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Dinner · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Creamy Honey Dijon Pork Medallions Slow Cooker Recipe Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Slow cooker pork medallions in creamy honey Dijon sauce with shallots
Prep
Cook
Total
Serves
4

Tips for success

For the most tender pork, always cook on low rather than high. The low setting allows the meat to cook gently and evenly, resulting in a more succulent texture.

If you're short on time, high heat works, but the texture may be slightly less tender. Also, don't skip the rest time — it's crucial for keeping the meat juicy.

To thicken the sauce further, remove the pork and simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes, or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water.

Conversely, if the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving, as the mustard and cheese add saltiness.

Variations

  • Herb-Infused: Add 2 sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker along with the pork. Remove the herb sprigs before serving. The herbs infuse the sauce with an earthy aroma that complements the Dijon and honey beautifully.
  • Spicy Kick: Stir 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne into the honey-mustard mixture before adding. The heat balances the sweetness and adds a subtle warmth that elevates the dish without overwhelming it.
  • Apple-Pecan Twist: Add 1 diced apple (such as Honeycrisp) and 1/4 cup chopped pecans during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The apple softens and sweetens the sauce, while the pecans add a crunchy texture. Serve over rice for a autumn-inspired meal.
  • Garlic Lover's: Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the slow cooker along with the shallots. The garlic mellows during cooking, adding a savory depth that pairs perfectly with the mustard and Parmesan. For a stronger garlic flavor, add another clove.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Freezer
Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheat
Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce is too thick.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools; gently reheat with a splash of broth or water to restore its creamy consistency. Leftovers are excellent over rice, noodles, or even on a sandwich.

This dish is perfect for meal prep. Assemble the raw ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert into the slow cooker and cook as directed.

Add about 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold. Alternatively, cook the pork fully, cool, and refrigerate; reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave.

Serving ideas

Serve the pork medallions and sauce over fluffy white rice, herb rice, or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the luscious sauce.

A side of roasted green beans or a crisp green salad adds freshness and balances the richness. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or with steamed broccoli.

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme if desired, though the dish is delicious as is. The creamy sauce also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping. This is a comforting, satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite.

Frequently asked questions

Can this recipe be made with pork loin instead of tenderloin?
Yes, boneless pork loin chops or a pork loin roast can be substituted. Pork loin is leaner and can dry out more easily, so cook on low and check for doneness at the lower end of the time range. Cut the loin into 1-inch medallions for even cooking.
Why does the sauce sometimes look grainy?
Grainy sauce is usually caused by using reduced-fat cream cheese or adding the cream cheese to a very hot slow cooker. Use full-fat cream cheese and let it soften at room temperature before adding. Stir gently after cooking to smooth out the sauce.
Can this be made ahead and frozen?
Yes, the cooked dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
What can be used instead of whole-grain Dijon mustard?
Smooth Dijon mustard is the closest substitute, but you can also use yellow mustard for a milder flavor. Keep in mind that whole-grain mustard adds texture, so the sauce will be smoother with a substitute. Adjust the amount to taste.
How can the sauce be thickened if it's too thin?
If the sauce is too thin after cooking, remove the pork and set aside. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the sauce. Simmer on the stovetop or turn the slow cooker to high, stirring, until thickened. Return the pork to the sauce.
Recipe card

Creamy Honey Dijon Pork Medallions Slow Cooker Recipe

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4
Slow cooker pork medallions in creamy honey Dijon sauce with shallots

Ingredients

  • 2 lb pork tenderloin, cut into 8 medallions
  • 1/4 cup whole-grain Dijon mustard
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Place the pork tenderloin medallions in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker in a single layer. Spoon the whole-grain Dijon mustard and honey over the pork, then scatter the sliced shallots on top. Use a spoon to lightly coat the pork with the mustard and honey mixture, but do not stir vigorously.
  2. Place the softened cream cheese block in the center of the slow cooker over the pork. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Do not stir — the cream cheese will melt and create the sauce as it cooks.
  3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The sauce will be bubbling and the cream cheese fully melted. Avoid opening the lid during the first 3 hours to keep the heat steady. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
  4. Turn off the slow cooker and let the pork rest in the sauce for at least 3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the sauce to settle.
  5. Spoon the pork medallions and the creamy honey-Dijon sauce over fluffy herb rice or your favorite grain. Serve hot, with extra sauce spooned over the top.
Contains: milk, mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories
520
Protein
38 g
Carbohydrates
18 g
Fat
33 g
Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.
Recipe by Clara Weller (pen name) · Allquickyrecipes · https://recipes.allquickyrecipes.com/creamy-honey-dijon-pork-medallions-slow-cooker/part-3