Slow Cooker Alpine Pork Chops are a hearty, savory dish perfect for a weeknight meal or Sunday dinner. These pork chops are slow-cooked until tender in a creamy sauce made with Swiss cheese and mushrooms, resulting in a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort. Pair them with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce!
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced, optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
For Serving:
- Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Brown the Pork Chops
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika.
- Rub the seasoning mixture onto both sides of the pork chops.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, just until they have a nice golden crust (they don’t need to be cooked through). Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and dry onion soup mix until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Slow Cooker
- Place the browned pork chops in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the sliced mushrooms on top of the pork chops (if using).
- Pour the creamy sauce over the pork chops, making sure they’re fully coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese on top of the sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Pork Chops
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the pork chops are tender and fully cooked.
Step 5: Serve
- Once done, serve the pork chops with the creamy sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color if desired.
- Serve alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Cook Notes
- Browning the Pork Chops: While browning is optional, it adds extra flavor to the dish. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step and place the raw pork chops directly in the slow cooker.
- Mushrooms: If you’re a fan of mushrooms, feel free to increase the quantity for a more robust mushroom flavor in the sauce.
- Swiss Cheese: If you don’t have Swiss cheese, you can substitute with another mild cheese like mozzarella or Gruyère.
Variations
- Alpine Chicken: Substitute the pork chops with bone-in or boneless chicken breasts or thighs for a chicken version of this dish.
- Cheesy Alpine Pork: Add extra Swiss cheese at the end and broil for a couple of minutes in the oven to melt the cheese on top for a bubbly, cheesy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes! Bone-in pork chops work well in this recipe and tend to be a little more flavorful and juicy. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if they’re thicker than 1 inch.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble everything in the slow cooker, refrigerate it overnight, and cook it the next day. Just let the slow cooker come to room temperature for a few minutes before turning it on.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a little broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked pork chops and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.
What can I serve with Alpine Pork Chops?
These pork chops pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Steamed vegetables like green beans or roasted carrots also make a great side dish.
Slow Cooker Alpine Pork Chops are a rich and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender pork chops slow-cooked in a creamy mushroom and Swiss cheese sauce, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious slow-cooker dish!
