Amish Pork Chops and Apples is a classic, comforting dish that captures the essence of simple, hearty Amish cooking — tender, bone-in pork chops slow-cooked with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples until they’re fall-apart tender and bursting with flavor. This recipe is a celebration of rustic, homestyle meals, where pork chops and apples are layered in a slow cooker with brown sugar, cinnamon, and apple cider, then cooked low and slow until the pork is incredibly tender and the apples have melted into a sweet, saucy topping. The magic begins with a layer of sliced apples, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, and a pile of pork chops, all cooked together until the flavors meld into a rich, sweet, and savory dish.
The brilliance of this dish lies in the way the apples break down and create a luscious, cinnamon-spiced sauce that coats the pork chops. The sweet-tart apples balance the richness of the pork, creating a meal that feels both comforting and elegant. Serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Tender, fall-apart pork chops — slow-cooked to perfection with sweet, spiced apples.
- Sweet and savory combination — the apples and cinnamon create a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Slow cooker easy — set it and forget it, and come home to a warm, comforting meal.
- A taste of Amish tradition — simple, rustic cooking at its best.
- Perfect for fall — warm, cozy flavors that are perfect for autumn dinners.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick; 2 to 2½ pounds total)
- 4 large firm apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala), peeled, cored, and sliced about ½ inch thick
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup apple cider or apple juice
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray or a thin swipe of oil.
Step 2: Layer the Apples
Spread the peeled, cored, and sliced apples evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, stir together the light brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly combined. Sprinkle about half of the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture evenly over the apples.
Step 4: Add the Pork Chops
Arrange the bone-in pork chops in a mostly single layer over the apples, allowing a little overlap if needed. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-brown sugar mixture over the tops of the pork chops.
Step 5: Add the Cider
Pour the apple cider or apple juice around the pork chops, aiming for the spaces between them so the liquid does not rinse the sugar mixture off the tops.
Step 6: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, until the pork chops are very tender and beginning to pull away from the bone.
Step 7: Serve
Carefully lift out the pork chops, gently stir the apples and sauce together, then nestle the chops back into the apples if desired. Serve hot with plenty of apples and cinnamon-brown sauce.
TIPS
- Use firm apples — they hold their shape better during slow cooking and don’t turn to mush.
- Layer the apples on the bottom — they release their juices and create a flavorful bed for the pork chops.
- Don’t pour the cider over the chops — pour it around them so the cinnamon sugar stays on top.
- Check for doneness — the pork chops should be tender and pull away from the bone easily.
- Serve with sides — mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread are perfect for soaking up the sauce.
STORAGE OPTIONS
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Amish Pork Chops and Apples is a warm, comforting, and delicious meal that brings the flavors of rustic Amish cooking to your table. With its tender pork, sweet apples, and rich cinnamon sauce, it’s a dish that will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy!
