Savory Apple Dijon Crock Pot Pork Chops

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 7 hours
🍽 Serves: 4
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Looking for a hearty, no-fuss meal that brings together sweet and savory flavors? These Savory Apple Dijon Crock Pot Pork Chops are just the ticket. Perfect for a cozy dinner, they’ll fill your home with a mouthwatering aroma and your belly with satisfying goodness.

Ingredients for Savory Apple Dijon Crock Pot Pork Chops

Pork chops are the star of the show, bringing a hearty and juicy element to the dish. The olive oil helps in browning them, adding depth of flavor. A sprinkle of salt and black pepper enhances and balances the overall taste.

The onion and garlic provide a savory base note, while unsweetened apple juice introduces a natural sweetness that makes the dish pop. Dijon mustard adds a nice tang and a bit of heat.

Apple cider vinegar gives a subtle zing, offsetting the sweetness, and soy sauce adds a touch of umami. A hint of brown sugar rounds out the sauce, while dried thyme, cinnamon, and nutmeg introduce warm, aromatic spices.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make sure to brown the pork chops. It’s worth the extra step for flavor.
  • If your sauce is too thin at the end, remove the lid and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to thicken.
  • For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

These pork chops are delightful served over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice, which soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully. A side of roasted green beans or a fresh garden salad complements the meal nicely, adding some crunch and color.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, but they might cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid drying out.
What if I don’t have apple juice?
You can substitute with chicken broth or even apple cider if you have it on hand.

Savory Apple Dijon Crock Pot Pork Chops Recipe Walkthrough

Start by seasoning your pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops and brown them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This step is important for locking in flavor. Once browned, transfer them to your crock pot.

In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent. This will soak up all the delicious pork bits left in the pan. Once done, add them to the crock pot on top of the pork chops.

Now, it’s time to make the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the apple juice, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, thyme, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour this mixture over the pork chops and onions in the crock pot, making sure everything is well-covered. Set your crock pot to low and let it cook for 6-7 hours until the pork chops are tender and flavorful.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Uses a crock pot for hands-free cooking.
  • Deliciously combines sweet apple juice and tangy Dijon mustard.
  • Perfectly tender pork chops every time.
  • Great for meal prep or a family dinner.

Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops, approximately 1-inch thick
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 large onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups unsweetened apple juice
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown pork chops on both sides. Transfer to a crock pot.
2. In the same skillet, add sliced onions and garlic, sautéing until onions are translucent. Add to the crock pot.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together apple juice, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, thyme, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour over pork chops and onions in the crock pot.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until pork chops are tender.
5. Serve pork chops with sauce over mashed potatoes or rice.

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