Slow Cooker Bewitched Pork Chops and Braised Cabbage Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more concentrated flavor, you can briefly sear the pork chops in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker, although this is not strictly necessary for the recipe.

If you choose to sear, ensure the pan is very hot and limit the time to one minute per side to avoid cooking the meat through before it hits the slow cooker.

The cabbage and apple mixture can be adjusted in ratio based on personal preference. If more sweetness is desired, increase the apple count slightly.

If the cabbage seems too dry, you can add a tablespoon of water or broth, though the moisture released by the cabbage and the vinegar is usually sufficient for a successful braise.

Variations

• Savory Bacon Twist: Add a few strips of chopped bacon to the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the pork chops. This adds a smoky depth to the cabbage and enhances the overall savory profile of the final dish.
• Herbed Apple Cabbage: Incorporate dried thyme or caraway seeds with the garlic powder. These classic herbs pair exceptionally well with cabbage and apples, adding a traditional aromatic note to the braised vegetables.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered saucepan over medium-low heat until piping hot throughout.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Store the pork chops and cabbage together in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to continue melding. Properly stored, the dish will maintain its quality for up to three days in the refrigerator.

This dish is excellent for preparing in advance. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and keep it in the refrigerator, then simply place it into the base and turn it on in the morning.

Note that you may need to add an extra 30 minutes of cooking time if the ingredients are starting from a chilled state.

Serving ideas

Serve the pork chops hot, with a generous portion of the braised cabbage and apples spooned over the top. The juices at the bottom of the slow cooker are highly flavorful, so be sure to drizzle a little over the meat before serving.

This meal is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs well with simple sides like roasted potatoes or a crusty piece of bread.

When plating, carefully transfer the chops to avoid breaking them, as they will be very tender after the long cooking process. If there is excess liquid in the bottom of the slow cooker, you can reduce it in a small saucepan over medium heat for a few minutes to create a thicker sauce to spoon over the pork.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Bewitched Pork Chops and Braised Cabbage

Prep 10 minCook 6 hRest 5 minTotal 6 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops
• 1 head red cabbage, shredded
• 2 apples, sliced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Place the bone-in pork chops into the bottom of the slow cooker, arranging them so they cover the base of the insert as evenly as possible.
2. Pile the shredded red cabbage and apple slices directly on top of the pork chops. Sprinkle the brown sugar and garlic powder evenly over the cabbage and apples to ensure the flavors distribute as they cook.
3. Pour the apple cider vinegar over the top of the ingredients. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours. Once the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Contains: sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

4.5 g

Sugar

16 g

Sodium

120 mg

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