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Dinner · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Butter Cream Honey Dijon Ribeye Pork Chops Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Slow cooker pork chops in honey Dijon cream sauce with shallots
Prep
Cook
Total
Serves
4
Includes 5 min resting

Tips for success

For the most flavorful sauce, use a good-quality whole-grain Dijon mustard—the kind with visible mustard seeds. It adds both flavor and texture. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the sauce after removing the pork, but the rustic look is part of the charm.

The honey provides a delicate sweetness that balances the tangy mustard; avoid using a strongly flavored honey like buckwheat, which can overpower the dish.

If you have time, let the pork chops marinate in the mustard, honey, and shallots in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. This deepens the flavor even more.

When serving, consider spooning the sauce over the pork just before bringing the plate to the table—this ensures the sauce is hot and glossy. Leftover sauce is delicious over rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Variations

  • Maple Dijon Pork Chops: Replace the honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper, more complex sweetness. The maple flavor pairs beautifully with the Dijon and cream, giving the sauce a slightly smoky note. Use the same quantities and cooking time.
  • Garlic Herb Pork Chops: Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme along with the shallots. The garlic and herbs infuse the sauce with extra savory depth. If using fresh thyme, add a few sprigs during cooking and remove before serving.
  • Spicy Honey Dijon Pork Chops: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper with the mustard. This adds a gentle heat that cuts through the richness of the cream. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
  • Apple Cider Pork Chops: Replace 1/4 cup of the heavy cream with apple cider or apple juice. The cider adds a fruity tang that complements the pork and Dijon. The sauce will be slightly thinner but equally delicious.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooked pork chops and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Reheat
Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pork is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.

Store any leftover pork chops and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will solidify slightly when chilled, but that's fine—it will reheat beautifully.

To reheat, place the pork and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring between, until hot.

This recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook on low as directed.

If you do this, add 30 minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold start. The cooked pork chops also keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them great for meal prep.

Serving ideas

Serve the pork chops with a generous spoonful of the honey-Dijon cream sauce over the top. The sauce is rich, so it pairs well with simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad. For a more substantial meal, serve over egg noodles or with a side of buttery mashed potatoes to soak up every last drop of sauce.

This dish is elegant enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a weeknight. The golden-brown sauce and tender meat look impressive on a white plate. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives if desired, though the recipe is delicious as is. Pair with a glass of Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir to complement the creamy mustard sauce.

Frequently asked questions

Can this recipe be made with boneless pork chops?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used, but choose thick-cut ones (at least 1 inch) and reduce the cooking time to 4-5 hours on low. Boneless chops cook faster and can dry out if left for the full 6 hours. Check the internal temperature at 4 hours and continue cooking until it reaches 145°F (63°C).
Why does the sauce sometimes curdle?
Curdling can happen if the cream is exposed to high heat or if the slow cooker is set to high. Always cook on low and avoid stirring the sauce during cooking. Also, use full-fat heavy cream, as lower-fat creams are more prone to curdling. If the sauce does curdle, it's still safe to eat but the texture will be less smooth.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but ensure your slow cooker is large enough (at least 6 quarts) and do not fill it more than two-thirds full. Cooking time may need to be extended by 30 minutes to 1 hour. Check the pork chops for doneness using the internal temperature.
What can be served with these pork chops?
The creamy honey-Dijon sauce pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For vegetables, roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or a simple salad are great choices. The sauce is rich, so keep sides relatively simple.
Is it necessary to rest the pork chops before serving?
Yes, resting is important for any whole-cut meat. It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful. Rest the chops in the sauce for at least 3 minutes, covered, before serving. This short rest does not cool the meat significantly.
Recipe card

Butter Cream Honey Dijon Ribeye Pork Chops

Prep 10 minCook 6 hRest 5 minTotal 6 h 15 minServes 4
Slow cooker pork chops in honey Dijon cream sauce with shallots

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in ribeye pork chops
  • 3 tbsp whole-grain Dijon mustard
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 4 tbsp salted butter, cut into pats
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

  1. Place the bone-in ribeye pork chops in a single layer in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. They can overlap slightly if needed, but try to keep them as even as possible for even cooking.
  2. Spoon the whole-grain Dijon mustard evenly over the pork chops. Drizzle the honey over the top, then scatter the sliced shallots across the surface. Use a spoon or spatula to gently spread the mustard and honey over the chops as much as possible.
  3. Place the pats of salted butter on top of the chops, distributing them evenly. Pour the heavy whipping cream over everything. Do not stir—the layers will meld during cooking.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the pork chops are fork-tender and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to keep the heat steady. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
  5. When the pork chops are done, turn off the slow cooker and let the meat rest in the sauce for at least 3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender bite.
  6. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer each pork chop to a serving plate. Spoon the honey-Dijon cream sauce from the slow cooker generously over the top. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Contains: milk, mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories
650
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
18 g
Fat
48 g
Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.
Recipe by Clara Weller (pen name) · Allquickyrecipes · https://recipes.allquickyrecipes.com/butter-cream-honey-dijon-ribeye-pork-chops/part-3