Slow Cooker German Pork Chops with Bacon and Potatoes Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor profile, consider searing the pork chops in a hot skillet for one minute per side before placing them into the slow cooker.

While not strictly necessary, this step adds a layer of caramelized flavor that enhances the overall richness of the finished dish. If choosing to sear, ensure the pan is very hot to avoid overcooking the meat before it goes into the slow cooker.

If the sauce appears too thin at the end of the cooking time, you can remove the pork and vegetables and whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry to the liquid, then simmer on high for a few minutes until thickened. This is optional but can improve the mouthfeel if you prefer a more substantial, gravy-like consistency for your mustard sauce.

Variations

• Herb-Infused Version: Add a tablespoon of fresh thyme or rosemary to the mustard sauce before pouring it over the pork. The woody herbs complement the pork and mustard perfectly.
• Caramelized Onion Variation: Sauté the onion rings in a pan until golden brown before adding them to the slow cooker for a deeper, sweeter flavor profile in the final dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the pork from drying out.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheat

Reheat in a microwave-safe dish on medium power or in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Allow the leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep the pork and vegetables submerged in as much of the remaining sauce as possible to help retain moisture during storage. Properly stored, the dish will maintain its quality for up to three days in the refrigerator.

You can prepare the mustard sauce and slice the vegetables the night before to save time. Keep the potatoes in a bowl of cold water in the refrigerator to prevent discoloration, draining and drying them before assembly.

The pork chops can be seasoned and kept in the refrigerator, but it is best to assemble the full dish just before starting the slow cooker to ensure the best texture.

Serving ideas

Serve the pork chops warm, with a generous portion of the braised potatoes and onions spooned over the top. The remaining sauce in the slow cooker is flavorful and should be drizzled over the meat just before serving to add extra moisture and tang.

A side of steamed green beans or a crisp green salad provides a nice textural contrast to the soft, braised elements of the dish.

The meal is best served family-style, allowing guests to take their desired portions of potatoes and pork. Because the flavor is robust, it pairs well with a simple crusty bread or a side of buttered noodles to help soak up the tangy mustard sauce.

Ensure the pork is rested for at least five minutes after removal from the heat to allow the juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker German Pork Chops with Bacon and Potatoes

Prep 15 minCook 6 hRest 5 minTotal 6 h 20 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops
• 1 lb red potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced into rings
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup grainy mustard
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Place the bone-in pork chops into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Layer the thin red potato slices and onion rings evenly over the pork chops. Scatter the crumbled cooked bacon over the top of the vegetables.
2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the grainy mustard and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the layered pork, potatoes, bacon, and onions in the slow cooker.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours until the pork is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once cooked, remove the pork chops and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before serving with the sauce and vegetables.

Contains: mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

32.5 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

21 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

2.5 g

Sodium

650 mg

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