When the weather turns chilly and everyone starts craving something cozy, these slow cooker 4-ingredient apple cranberry pork chops are exactly the kind of dinner that saves the day. My sister-in-law brought a version of this to a fall potluck, and it instantly felt like one of those recipes you keep in your back pocket for busy weeknights, Sunday family dinners, and those November evenings when you want the house to smell amazing with almost no effort. The sweet apples and tart cranberries melt into a glossy sauce that makes simple pork chops taste like a much bigger deal than they really are.
Serve these pork chops over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy rice so none of that sweet-tart sauce goes to waste. For sides, roasted green beans, Brussels sprouts, or a simple fall salad are perfect, and if you want to lean into the cozy holiday vibe, a side of stuffing or sweet potatoes makes this feel extra special.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Apple Cranberry Pork Chops
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
1 can whole berry cranberry sauce, 14 ounces
1 can apple pie filling, 21 ounces
1 packet dry onion soup mix, 1 ounce
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired, then place the pork chops in an even layer in the bottom.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the cranberry sauce, apple pie filling, and dry onion soup mix until well combined.
3. Spoon the apple-cranberry mixture evenly over the pork chops, making sure the tops are well covered.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the pork chops are tender and cooked through.
5. Serve warm with plenty of sauce spooned over the top. If you have a few extra minutes, let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving so they stay especially juicy.
Variations & Tips
Use bone-in chops: Bone-in pork chops work nicely here too and often stay extra moist in the slow cooker. Just aim for a similar thickness and check for tenderness toward the earlier end of the cooking time.
Make it a freezer meal: Add the pork chops, cranberry sauce, apple pie filling, and onion soup mix to a freezer bag and freeze flat. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding everything to the slow cooker in the morning, which is a huge help during a packed workweek.
Keep the sauce balanced: If you like a less sweet finish, serve these with a pinch of black pepper on top or alongside savory sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. The contrast makes the apple and cranberry flavors pop without feeling too dessert-like.
Don’t overcook: Because pork chops can dry out if left too long, start checking them as soon as they are tender. Thicker chops hold up best, so if your chops are very thin, reduce the cooking time a bit.
Turn it into a holiday-style dinner: For a more festive presentation, plate the pork chops with mashed sweet potatoes and green beans, then spoon the glossy cranberry-apple sauce over everything. It tastes like a cozy cross between a weeknight dinner and a Thanksgiving plate.