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    Home » Recipes » Crockpot Recipes » Crock Pot Pork Chops with Cranberries and Apples

    Crock Pot Pork Chops with Cranberries and Apples

    Published: Nov 17, 2016 · Modified: Apr 28, 2021 by Bren

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    Pork chops or boneless pork ribs simmer with cranberries, onion and apples to create a delicious dish flavored with balsamic vinegar. Try this easy and delicious crock pot pork chops recipe.

    Easy slow cooker recipe. Boneless pork chops or pork ribs simmer with cranberries, onion and apples to create a delicious dish flavored with balsamic vinegar. Healthy crock pot recipe.

     

    Busy Nights Demand Easy Dinners

    As summer turns to fall the sun sets earlier and the days grow shorter. It certainly feels like the days are shorter at the Bren Did home… and it has nothing to do with the autumnal equinox!

    Fall always means my days get BUSY. The kiddos are back at school and college classes are in full swing (I teach communication studies). Add in an assortment of sports and after school activities and the days are packed!

    Easy slow cooker recipe. Boneless pork chops or pork ribs simmer with cranberries, onion and apples to create a delicious dish flavored with balsamic vinegar. Healthy crock pot recipe.

    What’s For Dinner?

    The topic I hate most on busy days? DINNER.

    The conversation on the way home from swim practice always turns to the MOST important things… “What’s for dinner?” tops the list. By the time the day is over we’re all starving. If I don’t pre-plan our meal it’s all too easy to turn into a fast food restaurant for take out.

    To spare my family the sodium and additives of fast food, I prepare dinner in my slow cooker several days a week. It does the hard work while I drive everyone to swim practice and science club. Then, just when food is most needed, a home cooked dinner is waiting on my kitchen counter.

    Easy slow cooker recipe. Boneless pork chops or pork ribs simmer with cranberries, onion and apples to create a delicious dish flavored with balsamic vinegar. Healthy crock pot recipe.

    Crock Pot Pork Chops

    My favorite part about this recipe? It’s dice and go; cut up the ingredients and add them to the crock pot. No pre-browning or pre-cooking necessary.

    The recipe works great with lots of pork cuts: pork chops, country style pork ribs, or even pork tenderloin. Adjust the cooking time to make sure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees.

    Easy slow cooker recipe. Boneless pork chops or pork ribs simmer with cranberries, onion and apples to create a delicious dish flavored with balsamic vinegar. Healthy crock pot recipe.

     

    Sweet and Tangy Dish

    Crock pot pork chops combine the delicious flavor of cranberries and apples, the perfect seasonal fruit for fall and winter. It’s one of our favorite combos: tender pork with juicy apples and tart cranberries. It is delicious served with mashed potatoes (or sweet potatoes), rice, or noodles.

    The recipe is naturally quite tart due to the balsamic vinegar and cranberries, add 1/4-1/2 cup of brown sugar to enhance the natural sweetness of the apples and make the cranberries less sour. I use 1/4 cup if I am cooking a pound of pork chops and up the amount as the amount of meat is increased.

    Easy slow cooker recipe. Boneless pork chops or pork ribs simmer with cranberries, onion and apples to create a delicious dish flavored with balsamic vinegar. Healthy crock pot recipe.

     

    Red and Green Garnish

    I garnish the pork with a bit of parsley, diced scallions, or chives. This step  is purely for presentation and does not change the taste. You can also serve a green salad or vegetable on the side. I love the contrast of the red and green colors on the dinner table.

     

    Print
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    Easy slow cooker recipe. Boneless pork chops or pork ribs simmer with cranberries, onion and apples to create a delicious dish flavored with balsamic vinegar. Healthy crock pot recipe.

    Crock Pot Boneless Pork Ribs with Cranberries and Apples

    ★★★★★ 5 from 2 reviews
    • Author: Bren
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 360 minutes
    • Total Time: 370 minutes
    • Yield: 8 servings 1x
    • Category: Slow Cooker
    • Cuisine: American
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Boneless pork chops or country style pork ribs simmer with cranberries, onion and apples to create a delicious dish flavored with balsamic vinegar. Try this easy and delicious slow cooker recipe.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 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)

    Instructions

    1. Lightly oil your crock pot to make cleanup easier. Place onions in the bottom of the crock pot.
      Easy slow cooker recipe. Boneless pork chops or pork ribs simmer with cranberries, onion and apples to create a delicious dish flavored with balsamic vinegar. Healthy crock pot recipe.
    2. Layer cranberries over onions.
      Easy slow cooker recipe. Boneless pork chops or pork ribs simmer with cranberries, onion and apples to create a delicious dish flavored with balsamic vinegar. Healthy crock pot recipe.
    3. Layer pork over cranberries.
      Easy slow cooker recipe. Boneless pork chops or pork ribs simmer with cranberries, onion and apples to create a delicious dish flavored with balsamic vinegar. Healthy crock pot recipe.
    4. Combine balsamic vinegar and apple juice, pour over pork. (For a milder flavor combine the vinegar with brown sugar and apple juice then pour over pork). Salt and pepper pork lightly.
      Easy slow cooker recipe. Boneless pork chops or pork ribs simmer with cranberries, onion and apples to create a delicious dish flavored with balsamic vinegar. Healthy crock pot recipe.
    5. Cook for 4-6 hours on low. *
      Easy slow cooker recipe. Boneless pork chops or pork ribs simmer with cranberries, onion and apples to create a delicious dish flavored with balsamic vinegar. Healthy crock pot recipe.
    6. Add apples and cook until tender (about 40 minutes). Pork should have a minimum internal temperature of 145 °F
      Easy slow cooker recipe. Boneless pork chops or pork ribs simmer with cranberries, onion and apples to create a delicious dish flavored with balsamic vinegar. Healthy crock pot recipe.
    7. Remove pork, apples, cranberries and some onions to a serving platter. Use an immersion blender to puree sauce left in crock pot and serve alongside the pork chops.
    8. Salt and pepper to taste and serve with rice, mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes.

    Notes

    *Please note, all crock pots cook at a slightly different rate. Adjust cooking time if your slow cooker is fast or slow.


    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 cup
    • Calories: 320

    Keywords: Crock Pot Pork with Cranberries and Apples, pork and apples

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    More Easy Crock Pot Recipes

    I love crock pot dinners that require little to no prep. They are perfect for busy days and help keep healthy eating on track. Try these other easy crock pot recipes that are sure to become family favorites:

    • Apples, Pork Roast and Sauerkraut in the Slow Cooker

    This easy recipe combines apples, pork roast and sauerkraut in the crock pot for a tasty dinner that takes just minutes to prepare. My family loves it for the tasty combination of flavors, I love it because it is a simple “throw and go” recipe for the slow cooker.

    • Healthy Chicken Tacos

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    • Sweet Chili Pineapple Chicken

    Sweet Chili Pineapple Chicken Easy Slow Cooker Meal– Easy crock pot recipe requires no thawing and uses just 4 somple ingredients: chicken, sweet chili sauce, pineapple and vegetables. In just 5 minutes you can prepare a delicious healthy slow cooker meal your whole family will love. Try it with your favorite vegetables including sweet pepper, pea pods, and broccoli. Healthy Crock Pot meal.

    • Crazy Easy Roast Chicken in the Slow Cooker

    Crazy Easy Roast Chicken in the Slow Cooker - This quick and easy whole chicken recipe will become a staple in your house. It is a healthy alternative to store-bought rotisserie chicken with a wonderful flavor, crispy skin and tender meat.

    • Chicken Pesto Pasta Easy Crock Pot Recipe

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    BrenDId

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Yvonne

      December 04, 2019 at 9:23 am

      Absolutely delicious! To cut the sweetness a bit I substituted chicken stock for apple juice. This will be added into our meal rotation!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Bren

        December 17, 2019 at 9:03 am

        Thanks, Yvonne!

        Reply
    2. Leah Poser

      August 13, 2019 at 5:55 pm

      Yep, I did! I put it on manual for 45 mins. Came out great! (I used frozen as well)

      Reply
    3. Amy

      December 13, 2018 at 4:08 pm

      Has anyone tried this with an Instant Pot? And…a frozen vs unfrozen pork tenderloin? I get that the temp needs to reach safety but what settings were used successfully?

      Reply
      • Bren

        December 14, 2018 at 9:53 am

        Amy, I’ve never made it in the Instant Pot. Let me know if you try.

        Reply
    4. stephanie

      March 14, 2017 at 8:45 am

      This recipe is now a family favorite! We love it, thanks!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Bren

        March 14, 2017 at 9:34 am

        So glad your family enjoys it too!

        Reply
    5. Danica

      January 22, 2017 at 11:56 am

      Would this work adding more vegetables? Having for example a layer of cut up sweet potatoes, celery , carrots, onions, etc and placing the pork chops on top?

      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Bren

        January 22, 2017 at 2:27 pm

        Danica, I’ve never made it with other vegetables so I’m not sure how that would work. Let me know if you try. -Bren

        Reply
    6. Judy

      May 24, 2016 at 2:46 pm

      Can this recipe be frozen? I’m cooking for two so I would like to freeze half. I wasn’t sure about the onions and apples.

      Reply
      • Bren

        May 24, 2016 at 3:10 pm

        I think they should be fine, a little more tender when reheated but still tasty.

        Reply
      • Sue

        January 25, 2023 at 7:52 am

        CN I use canned cranberry jelly instead of fresh cranberries?

        Reply
        • Bren

          February 17, 2023 at 7:28 am

          I’ve never used cranberry jelly in the recipe so I’m not sure how it would work.

          Reply
    7. Sally

      April 20, 2016 at 10:42 am

      Just turned on the crock pot with pork chops in it–I’m so excited to taste it tonite!:) thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    8. Jamie

      March 19, 2016 at 12:43 am

      I’m curious what type of apples you’ve tried. What did you like (or not like)? Looking forward to giving this recipe a try this week!

      Reply
      • Bren

        March 21, 2016 at 11:27 pm

        Jamie, I’ve used Fuji, Honeycrisp. Pink Lady, Braeburn, and Granny Smith. I think we like the Braeburn and Granny Smith best… something crisp and tart/sweet.

        Reply
    9. Rhonda

      March 10, 2016 at 3:12 pm

      I’m trying this today with a pork tenderloin. As far as the comment above about cooking 1 chop & not having good results… I would never cook a piece of meat that was that thin for 6-7 hours, even on low. That is really going to cause it to disintegrate. I might consider very thick cut chops, thick pork ribs, though. Otherwise, I’d cook it when I could do it in 4-5 hours max for think pieces of meat. Each crock put cooking temperature is also very different. I’m putting a few apple slices on top for the majority of the cooking, but then will put in the rest towards the end so they won’t be so mushy.

      Reply
      • Bren

        March 10, 2016 at 3:48 pm

        Thanks for the tips, Rhonda! I hope you enjoy the pork loin! Your double apple method sounds great, it will sweeten up the cranberries.

        Reply
    10. Jessica Collum

      March 09, 2016 at 9:25 am

      Can I use dried cranberries if fresh or frozen aren’t available in my area?
      Thank you.

      Reply
      • Bren

        March 09, 2016 at 4:34 pm

        I have never tried using dried cranberries, Jessica. It should work, but I can’t promise success! Let me know if you try using them.

        Reply
    11. Sarah

      February 24, 2016 at 11:38 am

      I work evenings and put meals in the crock pot for my family so they dont have to fend for themselves. Could I put the apples in from the beginning instead of later and cook on high for half the time?

      Reply
      • Bren

        February 24, 2016 at 11:44 am

        Sarah, yes you can put the apples in from the beginning they will just be more mushy. My kids will eat them either way, just be warned they will be more like apple sauce than apple slices. Still delicious!

        Reply
    12. Pauline

      February 04, 2016 at 11:17 am

      Don’t like onion what should I put ?

      Reply
      • Bren

        February 04, 2016 at 12:59 pm

        You can leave them out, add some garlic, or substitute whatever you like to use in place of onion. It’s a matter of personal preference.

        Reply
    13. Cassandra

      January 19, 2016 at 10:29 am

      Hi, do you think you could cook it on high for half the time….I am a little short on time, thanks!

      Reply
      • Bren

        January 19, 2016 at 10:44 am

        Yes, this should work. Just make sure the pork reaches a temp of 145 degrees.

        Reply
    14. Christine

      December 06, 2015 at 8:20 am

      Will it work with chicken?

      Reply
      • Bren

        December 06, 2015 at 1:15 pm

        Christine, I have never tried the recipe with chicken so I’m not sure how it would taste. Sorry!

        Reply
    15. Heather

      November 24, 2015 at 11:20 am

      would this work with frozen chops?

      Reply
      • Bren

        November 24, 2015 at 1:29 pm

        Yes, I have used frozen chops. Just make sure they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees. You can read more at FoodSafety.gov.

        Reply
    16. practicalbydefault

      November 15, 2015 at 8:35 pm

      Just found this on pinterest, Going to have to try it. Looks amazing, thank you so much for sharing. I love using my slow-cooker on busy days, and there are so many gross slow cooker meals out there. Its nice to try “tested” ones out 🙂

      Reply
      • Bren

        November 15, 2015 at 8:56 pm

        I hope you like the recipe. Thanks for stopping by the blog!

        Reply

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