Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops Recipe

If you’ve been craving a comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this delightful Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops recipe. The tender pork chops soak up the sweet and slightly spiced apple sauce, while the slices of fresh apple and savory seasonings create an irresistible blend of flavors that will have your whole family asking for seconds. This dish is simple to prepare yet feels special enough for any weeknight or casual gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, bringing just the right balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic notes to your slow-cooked pork chops. From the juicy apples that add freshness to the earthy thyme, these ingredients come together to create a beautifully layered taste experience.

• Pork chops: 4 bone-in chops provide the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness for slow cooking.
• Apples: 2 medium-sized apples, sliced; their natural sweetness and slight tartness brighten the dish.
• Onion: 1 medium onion, sliced, which adds savory depth and a hint of sweetness as it cooks down.
• Apple sauce: 1 cup of unsweetened apple sauce; a smooth base that enhances the apple flavor without overpowering.
• Brown sugar: 1/4 cup, providing a touch of caramel-like sweetness that complements the pork perfectly.
• Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, adding warmth and spice.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, essential for balancing flavors and seasoning the meat.
• Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, lending a mild kick and depth.
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon, to boost savory undertones.
• Thyme: 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, introducing a subtle herbal fragrance that pairs wonderfully with pork and apples.

How to Make Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops

Begin by seasoning both sides of your pork chops generously with salt and pepper. This simple step is key to enhancing the natural flavor of the meat. Setting your chops aside after seasoning allows the spices to penetrate slightly, making each bite flavorful.

Step 2: Arrange in the Crock Pot

Place those perfectly seasoned pork chops in the bottom of your slow cooker. The meat will serve as the hearty foundation for the sweet and savory toppings that come next. Laying the chops out flat ensures even cooking during the slow-cook process.

Step 3: Add Apples and Onion

Layer the sliced apples and onions over the pork chops. These not only provide sweetness and moisture but also complement the savory pork with their natural sugars and subtle tang. The onions soften beautifully, adding a mellow richness to every bite.

Step 4: Add Apple Sauce and Brown Sugar

Drizzle the cup of unsweetened apple sauce evenly over the apples and onions, followed by sprinkling the brown sugar on top. This combination creates a luscious, slightly syrupy sauce that thickens as it cooks, marrying the flavors perfectly.

Step 5: Sprinkle Spices

Now, sprinkle the ground cinnamon, garlic powder, and dried thyme over the whole mixture. These spices bring in aromatic warmth and complexity, elevating the dish beyond the usual pork chop dinner.

Step 6: Cover and Cook

Put the Crock Pot lid on tight and set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 8 hours. For a quicker option, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. This gentle cooking process makes the pork chops incredibly tender and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

Before serving, make sure the pork chops are thoroughly cooked, reaching an internal temperature of at least 145°F. This ensures your Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops are juicy and safe to enjoy.

Step 8: Serve

Carefully transfer the pork chops to plates and spoon the luscious apple and onion mixture over the top. The combination of savory pork with the sweet, cinnamon-kissed apples is simply irresistible.

How to Serve Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. For an extra touch of elegance, a few toasted pecans or walnuts scattered on top bring delightful crunch and nuttiness.

Side Dishes

Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the delicious sauce perfectly. Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts add a lovely contrast in texture and a pop of vibrant green to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming family-style presentation, serve the pork chops and apple sauce in a rustic cast iron skillet set right at the center of your table. Alternatively, place the pork on a bed of wild rice or quinoa to soak up every last drop of the fragrant sauce, turning the meal into an impressive, wholesome feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to intensify after resting, making the next meal just as tasty if not better.

Freezing

The Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops freeze well. Portion the meat and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and make a fantastic ready-to-go meal on busy nights.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the pork’s tenderness and prevent drying out. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating can help maintain the sauce’s luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?

Absolutely! Boneless pork chops will work just as well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking time as boneless cuts can cook slightly faster and may become dry if overcooked.

What type of apples is best for the Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops?

Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are perfect. They hold their shape during slow cooking while adding a pleasant balance of tartness and sweetness.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes can be added for extra heartiness. Add them at the beginning of cooking so they have plenty of time to become tender.

Is it necessary to add cinnamon and thyme?

The cinnamon adds warmth and complements the apples beautifully, while thyme lends an earthy herbal note that brightens the dish. You can experiment with these spices, but omitting them will change the flavor profile significantly.

How thick should the pork chops be?

Pork chops about 1 to 1.5 inches thick are ideal for slow cooking. Thinner chops risk overcooking and drying out, while thicker chops might need longer to cook through evenly.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give this Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops recipe a try soon – it’s one of those meals that feels cozy and special all at once without requiring a lot of hands-on time. The blend of tender pork, sweet apples, and aromatic spices is pure comfort food magic. Trust me, your dinner table is in for a treat that everyone will remember fondly!

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