Slow Cooker Sweet Onion and Cherry Pork Chops Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a slightly more savory finish, you can add a pinch of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to the pork chops before layering them in the slow cooker. This helps to enhance the natural flavor of the meat before the sweet cherry sauce is added.

If you find the sauce is too thin at the end of the cooking time, you can remove the lid for the final 20 minutes to allow some moisture to evaporate and the glaze to thicken further.

Consider serving this dish alongside a simple side, such as steamed green beans or roasted potatoes, to balance the sweetness of the cherry sauce. Because the pork is already quite flavorful, neutral sides work best to round out the meal.

If you prefer a bit of heat, a small amount of red pepper flakes can be sprinkled over the onions before adding the cherry filling, providing a subtle contrast to the sweet and savory elements of the main dish.

Variations

• Spicy Cherry Pork: Add one finely diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the onion layer before adding the cherry filling. This introduces a subtle heat that cuts through the sweetness of the cherries, creating a more complex and balanced flavor profile that pairs well with the savory pork.
• Savory Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh rosemary and sage along with the thyme to create a more robust herbal base. The woodsy notes of these herbs complement the pork perfectly, grounding the sweetness of the cherry sauce and adding an earthy complexity that makes the dish feel even more hearty and satisfying.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

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

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until the pork is heated through to 165°F (74°C). Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the food has cooled to room temperature, but do not leave it out for more than 2 hours to maintain food safety.

When storing, try to keep the pork submerged in some of the cherry sauce to prevent the meat from drying out during storage and subsequent reheating, as this will help maintain the desired texture for your next meal.

This dish is excellent for making ahead of time, as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator for a day. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate the whole unit overnight, then simply place it in the base and start the cooking process the next day.

This makes it a convenient option for busy workdays when you want to come home to a ready-made dinner without any morning preparation.

Serving ideas

Serve the pork chops warm, with a generous spoonful of the cherry onion sauce drizzled over each piece. The sauce is the highlight of the dish, so be sure to include plenty of the sweet, braised onion rings and cherry glaze when plating. This dish pairs exceptionally well with hearty grains like rice or quinoa, which are perfect for soaking up the extra sauce, or a piece of crusty bread to clean the plate.

When plating for a group, place the pork chops on a large serving platter and pour the remaining sauce from the slow cooker over the top. Garnish with a little extra fresh thyme if desired to add a pop of color and freshness. The combination of the tender meat and the rich, fruity sauce creates a visually appealing and satisfying centerpiece that is sure to be enjoyed by everyone at the table.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Sweet Onion and Cherry Pork Chops

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

Ingredients

• 6 boneless pork chops
• 1 large sweet onion, sliced into rings
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 21 oz cherry pie filling

Instructions

1. Place the raw boneless pork chops in the bottom of the slow cooker insert, fanning them out so they cover the base evenly without overlapping too much.
2. Arrange the sweet onion rings over the pork chops. Sprinkle the dried thyme over the onions. Finally, spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the top, ensuring the fruit and sauce cover the pork and onions.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Once cooked, check that the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving directly from the slow cooker.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

28.5 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

28 g

Sodium

210 mg

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