Have you ever felt that tug-of-war between wanting a hearty, home-cooked meal and the reality of a busy workday? I totally get it. That's exactly why I fell in love with this Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Pork Chops recipe. It's inspired by the comforting flavors of Midwestern autumns, where maple syrup flows as freely as the warm hospitality. With a handful of ingredients and a trusty slow cooker, you can come home to a dish that feels both special and hassle-free. You might want to make this for those days when you crave something sweet and savory without a lot of fuss.

These maple Dijon pork chops pair beautifully with some roasted potatoes or steamed green beans. If you're in the mood for something lighter, a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the sweet and tangy flavors perfectly. And don't forget some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce!

Servings: 4

4 bone-in pork chops
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

Place the seared pork chops in the slow cooker.

Pour the maple Dijon mixture over the pork chops.

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the pork is tender.

Once done, serve immediately, drizzling the sauce from the slow cooker over the top.

If you're looking to switch things up, try adding a tablespoon of rosemary or thyme to the maple Dijon mixture for an herbal twist. You can also toss in some halved red potatoes or carrots to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal. If you prefer boneless pork chops, just reduce the cooking time by an hour to prevent them from drying out. Finally, for a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

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