42 Easy Crock-Pot Appetizers That Practically Make Themselves
Hosting has never been easier.
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Hosting a holiday party or a family movie night? You’re going to need plenty of snacks! The good news is you don’t have to stress when you’ve got a Crock-Pot on the counter. You already know it shines for weeknight dinners, but it’s just as handy for party food like cocktail meatballs, sliders, and cozy slow cooker dips that stay warm while everyone grazes. You can even make a batch of slow cooker BBQ chicken and turn it into nachos when the craving hits. Load the pot, set it, and then spend time with your people while it does the work. Crock-Pots make it easy to throw everything in and "go live your life," Ree says. And because the slow cooker doubles as a warmer, you won’t be running back to the stove between quarters or movie scenes, which makes it perfect for game day and every casual get-together that follows.
Looking for slow cooker recipes to serve on game day? There are tons of crowd-pleasing favorites, like slow cooker ribs, slow cooker spinach-artichoke dip, and buffalo chicken recipes ahead. In fact, the Crock-Pot is more than just a handy device for cooking, it can also keep your Crock-Pot buffalo chicken dip warm throughout the game. Of course, you don’t need to stop at game day eats, these Crock-Pot appetizers can also be served throughout the year. Try the candied spiced nuts for the holidays or one of the slow cooker soups on any chilly night of the week. For more easy cooking solutions, try these air fryer recipes, too.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos
Here's a fun idea for an appetizer spread: Put out a build-your-own taco bar using slow cooker pulled pork, sweet pineapple, pickled onions, and any of your other favorite toppings. Everyone will love customizing their own!
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos recipe.
Chili Cheese Dip
Game day in a bowl! It’s meaty, melty, and the chips keep finding their way back. Written for the stove, but it slides easily into a slow cooker. Put it on low to heat, then warm to serve.
Get Ree's Chili Cheese Dip recipe.
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Ribs
These ribs are sticky, messy, and so much fun to eat! The homemade teriyaki sauce has a bit of honey and ginger to make it full of flavor.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Teriyaki Ribs recipe.
Rotel Dip
Three ingredients, zero overthinking. It stays silky and scoopable while everyone grazes. It's not a slow cooker recipe as written, but that's the perfect place to keep it warm.
Get Ree's Rotel Dip recipe.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
This shredded BBQ chicken is one of the most versatile recipes you can make! Pile it onto slider buns or turn it into BBQ chicken nachos.
Get the Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken recipe.
Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
All the cozy flavor of the baked version with set-it-and-forget-it ease. It turns rich and scoopable in the slow cooker, and it holds beautifully so you can graze all night.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe.
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Turn a takeout favorite into a fun appetizer. Pile the tender beef and saucy broccoli over rice in little cups or serve with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe.
Refried Bean Dip
Skipping the canned foods aisle has never been easier, thanks to the slow cooker, which practically makes this delicious refried bean dip for you! Garnish with sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, green onions, or sour cream, and serve with tortilla chips or Fritos for a crowd-pleasing app.
Get the Refried Bean Dip recipe.
Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
Creamy, comforting, and surprisingly party friendly. Spoon it into small bowls with garlic bread for dipping or set out over warm crostini for a heartier bite.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo recipe.
Cocktail Meatballs
This is an old-school appetizer with an upgraded twist! Instead of your typical grape jelly, it's made with chili sauce, apricot preserves, soy sauce, and Sriracha. Plus, it's cooked in a slow cooker!
Get Ree's Cocktail Meatballs recipe.
Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
This buffalo chicken recipe is less messy than wings, but just as flavorful! It's loaded with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and cheese.
Get the Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe.
Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Everyone loves a throwback like this! Make the meat saucy and sweet, then build mini sliders on soft rolls. They’re nostalgic and always the first tray to go.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Set out a taco bar and let everyone build their own. The chicken stays juicy in the slow cooker, then you can tuck it into street-size tortillas with all the toppings.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos recipe.
Split Pea Soup
This delicious soup is chock full of veggies and so easy to make. Just chop, dump, cover, and you're on your way to a warm, comforting bowl of split pea goodness that all your guests will devour.
Get the Split Pea Soup recipe.
Beer Cheese Dip
Keeping the heat low is the secret to making this beer cheese dip extra-smooth. You can even serve it up in a slow cooker so it stays warm throughout the night.
Get the Beer Cheese Dip recipe.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
It doesn't get easier than this tortilla soup. Ree has been making it for years and ensures that it's her "favorite kind of slow cooker recipe."
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe.
Pepper Jack Queso
The method for making this spicy queso in the slow cooker is great for when you want to keep it warm and gooey. Just add the corn kernels, black beans, and jalapeño before you're ready to serve.
Get Ree's Pepper Jack Queso recipe.
Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
This comforting soup recipe is both cheesy and filled with veggies, so it's basically the perfect way to kick off your meal. Even your kids will love it!
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
You can use this pulled pork recipe in so many ways! Pile it onto mini slider buns, use it as a topping for nachos, or even place small spoonfuls on toasted crostini. The options are endless!
Get the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe.
Queso Dip
Choose the slow cooker method for making this cheesy dip and you'll have the easiest appetizer ever! Plus, it'll stay nice and gooey on the warm setting.
Get the Queso Dip recipe.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes
Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
Slow Cooker Freezer Meals Make Dinner So Easy
