Crockpot Carolina Gold Pork Chops for Easy Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add another layer of flavor, consider browning the pork chops in a hot skillet for a minute on each side before placing them in the slow cooker. This technique, known as searing, creates a deeper, more savory crust on the meat, which adds complexity to the final sauce. While not strictly necessary for this recipe, it is a great way to elevate the dish if you have a few extra minutes.

If you find that your sauce is a bit too thin when the cooking is finished, you can remove the pork chops and onions and simmer the remaining liquid in a small saucepan over medium heat.

This will allow the sauce to reduce and thicken further, concentrating the flavors. Once it reaches your desired consistency, spoon it over the served pork chops for a professional finish that really highlights the mustard and sugar profile.

Variations

• Spicy Carolina Gold: Add two tablespoons of hot sauce or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the mustard sauce before pouring it over the pork. This variation adds a pleasant heat that cuts through the sweetness of the brown sugar.
• Herb-Infused Chops: Toss in a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary when layering the onions. The earthy aroma of the herbs complements the tanginess of the mustard, adding a sophisticated layer of flavor to the finished dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best quality, keep the sauce and the pork together so the meat stays moist while in storage.

Ensure the dish has cooled completely to room temperature, but do not leave it out for more than 2 hours before refrigerating to prevent food safety issues. Always reheat the pork gently to avoid overcooking it.

This recipe is excellent for making ahead, as the flavors continue to meld and deepen in the refrigerator. You can prepare the entire dish and store it for up to 3 days.

Alternatively, you can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator overnight. Simply remove it from the fridge and place it directly into the slow cooker base to start cooking when you are ready for your meal.

Serving ideas

These Carolina gold pork chops pair beautifully with classic comfort sides. Consider serving them alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables to soak up the extra mustard sauce. A crisp, fresh green salad or some steamed green beans with a touch of butter adds a bright, crunchy contrast to the rich, tender meat and caramelized onions, creating a satisfying and delicious dish.

For a more casual approach, you can shred the pork and serve it on toasted buns as a pulled pork sandwich. Top it with some of the cooked onions and extra sauce for a quick and easy lunch or dinner option.

This versatility makes the recipe a fantastic choice for those who enjoy having multiple ways to enjoy a single, well-prepared dish throughout the week without feeling like they are eating the same meal repeatedly.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Carolina Gold Pork Chops for Easy Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces bone-in pork chops
• 1 large sweet onion, sliced into half-moons
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 cup Carolina gold mustard barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Arrange the raw bone-in pork chops in the bottom of the slow cooker insert, overlapping them slightly if necessary to fit. Ensure the meat is evenly distributed to allow for uniform cooking throughout the process.
2. Place the sliced sweet onion half-moons over the top of the pork chops. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions and the meat. Pour the Carolina gold mustard barbecue sauce over everything, ensuring the sauce coats the ingredients well.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Once the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), remove the pork from the cooker and let it rest for at least 3 minutes before serving with the sauce and onions.

Contains: mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

350

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

15 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

12 g

Sodium

650 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.