Crock Pot Pork Chops and Stuffing: A Cozy Comfort Food Classic

Indulge in the warmth and comfort of a slow-cooked meal with this irresistible Crock Pot Pork Chops and Stuffing recipe. This dish is a symphony of savory flavors‚ perfect for a cozy autumn or winter evening‚ or even as a centerpiece for your holiday gatherings. The slow cooker does all the work‚ allowing you to relax and enjoy the aroma of a delicious meal while it simmers to perfection.

Ingredients⁚

For the Pork Chops⁚

• 1.5 kg boneless pork chops‚ about 1 inch thick
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

For the Stuffing⁚

• 1 medium onion‚ chopped
• 2 cloves garlic‚ minced
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped apple (such as Granny Smith)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 6 cups cubed bread (such as sourdough or Italian)

Instructions⁚

Preparing the Pork Chops⁚

1. In a large bowl‚ combine olive oil‚ salt‚ pepper‚ thyme‚ garlic powder‚ and onion powder.
2. Add the pork chops to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade.
3. Place the marinated pork chops in the bottom of a slow cooker.

Preparing the Stuffing⁚

1. In a large skillet‚ heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion‚ garlic‚ celery‚ and carrots and sauté until softened‚ about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in cranberries‚ apple‚ chicken broth‚ water‚ poultry seasoning‚ salt‚ pepper‚ and parsley. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the cubed bread.

Combining and Cooking⁚

1. Spoon the stuffing mixture over the pork chops in the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours‚ or on high heat for 3-4 hours‚ until the pork is cooked through and the stuffing is heated.
3. Before serving‚ use two forks to shred the pork chops in the slow cooker.

Serving Suggestions⁚

Serve the Crock Pot Pork Chops and Stuffing hot‚ garnished with fresh parsley. You can pair this dish with a side of mashed potatoes‚ green beans‚ or a crisp salad. For a complete holiday meal‚ consider adding a cranberry sauce and a pumpkin pie for dessert.

Tips and Variations⁚

• For a richer flavor‚ use bone-in pork chops.
• Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the stuffing for a touch of sweetness.
• Substitute apple cider for the chicken broth for a more robust flavor.
• To make this dish more festive‚ top it with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts.
• This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.

Conclusion⁚

This Crock Pot Pork Chops and Stuffing recipe is a true comfort food classic. It’s an easy and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. The slow cooker does all the work‚ leaving you free to enjoy your time with family and friends. So gather your ingredients and prepare for a delicious and unforgettable meal.