Slow Cooker French Onion Pork Chops
This comforting slow cooker dish combines tender pork chops with deeply caramelized onions in a rich, savory broth inspired by classic French onion soup. It’s an elegant yet easy weeknight dinner that fills your home with wonderful aromas as it cooks.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 4 large yellow onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or additional broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese, optional
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork chops with salt and pepper, then sear for 3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and golden brown.
- Add garlic to the onions and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in broth and wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in thyme and bay leaf.
- Transfer the onion mixture to the slow cooker with the pork chops.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until pork is tender.
- Remove bay leaf. Stir cornstarch mixture into the liquid and cook on high for 15 to 20 minutes until gravy thickens.
- Top with cheese if desired and serve hot.
Practical Tips
For deeper flavor: Take time to caramelize the onions properly in the skillet, cooking them for 8 to 10 minutes or even longer until they turn a rich mahogany brown. This step creates the foundation of the dish’s delicious taste.
Wine substitution: If you prefer not to use white wine, simply use an additional 1/2 cup of beef broth for the same savory results.
Cheese options: While Gruyere and Swiss cheese are traditional, you can also use provolone or aged cheddar for different flavor profiles.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore the sauce consistency. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Common Questions
Can I use boneless pork chops instead? Yes, boneless pork chops work fine, though bone-in varieties add more flavor to the broth. Reduce cooking time by 30 minutes to 1 hour since they cook faster.
What should I serve with this dish? Creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread are excellent choices for soaking up the delicious gravy.
Can I make this in a regular oven? Absolutely. After transferring the onion mixture to a Dutch oven, cover and bake at 325°F for the same cooking times as the slow cooker.