love this as much as mine does.

What is a crock pot apple pork chop?

Think of Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops as the ultimate one-pot comfort meal. It’s essentially pork chops slow-cooked in a mixture of apples, onions, and a blend of sweet and savory spices. The name says it all, really! It’s super simple: you layer everything into your trusty crock pot (slow cooker), set it, and forget it. After a few hours, you’re rewarded with incredibly tender pork chops infused with the flavor of apples and warming spices. This isn’t your average pork chop dinner; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for those nights when you need something hearty and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of fall all year round!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

What I love most about this recipe is how unbelievably easy it is to make. Is it foolproof? How do you make a Crock Pot?

Flavor explosion: WhatWhat are some of the best combination of sweet apples, savory pork, and warm spices? What is the best sauce to serve with pork chops? Is this the perfect balance of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds?
Is it easy to cheat?This recipe requires minimal effort. What are the best ways to prepare a meal in the morning? What’s not to love about that? I always do this when I know I have a busy day ahead and don’t want to stress about dinner.
Budget friendlyPork chops are a relatively inexpensive cut of meat, and apples are usually pretty affordable. Especially during the fall harvest. How do I feed my family a delicious meal without breaking the bank?
Crazy versatile: aWhat are some good side dishes to serve with pork chops? Is it good for meal prep?

If you love slow cooker recipes like this one, then you will love this recipe.Crock Pot BBQ Ribs: What are some or Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup., you’re going to love these Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops. What are some of the best recipes for a weeknight meal?

How do I make a crock pot apple pork chop?

Quick Overview

How do I make a slow cooker apple Pork Chops? I’ll start with a base of sliced apples and onions, then nestle the pork chops on top. Next, you’ll pour over a mixture of apple juice, spices, and maple syrup (or brown sugar). How long will it take to cook pork in a slow cooker? Apples are soft and caramelized. Is it too easy to do?

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops: How to make

4-6 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick). I prefer boneless because they cook more evenly in the slow cooker, but bone-in will work too. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. What are some good pork chops that are nicely marbled with fat?
1 tablespoon olive oil. What is the best way to cook pork chops in a slow cooker? Color and depth of flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with seasoning! What are the best ways to bring out the flavor of pork?

For the Apple Mixture:

2-3 medium apples, peeled, cored and sliced. I love using Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples for this recipe. Honeycrisp adds a nice sweetness, while Granny Smith provides tastiness. Can you use a combination of both?
1 medium onion, thinly sliced. The onion adds a savory element to the dish that balances out the sweetness of the apples.
1 cup apple juice or apple cider. This is the liquid base for the sauce. I prefer apple cider because it has a richer flavor.
2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar. What is the best way to caramelize apples? I usually use maple syrup for a more natural flavor, but brown sugar works just as well.
What is the recipe for ground cinnamon? Cinnamon is the perfect fall spice.
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger. Ginger adds a bit of zing and complements the cinnamon beautifully.
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves. Cloves are strong, so use them sparingly! What are some of the best spices to use in this recipe?
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. This adds a touch of acidity that balances out the sweetness and helps to tenderize the pork.

How do I follow step

Step 1: Sear the Pork Chops (Optional)

This step is totally optional, but I highly recommend it! In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper. Season Pork Chops with salt and pepper. How long should you marinate pork chops? What is the best way to add color to a dish? I don’t need to cook them all the way through – just sear them for color.

Step 2: Layer the Apples and Onions

In the bottom of your slow cooker, layer the sliced apples and onions. How do you make a bed for pork chops? I usually toss the apples and onions together before adding them to the slow cooker to make sure they don’t stick together. They are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add the Pork Chops

Place the seared pork chops on top of the apple and onion mixture. Arrange them in a single layer if possible. If you have more than 4-6 pork chops, you may need to layer them slightly.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the apple juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside. Ginger, cloves, and apple cider vinegar. What’s the best way to serve pork chops?

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The pork chops are done when they are fork-tender and easily shreddable. How long does it take to cook pork chops? I always test pork chops with a fork to make sure they are cooked through.

Step 6: Shred and Serve

Once the pork chops are cooked, remove them from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks. What is the best way to cook pork in a slow cooker? What is the best way to serve hot and enjoy!

What should I serve it with?

What are some great side dishes to serve with a Crock Pot apple pork chop? What are some of my favorite songs?

Mashed potatoes: WhatWhat are some of the best side dishes to serve with pork chops? I like to add roasted garlic to my mashed potatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice is another great option. The rice soaks up the delicious apple sauce, making it a truly satisfying meal.
Quinoa: For a healthier option, try serving these pork chops with quinoa. Quinoa is a complete protein and is packed with nutrients.
Roasted vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes are all delicious sides that pair well with the pork chops. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a nice contrast to the savory pork.
Green salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing and healthy side dish. I like to add some chopped apples or cranberries to my salad for an extra touch of fall flavor.

Growing up, we’d often have these pork chops with a side of buttered noodles – simple, but oh so good! Now, I like to get a little fancier with roasted root vegetables or a creamy polenta.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops

Okay, here are a few tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years to make sure your Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops turn out perfect every time:

Don’t overcook the pork: Overcooked pork chops can be dry and tough. Check the pork chops for doneness after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high. They should be fork-tender and easily shreddable. If they are not, continue cooking for another hour and check again.
Use good-quality apples: The quality of your apples will have a big impact on the flavor of the dish. I recommend using Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples, or a combination of both. Avoid using apples that are too soft or mushy.
Adjust the sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a sweeter dish, add more maple syrup or brown sugar. If you prefer a more savory dish, reduce the amount of sweetener or add a pinch of salt.
Thicken the sauce (optional): If you want a thicker sauce, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help to thicken the sauce and give it a richer consistency.
Add some heat (optional): For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. This will add a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the apples.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices to the sauce, such as allspice, nutmeg, or cardamom. These spices will add a unique flavor that’s perfect for fall.

One thing I always do is taste the sauce before adding the pork chops to the slow cooker. This allows me to adjust the seasonings to my liking and make sure it has the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. I also learned the hard way that searing the pork chops is definitely worth the extra effort – it adds so much flavor and color!

Storing and Reheating Tips

These Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops are great for meal prepping because they store well and taste even better the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat them:

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving them at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent any bacterial growth.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing them. The glaze is fine to leave on.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the pork chops, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. I find vacuum sealing works best.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the pork chops, it’s best to add the glaze after thawing and reheating. This will prevent the glaze from becoming too watery during the freezing and thawing process.

To reheat, simply microwave the pork chops for a few minutes until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F. Add a splash of apple juice or water to the skillet or oven to prevent the pork chops from drying out. When I reheat leftovers, I usually add a little extra apple cider vinegar to brighten up the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in pork chops?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to increase the cooking time by about an hour. Also, bone-in pork chops tend to be a bit fattier, so you may want to trim off some of the excess fat before cooking.

What kind of apples should I use?

My favorites are Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, but you can use any apple that holds its shape well during cooking. Braeburn or Fuji apples would also work nicely. Just avoid apples that are too soft, as they will turn to mush in the slow cooker.

Can I make this in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 350°F. Layer the apples and onions in a baking dish, top with the pork chops, and pour over the sauce. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Carrots, sweet potatoes, or parsnips would all be delicious additions. Just add them to the slow cooker along with the apples and onions.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the recipe as directed, but stop before adding the pork chops to the slow cooker. Store the apple mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, add the pork chops and cook as directed.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my absolute favorite Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops recipe! I truly believe that this recipe is a winner. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The combination of sweet apples, savory pork, and warm spices is simply irresistible. Plus, the fact that you can just dump everything in the slow cooker and forget about it makes it a total lifesaver. If you’re looking for another great dish, maybe give my Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sandwiches a try!

I really hope you give this recipe a try. I know you’ll love it as much as my family does. And please, let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Did you make any fun variations? I’m always looking for new ideas. Happy cooking!

No ratings yet