Slow cooker pork chops and apples is an excellent combination of fantastic flavor and quick cooking time, making it an ideal family favorite. This is a recipe you’ll want to add to your recipe book!
Why this recipe works
When you’re pressed for time, this is the crockpot meal. With minimal ingredients, the prep time and short and sweet. The total time it takes to cook is quick, making this the ideal meal to start earlier in the day to have it fresh and ready by dinner time.
These crockpot pork chops are also ideal for those on specific eating plans such as Paleo, Clean Eating, or Gluten-Free. So if you’re looking to keep it healthy, there are no worries with this meal.
Recipe Ingredients
- Pork Chops – The best kind of chops to use for this meal are center cut, boneless pork chops. They aren’t too thick and will cook to a tender finish.
- Apples – We like granny smith tart apples and the tanginess they provide a dish.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to the dish. If you have a special diet, you can use a sugar substitue or leave it out.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, cinnamon, and dried thyme add the finishing touches of flavor these crockpot pork chops need.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step One – Place pork chops in the bottom of the slow cooker and add the apple slices on top.
Step Two – Combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, black pepper, salt, and thyme in a small bowl.
Step Three – Sprinkle the seasoning mixture on top of the apples.
Step Four – Cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours and serve the juicy pork chops alongside some suggestions below.
What to serve with this
- Mashed Potatoes: Although this can be served by itself, with a few extra apples on top, you can’t go wrong by putting it on a bed of garlic mashed potatoes.
- Green Vegetable side: Another way to serve these chops is with a side of broccoli, green beans, or another green vegetable. This will add a variety of color and nutrients to the meal.
- Sweet Potatoes: A side of sweet potatoes would offer another potato option that’s both colorful and flavorful.
- Sliced Onions: If you’re looking for something fresh, offer sliced tomato and onion on the side as well.
Variations
- Use different apple types. The first variation involves adding a couple of apple types. In addition to granny smith apples, you could also add Fuji apple slices. You’ll still get a wonderful apple taste.
- Add honey. For a sweet variation, consider adding honey. A fourth to a half cup is the perfect amount to accompany the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Add sliced onions. If you’d like to add another ingredient, sliced sweet onion would be a perfect choice. You could slice them in small rings or in quarters. Add them to the crockpot with everything else and that’s it.
Recipes FAQs
Place the remaining meal in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days, or in the freezer for three months. To reheat, add to a large skillet (or one that fits the amount of leftovers) and warm on medium heat until warmed throughout.
You can use any apple kind of your choice, and peeling is optional. Keep in mind that different apples will yield different tastes and textures. Granny smith are often the firmest and most tart.
Absolutely! The cooking time even remains the same.
Some recipes suggest browning them before cooking to seal in the juices and add caramelized flavor. I think you still get great results without browning and makes for easier cleanup.
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Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Apples
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless center cut pork chops (can use up to 8 pork chops if you need to serve more people)
- 4 granny Smith apples
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. dried leaf thyme
Instructions:
- Place pork chops in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Cut apples into 8 large slices and place on top of pork chops.
- Combine brown sugar and seasonings then sprinkle mixture over apples.
- Cook on low 5-6 hours.
Sarah’s Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
Kathy says
I didn’t have any granny smith apples, so I just used the apples that I had at home. This was delicious!
Felicia says
I made this two weekends ago for a trail run for Christmas. It came out amazing!! When I made it two weekends ago I only made 4 pork chops.
This time I am making about 17 pork chops. Hopefully it will come out similar to when I made the 4 pork chops.
It is currently in the crock pot right now. I will let you know how it comes out with that many pork chops.
*I did double the ingredients*
Merry Christmas!!
Sarah Olson says
That’s great. Let us know how it turns out.
Tammy says
Going to be making this soon what can I do for liquid since nothing is listed in the recipe??? Or do I even need liquid?
Sarah Olson says
The butter is the liquid, and the pork chops and onions will make more sauce.
Leanne says
Butter is not listed as ingredient?
Sarah Olson says
I apologize, I thought you commented on my pork loin recipe. This recipe does make it’s own liquid, as you can see in the photos.
Jen says
This was delicious! I sliced an onion and added that too, and I used a splash of maple syrup because I was out of brown sugar. I’ll be making this often, thanks!
Kelly says
Can you cook on HIGH for shorter amount of time?
Sarah Olson says
Yes, it should do fine for 3.5 hours on high.
Kelly says
What do you serve on the side?
Sarah Olson says
Rice pilaf or mashed potatoes.
Robin says
Curious-What time and oven temp would work for this recipe?
Sarah Olson says
Hard to say without testing it. I apologize for not having that info.
Ian says
Really tasty and incredibly easy dish
Eleanor H. says
If I use 8 pork chops, do I need to double the other ingredients?
Sarah Olson says
No, you should still have plenty of apples and other ingredients without doubling.
Georgia says
the pic shows it very juicy yet no liquid added – does it really make that much and would it be good as a gravy?
Thanks!
Sarah Olson says
The pork chops and apples will let out a lot of juices! No need to add any liquid.
Georgia says
THANK YOU! have you ever made a gravy out if it – cornstarch?