Slow Cooker Apple Butter Pork Chops
Serves: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 4 hours
These Slow Cooker Apple Butter Pork Chops are Fall on a plate!
Thick-cut pork chops are simmered low and slow in a sweet and savory apple butter sauce until they’re melt-in-your-mouth tender.
The rich apple flavor pairs perfectly with the savory pork, making this an easy, family-friendly weeknight meal that tastes like something you’d get at a cozy farmhouse kitchen.
It is always a family favorite.
How To Make Slow Cooker Apple Butter Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in pork chops
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 ½ cups apple butter
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 apples, sliced
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Season your pork chops with the salt, pepper and paprika.
2. In a large skillet melt the butter over medium high heat and sear the pork chops quickly just to get a little color on them.
3. Place the pork chops in the slow cooker.
4. Top the pork chops with the onion.
5. Mix the apple butter with the apple cider vinegar and pour over the mixture.
6. Sprinkle the apple slices around the pork chops.
7. Cover and cook on low 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
8. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.
Tips & Tricks
Searing = flavor! A quick sear adds richness and locks in those juices, don’t skip it if you have the time.
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness if you’re unsure, pork is perfectly cooked at 145°F.
Thin pork chops? Reduce cook time slightly to avoid drying them out.
Layer onions first under the pork chops for extra flavor infusion (and to help prevent sticking).
Rest before serving: Let the pork rest 5 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute.
Substitutions
No apple butter? Use applesauce mixed with brown sugar and cinnamon — about 1½ cups total.
No apple cider vinegar? Use regular white vinegar or even a splash of lemon juice for tang.
No bone-in chops? Boneless pork chops or thick-cut pork loin work too — just keep an eye on cook time.
No fresh apples? Use canned apple slices (drained) or skip them altogether if needed, the apple butter will still carry the flavor.
Butter substitute? Olive oil works fine for the sear if you’re dairy-free.
Variations
Spicy-sweet kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the apple butter mixture.
Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or dollop of sour cream at the end for a richer sauce.
Fall harvest version: Add baby carrots, butternut squash cubes, or sweet potato chunks alongside the apples.
Herb it up: Add fresh thyme or rosemary during the last hour for an herby twist.
Shredded pork: Cook until super tender and shred it for sandwiches, sliders, or wraps. amazing with extra apple butter on a bun!
Slow Cooker Apple Butter Pork Chops
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in pork chops
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion sliced
- 1 ½ cups apple butter
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 apples sliced
Instructions
- Season your pork chops with the salt, pepper and paprika.
- In a large skillet melt the butter over medium high heat and sear the pork chops quickly just to get a little color on them.
- Place the pork chops in the slow cooker.
- Top the pork chops with the onion.
- Mix the apple butter with the apple cider vinegar and pour over the mixture.
- Sprinkle the apple slices around the pork chops.
- Cover and cook on low 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.
Notes
Tips & Tricks
Searing = flavor! A quick sear adds richness and locks in those juices, don’t skip it if you have the time. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness if you’re unsure, pork is perfectly cooked at 145°F. Thin pork chops? Reduce cook time slightly to avoid drying them out. Layer onions first under the pork chops for extra flavor infusion (and to help prevent sticking). Rest before serving: Let the pork rest 5 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute.Substitutions
No apple butter? Use applesauce mixed with brown sugar and cinnamon — about 1½ cups total. No apple cider vinegar? Use regular white vinegar or even a splash of lemon juice for tang. No bone-in chops? Boneless pork chops or thick-cut pork loin work too — just keep an eye on cook time. No fresh apples? Use canned apple slices (drained) or skip them altogether if needed, the apple butter will still carry the flavor. Butter substitute? Olive oil works fine for the sear if you’re dairy-free.Variations
Spicy-sweet kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the apple butter mixture. Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or dollop of sour cream at the end for a richer sauce. Fall harvest version: Add baby carrots, butternut squash cubes, or sweet potato chunks alongside the apples. Herb it up: Add fresh thyme or rosemary during the last hour for an herby twist. Shredded pork: Cook until super tender and shred it for sandwiches, sliders, or wraps. amazing with extra apple butter on a bun!
