Crock Pot Cranberry Apple Pork Chops

This Crock Pot Cranberry Apple Pork Chops recipe is a sweet and tangy dinner option, which includes tart cranberries and fresh apple slices. It’s a healthy crock pot recipe, ready in about 6 hours and 50 minutes.

Crock Pot Cranberry Apple Pork Chops Ingredients

• 2 cups white onion (quartered and separated)
• 1.5–2.5 lbs thick cut pork chops or county style ribs (boneless)
• 1/4–1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4–1/2 cup brown sugar (optional)
• 1/2 cup apple juice or apple cider
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 2–4 cups apple slices (½ inch thick)

How To Make Crock Pot Cranberry Apple Pork Chops

1. Prepare the crock pot: Lightly oil the inside of your slow cooker to make cleanup easier.
2. Layer onions and cranberries: Place the quartered onions at the bottom of the crock pot, then layer the cranberries on top.
3. Add pork: Place pork chops or boneless ribs over the cranberries.
4. Mix and pour sauce: In a small bowl, combine balsamic vinegar and apple juice (add brown sugar for a milder flavor). Pour the mixture over the pork. Lightly season with salt and pepper.
5. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
6. Add apples: Add the apple slices during the last 40 minutes of cooking. Continue until apples are tender and pork reaches 145°F internally.
7. Finish and serve: Transfer pork, apples, cranberries, and some onions to a serving platter. Use an immersion blender to puree the remaining sauce in the crock pot and serve it alongside the pork.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use frozen cranberries?
  Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh in this recipe.
• What kind of apples should I use?
  Choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith so they hold their shape during cooking.
• Do I need to brown the pork first?
  No browning is needed—just layer and go for a true dump-and-cook recipe.
• How to make the dish sweeter:
  Add up to 1/2 cup of brown sugar when mixing the vinegar and juice for a milder, more balanced flavor.
• Can I use bone-in pork chops?
  Yes, but adjust the cook time slightly to ensure tenderness.

What To Serve With Cranberry Apple Pork Chops

This fruity and savory pork pairs well with comforting sides like:

• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Steamed rice
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Buttery egg noodles
• Garlic green beans

How To Store Cranberry Apple Pork Chops

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze pork and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Cranberry Apple Pork Chops Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with chicken instead of pork?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs are a great substitute—just adjust the cooking time.

How to thicken the sauce:
After pureeing, simmer the sauce in a saucepan for 5–10 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry.

Why is my pork dry?
Avoid overcooking—check internal temperature and stick to the low setting if possible.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely. It stores and reheats very well, making it ideal for make-ahead meals.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Gluten-Free Pulled Pork
• Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs
• Crock Pot Chile Verde Pork