Juicy, tender pork chops combined with the sweet and tangy flavor of Granny Smith apples, all brought together in a simple crockpot recipe.
❤️ Why you’ll love this recipe
- Effortless to make: This is a perfect throw-and-go recipe, thanks to your trusted slow cooker.
- Fantastic flavors: The combination of hearty pork chops and tart apples creates a symphony of flavors that are just so very fall.
- Versatility: This dish can easily be adjusted to suit your tastes. Sweeter apples, additional spices – tweak it your way!
- Satisfying and comforting: This dish hits the spot every time, making it perfect for those chilly fall evenings.
🧂 Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients. You’ll find the full measurements and instructions in the printable recipe at the bottom of the page.
You’ll need the following for this easy dinner recipe:
- Bone-in pork chops
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Cornstarch
- Vegetable Oil
- Granny Smith apples
- Brown Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Apple cider
🍴Instructions
Step One: prep chops
Start with your pork: Season those pork chops with kosher salt and black pepper. Dredge them in cornstarch for that perfect coating, and shake off any excess.
Let’s get that sear: Now, heat up your skillet with a dash of vegetable oil. Sear those chops on each side until they’re golden brown – about 2-3 minutes should do the trick. Meanwhile, you can core and slice those apples!
Step Two: layer in crockpot
Once your chops are beautifully seared, pop them into your slow cooker. Top it off with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and apple slices. Finally, pour the apple cider over everything.
Step three: cook
Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or HIGH for 3 hours. The pork should be tender and perfectly cooked when it’s done. Serve it warm, with a generous heap of apples and sauce on top.
🥫 Storage instructions
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Want to freeze it? No problem! Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. This can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
🔍 FAQs
While it’s possible, searing the pork chops first locks in the flavor and gives them a delicious crust. It’s a step I highly recommend.
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite variety, but keep in mind sweeter apples will result in a sweeter sauce.
👩🏻🍳 Expert tips
- Choose thicker bone-in pork chops. Thin ones will overcook in the slow cooker.
- While searing, avoid crowding the pan to achieve a proper sear.
- Adjust the sugar to your preference based on the sweetness of your apples.
📘 more crockpot dinner Recipes
- Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Ribs
- Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice in the Crockpot
- Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti
🍽 Serve it with
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. A glass of crisp white wine or spiked apple cider would also complement this meal wonderfully.
📖 Here’s the recipe
Crockpot Pork Chops and Apples
Equipment
- 1 Slow cooker
Ingredients
- 2-3 bone-in pork chops About ½” Thick
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable Oil
- 3 Granny Smith apples
- ¼ cup brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup apple cider
Instructions
- Prep the pork. Season both sides of porch chops with kosher salt and black pepper. Dredge each pork chop in the cornstarch, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess.
- Sear the chops. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear on each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. (You can core and slice the apples while they are browning.) Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Assemble in slow cooker. Place the seared pork chops into the slow cooker. Top with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and sliced apples. Pour the apple cider over everything.
- Cook and serve. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, or until the pork is tender and cooked through. Serve the pork chops warm, with a generous serving of the apples and sauce spooned over the top.
This was really good! I had four massive thick pork chops so I increased the brown sugar and cider to about 1/2c each. After searing the meat (I used bacon grease instead of oil), I deglazed the pan with an onion and added that to the crockpot with the apples. Definitely don’t skip the searing and salt your meat well before searing and everything will be great! I wish I would’ve left my apples in a little bit bigger chunks just because the ones underneath cooked apart so much. Made it less pretty looking but still very tasty and that’s what counts, right?! 🙂 Thanks, I needed a taste of fall since I’m so tired of the 100 degree summer heat and this did it for me!
hi mary susan! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I love a little early taste of fall too. 🙂