Slow Cooker Cheesy Garlic Butter Pork Chops – Tender, Juicy & Smothered in Creamy Cheese Sauce!

Description

Slow Cooker Cheesy Garlic Butter Pork Chops are a rich, creamy, and comforting family dinner featuring tender pork chops smothered in a buttery garlic sauce and topped with delicious melted cheese. This easy crockpot recipe combines juicy, seasoned pork chops with a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, creating an irresistible meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners.

The pork chops are lightly seared to develop a golden crust before being slow-cooked with garlic, butter, chicken broth, and flavorful seasonings. A generous layer of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese gives the dish its delicious, cheesy finish.

Serve these creamy pork chops with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice, or warm garlic bread for a satisfying homemade dinner.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2–4 hours on LOW
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot

Ingredients For the Pork Chops

• 4 thick-cut boneless pork chops (approximately 1½ pounds)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 5 garlic cloves, minced

• ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

For the Cheesy Topping

• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the Pork Chops

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.

In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt.

Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the pork chops.

Step 2: Sear Until Golden

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the seasoned pork chops and sear for approximately 2 minutes per side until golden brown.

The pork chops do not need to cook completely during this step.

Searing develops a flavorful crust and improves the appearance of the finished dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low.

Add butter and minced garlic.

Cook for approximately 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in chicken broth and stir to loosen the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Add Dijon mustard and dried thyme.

Stir until combined.

Step 4: Arrange in the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the inside of a 4–6-quart slow cooker.

Arrange the seared pork chops in a single layer.

Pour the prepared garlic butter broth over the pork chops.

Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 2–4 hours, depending on the thickness of the pork chops and your slow cooker.

Begin checking early. Pork chops are safely cooked when the thickest part reaches 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest.

Avoid overcooking because lean pork chops can become dry.

Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Carefully transfer the cooked pork chops to a warm plate.

Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan.

Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.

Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.

Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.

Avoid boiling vigorously, as the cream sauce may separate.

Step 7: Add the Cheesy Topping

Return the pork chops to the slow cooker and spoon the creamy sauce over them.

Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over each pork chop.

Cover and heat briefly until the cheese melts.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the melted cheese.

Serve the pork chops warm with extra creamy garlic butter sauce spooned over the top.

Tips and Notes

1. Choose Thick Pork Chops: Thick-cut pork chops are less likely to dry out during slow cooking.

2. Sear Before Slow Cooking: Browning adds extra flavor and creates a beautiful golden exterior.

3. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic produces the best flavor.

4. Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

5. Add Cream Near the End: This helps prevent the dairy sauce from separating.

6. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Fresh Parmesan melts more smoothly than many pre-shredded varieties.

7. Make It Extra Cheesy: Add a little extra mozzarella for a thicker melted topping.

8. Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms make a delicious addition to the garlic butter sauce.

9. Adjust the Sauce: Add a splash of warm chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick.

10. Store Leftovers Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

1. Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops?

Yes. Bone-in pork chops work beautifully, but cooking time may vary depending on their thickness.

2. Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops?

Thaw pork chops completely in the refrigerator before adding them to the slow cooker. Cooking frozen meat directly in a slow cooker is not recommended.

3. Can I Replace Heavy Cream?

Yes. Half-and-half can be used, although the sauce may be thinner.

4. Can I Make This Recipe Without Parmesan?

Absolutely. Replace Parmesan with additional mozzarella or a little cream cheese.

5. Can I Add Vegetables?

Yes. Mushrooms, spinach, and broccoli pair wonderfully with the creamy garlic sauce. Add quick-cooking vegetables toward the end.

6. How Do I Keep Pork Chops Juicy?

Use thick-cut pork chops, avoid excessive cooking time, and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

7. Can I Freeze Leftovers?

Yes. Freeze cooled pork chops in airtight containers for up to 2 months for best quality. The cream sauce may change texture slightly after thawing.

8. How Do I Reheat Leftovers?

Reheat gently with a splash of broth until thoroughly hot, reaching 165°F (74°C).

Servings and Nutrition

Servings: 4
Serving Size: 1 pork chop with creamy cheese sauce

Nutrition values are estimates and depend on the pork chop size, cheese brands, and amount of sauce served.

Serving Suggestions

These Slow Cooker Cheesy Garlic Butter Pork Chops taste amazing with creamy mashed potatoes, garlic butter rice, roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or buttery green beans.

For a hearty family dinner, serve them alongside baked potatoes or warm dinner rolls to soak up the delicious garlic cream sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines juicy pork chops, aromatic garlic butter, creamy Parmesan sauce, and a generous layer of melted cheese.

It’s easy to prepare, packed with comforting flavors, and perfect for a satisfying homemade dinner.

Golden, tender pork chops covered in rich garlic butter sauce and gooey melted cheese make this crockpot meal a delicious family favorite! ❤️