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    Home » Pork

    Aug 6, 2020 · Modified: Dec 28, 2022 by Melinda O'Malley Keckler · This post may contain affiliate links · this blog generates income via ads.

    German Pork Chops

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    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. 

    Note: Some of the links on this page are paid links, Amazon Associates. This means I make a small commission when you click and shop. Your cost is always the same and I only link to and recommend products or ingredients here that I use.

    Pork chops, kraut and sliced apples in a large pan on the stove.
    If ever there was a recipe that was suited for simmering, it's this one. German Pork Chops just get better and better as the sliced apples cook and soften and the sauerkraut adds it's flavor to the meat.

    Ingredients to Have on Hand

    • Pork chops - bone-in
    • Sauerkraut
    • Apples - such as Granny Smith
    • Sour Cream
    • Brown sugar
    • Cinnamon
    • Paprika
    Pork chops in a skillet on the stove.

    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.

    Sauerkraut cooking in melted butter in a skillet on the stove.

    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.

    Diced, cooked apples and sauerkraut placed on top of cooked pork on a plate.
    This entree is delicious served by itself or with mashed potatoes and plenty of warm bread on the side.

    Top Tips and FAQ

    What's a good substitute for beer in this recipe?

    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.

    Can I use any cut of pork?

    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. Cooked pork chops with a dollop of sauerkraut on top of each one, in a skillet.

    What type of apple should I use?

    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.

    Sliced apples on top of pork chops in a skillet on the stove.

    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.

    Pork chops, kraut and sliced apples in a large pan on the stove.

    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.

    Diced, cooked apples and sauerkraut placed on top of cooked pork on a plate.
    This entree is delicious served by itself or with mashed potatoes and plenty of warm bread on the side.

    Other Dinner Ideas

    • Dutch Oven Chicken
    • Homemade Meatballs
    • Quick Cheeseburger Pie

    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.

    Cooked pork chops topped with sliced apples and spices in a skillet.

    Be sure to give a star rating to the recipes you make from the Crinkled Cookbook. I always love hearing from you. Sharing is great too! Use the buttons after the recipe to text it with just one click or send it to family and friends on Pinterest and Facebook. Enjoy.

    Cooked pork chops topped with sliced apples and spices in a skillet.

    German Pork Chops

    Whether its Oktoberfest or any time you're simply in the mood for pork chops and kraut, this recipe is one of the best I've found and a light dusting of cinnamon and paprika at the end sets this dish apart.
    4.98 from 108 votes
    Print Rate Pin Recipe
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 50 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 847kcal
    Author: Melinda O'Malley Keckler

    Ingredients 

    • ½ cup butter
    • 4 bone in pork chops about an inch thick (depending on the size of your skillet and the size of your family)
    • 2 , 24 ounce jars of sauerkraut drained
    • 12 ounce can of beer
    • 1 ½ cups sour cream
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • 2 apples Granny Smith or other tart variety, sliced
    • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
    • ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ⅛ teaspoon paprika

    Instructions

    • Melt better in large skillet, add pork chops and brown on both sides.
      Remove pork chops and set aside.
      Add kraut and stir fry for a few minutes in the hot butter.
      Add beer and sour cream to the kraut and stir to combine.
      Place pork chops on the hot kraut mixture and spoon some of the kraut on top of each chop.
      Season with salt and pepper. Placed several slices of apple on top of each pork chop and sprinkle with brown sugar and a very light dusting of paprika and cinnamon.
      Cover and adjust heat to medium low, let simmer for 45-50 minutes or until the apples are soft and the pork is fork-tender.
    Did you make this recipe? Scroll up and leave a star rating.Tap @crinkledcookbook and follow me today.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 847kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 39gFat: 56gSaturated Fat: 30gCholesterol: 223mgSodium: 1393mgPotassium: 1161mgFiber: 8gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 1329IUVitamin C: 32mgCalcium: 213mgIron: 4mg

    Please note, the nutrition details are estimated using a food database and are offered here only as a guideline for informational purposes.

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    1. Lisa K. says

      December 31, 2021 at 4:47 pm

      Have you ever made this is a slow cooker? I'm thinking of trying it...

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        December 31, 2021 at 6:26 pm

        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.

        Reply
    2. Sarah Baumeister says

      May 28, 2021 at 10:29 am

      5 stars
      Delicious. I am always looking for more ways to use sauerkraut and I love that you added apples.

      Reply

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