marilynpeight
These easy, braised pork chops are perfectly soft and flavorful! Braising the pork chops by frying them lightly in butter and then slow cooking them with Sauerkraut, brings out the best flavor and soft, melt-in-your mouth texture!! Pork and sauerkraut is a Pennsylvania German tradition for New Years Eve and some believe eating it on New years eve brings good luck (I simply eat it because I like it). We like to enjoy our crockpot Pork and Sauerkraut with Amish Style Mashed Potatoes and Salad or Vegetable medley. You may also enjoy Mom’s Amish Honey Bread as a side! See below the recipe card for step by step photos and notes.
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Slow Cooker Pork chops and Sauerkraut
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet (linked below)
- 7 quart crockpot (linked below)
- tongs (linked below)
Ingredients
- 3.5 lb. pork chops *see note below
- 32 oz. Sauerkraut with juice bagged or canned
- 3-4 tablespoons salted butter
- salt
- pepper
- onion powder *see note
Instructions
- Working in batches; melt butter in a large cast iron or non-stick skillet. Season both sides of the pork chops liberally with salt, pepper and onion powder, then sear in butter on both sides for 1-2 minutes per side, or until nicely browned (you will not need to cook the pork chops through at this point).
- Place the seared pork chops in the bottom of a 6-7 quart slow cooker. Spread the sauerkraut with juice over the pork chops, then cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours until fork tender (or until the meat falls off the bone).
- Serve with potatoes and sides of choice and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Equipment:
- Cast Iron Skillet I prefer to use a cast iron skillet over a non-stick, because cast Iron does a better job at getting the perfect sear on these pork chops.
- 7 quart crockpot A large crockpot is key to braising these pork chops until they are perfectly soft and tender.
- Tongs A pair of tongs makes handling the pork chops in the searing process so much easier!
Ingredients needed: Pork chops, Sauerkraut, butter, onion powder, salt and pepper.
Some dishes are just better with less fuss and hassle! I was doubting the minimalism of this recipe, until I took the first bite and then I was hooked! I love easy recipes, being a busy mom to two toddlers, but, I also love flavor and good texture. I can honestly say that these braised pork chops with sauerkraut provided both!
Step 1: Season and sear the pork chops on both sides until lightly browned, but not cooked through.
Note*
I prefer to sear my pork chops on medium-high heat. If the pork chops are left on the heat too long they will cook through. The best method is to do them hot and fast to get a nice and even sear.
Step 2: Place pork chops in a 6-7 quart crockpot.
Note*
You can layer the porkchops on top of each other. This recipe can also be doubled if you wish to serve more people on a New years eve party or other event. Although the cooking time shouldn’t change much, I recommend adding an extra hour to ensure they are fall apart tender in a doubled recipe. As mentioned above, these pork chops also keep well on warm for up to an hour.
Step 2 continued: Cover the pork chops with sauerkraut and then cook for 4-6 hours on low until fork tender.
Note*
Newer crockpots tend to cook faster than older crockpots. My 7 quart crockpot was purchased in the last 2 years and had these porkchops well done between 4-5 hours. Size can also play a part in cooking with a crockpot. If you plan on using an older crockpot you may wish to add an extra hour or two to ensure the pork chops have plenty of time to get nice and tender.
I can certainly recommend adding Amish style mashed potatoes to the meal! You can even cook the Amish style mashed potatoes in a crockpot if you prefer.
Feel free to pin this recipe for later and show off your creation by tagging me on Instagram!
Loved this. Basic simple recipe and tasted like what I remember growing up.
I’m glad you enjoyed it too!
Am I correct that you don’t rinse the sauerkraut? The brine it’s preserved in can be really strong!
I personally don’t. The brine from the sauerkraut helps to tenderize the pork chops as they slow cook. However, if you don’t like the flavor of the brine, feel free to rinse it off.