Not your average pork chops and sauerkraut. German Pork Chops have a truly distinctive flavor combination. Any time you're in the mood for pork chops, apples and kraut, this recipe has everything you need. The pork chops are so tender! There's a light dusting of cinnamon and paprika at the end that really sets this dish apart.
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Ingredients to Have on Hand
- Pork chops - bone-in
- Sauerkraut
- Apples - such as Granny Smith
- Sour Cream
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Paprika
Tender Pork Chops Every Time
Get ready to enjoy super tender pork chops. This recipe for German Pork Chops is unique, in part thanks to the flavor combination of sour cream, beer kraut and apples, which the pork chops simmer in.
That's the secret to the pork chops cooking to fork-tender perfection. Plenty of time, plenty of moisture.
It's simply the way the chops are cooked and simmered in all that flavor-packed liquid.
The moisture from the apples makes a big difference, plus a subtle sweetness to the dish.
The kraut adds moisture too, plus that distinctive texture and taste.
Top Tips and FAQ
To be honest, I've only made German Pork Chops using beer (even though I'm not a beer drinker) and the flavor of the beer is very subtle here. But, generally speaking and in most recipes that call for beer you can replace it ounce-for-ounce with chicken broth, beef broth, mushroom broth, white grape juice, or ginger ale and get very similar results.
I like using thick, bone-in pork chops. But I've made this with boneless chops and with thin slices or pork tenderloin - and it's been equally delicious every time. 
A cooking or baking variety of apple will work best because it will soften nicely while the chops simmer and taste delicious after cooking. Granny Smith apples are hands-down the best in this recipe, but the Fuji variety, Honeycrisp or Gala apples are also delicious.
Easy Recipe, Good for Camping
This recipe is easily adapted for a camping trip or for cooking in your RV kitchen. The reason is, it's all cooked in one skillet, on the stove (or try it in the Dutch Oven). So simple. All the ingredients are handy to pack for the road. Just slice the apples when you are ready to start cooking.
The Inspiration
This recipe was adapted from one found a well-used paperback titled The Great American Outdoors Cookbook, which belongs to my friend Melissa. It's a treasure trove of wonderful recipes.
Other Dinner Ideas
Of course apples are a wonderful ingredient in dessert too. Be sure to try my No Peel Apple Cake any time you have a few apples on hand and want to make a delicious treat. The recipe is easy to make and just like German Pork Chops, you don't need to peel the apples.
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Lisa K. says
Have you ever made this is a slow cooker? I'm thinking of trying it...
Melinda O'Malley Keckler says
Hi Lisa! I’ve never made this recipe in a slow cooker. My only concern is the sour cream. Perhaps it could be stirred in during the last 30 minutes or so? Please keep me posted here in the comments if you try it.
Sarah Baumeister says
Delicious. I am always looking for more ways to use sauerkraut and I love that you added apples.