Okay, so I have some major things to tell you. First of all, these slow cooker appetizers are everything. HONESTLY. They are those set-it-and-forget-it recipes that make party planning a total dream.
You get all the credit for these ridiculously good starters, and nobody needs to know how stupidly easy they were.
1. Slow Cooker Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs
Say aloha to what might be your new favorite appetizer. If you’re a fan of Hawaiian kahlua pork, you are going to fall hard for these meatballs. We’re talking about juicy meatballs smothered in a mix of sweet pineapple and barbecue sauce.
It’s finger food that delivers some seriously big flavor. This recipe is a total show stealer. That sweet glaze and savory meatball combination is just a winning appetizer. No question.
2. Crockpot PF Changs Lettuce Wraps
Did you miss out on the
Wednesday wrap special at PF Chang’s? Don’t even worry about it. You can have those amazing lettuce wraps any night you want, right from your own kitchen.
This is one of those recipes that works as an appetizer or even as the main event. I promise, you are going to love it. Ground turkey gets perfectly seasoned with ginger, soy, a little sriracha, and a bit of turmeric.
The only thing that makes it better is the crunch from the broad leaf lettuce. So, so good.
3. Slow Cooker Pizza Dip
Ever since pizza was invented, we’ve found every way possible to twist its ingredients into new forms. We’ve got pizza bagels and pizza chips, and now, we have this pizza dip.
And why not? Pizza is so delicious, you just have to find ways to eat it all the time. This dip starts with a marinara sauce base, then melts in all that creamy mozzarella.
You can stir in some chopped pepperoni or spicy sausage, and honestly, you might just think you’re eating the real thing!
4. Slow Cooker Party Mix
You’ve had Chex mix. The kind from the store that’s like cardboard with a tiny bit of seasoning at the bottom of the bag. But don’t give up hope, because this party mix is all the joy of Chex mix, but it actually lives up to the hype.
A whole bunch of different textures get transformed by a slow cooker seasoning that really delivers. We’re talking soy sauce, garlic powder, and a packet of ranch dressing coming together for a taste that is just so good.
This mix is going to disappear before you even know it.
5. Slow Cooker Fiesta Dip
With a dip like this around, every day feels like a party. A can of Rotel and some browned ground beef get mixed with a block of Velveeta to create a creamy concoction that definitely has a kick!
You just melt it all together in your crockpot and you’re ready for your next get together. You really can’t go wrong with Velveeta. That pasteurized product coats the meat and veggies for a dip that will totally rock your chip.
6. Crockpot Bean Dip
Why spend all that money at a restaurant for one little bowl of bean dip to share? You can make a whole crockpot full of it instead! This is an upgrade to your regular salsa that won’t last long at all.
Take this appetizer to your next party and just watch it vanish. One of the greatest things about food is how it brings everyone together, and this dip is perfect for that.
Share it with your friends and family and get the meal and the memories started. It’s just too good to keep all to yourself!
7. Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
This one is a classic, a total crowd pleaser. I mean, can you name a single person who doesn’t love spinach artichoke dip? I’ll wait. This party favorite has everything, with its creamy base, tender artichoke hearts, and earthy spinach.
The only negative is how tough it can be to make! But not anymore. This crockpot version takes all the stress out of making spinach artichoke dip. Now you can focus on the important stuff, like which chip you’re going to use to scoop it up!
8. Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken Meatballs
They call these firecracker meatballs for a reason! They definitely bring the spice. If you’re searching for a flavorful appetizer that burns with every single bite, you’ve found it with these chicken meatballs.
Not a single spice is spared in this recipe. You can empty out your spice drawer and your hot sauce bottles all at once. Buffalo sauce simmers with lots of brown sugar to create a meatball that is both sweet and spicy and completely out of this world.
9. Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
Sweet or savory? Why not have both? Opposites totally attract in this slow cooker recipe. Sweet, sticky grape jelly covers fragrant Swedish meatballs for a mix of flavors that is both surprising and completely scrumptious.
The best part? All you do is dump in the ingredients! There is no measuring or prep work needed. Just buy the three ingredients (yes, only three!) at the store and then dump them into your crockpot. My lips are sealed if yours are!
10. Crockpot Honey Nut & Dark Chocolate Chex Mix
Honey, nuts, AND dark chocolate all in one slow cooker recipe? Yes, you read that correctly! This Chex mix leans toward the sweeter side by bringing honey and dark chocolate into the drizzle.
This is a snack made for dessert lovers. It’s a dark chocolate indulgence that’s still light enough that it won’t ruin your dinner.
And that’s a good thing, because with a whole crockpot full, you’ll probably have more than just one or two handfuls.
11. Crockpot Italian Bacon Chicken Tenders
Bacon is just the best. It’s the one meat that makes every other meat look better. In this recipe, bacon works its magic to spice up some chicken fingers. You will never think chicken fingers are boring again after you try these!
Zesty Italian spices really dial up the charm. The thyme and oregano are aromatic additions that flavor the chicken and make your whole house smell amazing.
The hardest part will be waiting for them to be done! The smell filling your home will have you drooling in anticipation.
12. Slow Cooker Boiled Peanuts
If these don’t remind you of family road trips, you must not be from the south. You can boil up some serious nostalgia in your crockpot with this boiled peanut recipe.
Add these treats to your next movie night, and they might just be better than popcorn. You can serve them before dinner for a steakhouse vibe, but please don’t throw the shells on the floor. That would be a mess!
These peanuts are the perfect salty snack for your next meal. You can dress them up as a southern novelty or just enjoy them as they are.
13. Slow Cooker Candied Pecans
One of the most comforting smells in the entire world is the scent of candied nuts. Kiosks fill malls with it during the holidays, and vendors lure in customers with that sweet smell at different venues and arenas.
Now, you can make those exact same treats at home with this candied pecans recipe. Brown sugar, white sugar, and a little salt cling to roasted pecans with the help of a generous layer of butter.
Snap into one of these sugary treats and celebrate Christmas any time of year.
14. Slow Cooker Corn Dip
This recipe has southern cooking written all over it. Any time corn is a main ingredient, you can bet it has roots in the south. In this dish, corn gets jazzed up with soft cream cheese and savory green onion to create a soothing winter dish.
You will swoon over this medley as the cream cheese melts around sweet corn, forming the ultimate comfort food. It’s not too sweet or too spicy; this dip is right in the middle, perfect for everyone’s palettes.
15. Slow Cooker Little Smokies
These appetizer favorites get a total makeover with this recipe. Trade in your tired old smokies for this zesty surprise! Let your smokies swim in this next-level barbecue sauce, then get ready to become the talk of the town.
This dish goes beyond BBQ, featuring flavors of grape jelly and sriracha for a sweet sauce that also brings the spice! Somebody better call the lifeguard, because these weenies are going to need rescuing!
16. Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Potato Skins
Buffalo chicken is one of those classic combinations that just works with anything, and that includes potato skins. Zesty, tangy buffalo chicken is the perfect topping for starchy potato skins.
Just top them with some sliced onion and diced tomato and you are good to go.
17. Spicy Slow Cooker Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are a universal crowd pleaser. They are more than just subjectively good; they are objectively pleasing, and these slow cooker wings are no different.
Honey, barbecue sauce, and spicy seasonings coat every single wing for an appetizer that is both savory and sweet. Fill your crockpot with these meaty little morsels for a starter the whole family will adore.
You might have to draw straws to see who gets to lick the bowl when it’s all gone.
18. Slow Cooker Chili Cheese Dip
Don’t you tell Skyline that you’ve found their secret recipe! Maybe it’s not, but only a true Cincinnatian would be able to tell the difference.
And I’m guessing that’s probably not you, so you’re in good shape. If it is you, this is close enough!
These traditional, all American favorites swirl together into a spicy symphony of game day perfection. This dip can top everything from hotdogs to nachos, or just a single chip. Spoon some onto your plate and feel that halftime joy, even if it’s only the first quarter.
19. Slow Cooker Taco Dip
Do you think tacos are just for the main course? Think again! This taco dip means that every single day can be Taco Tuesday. It’s all your favorite flavors, just served on a chip!
Swap out your tortilla shells for crispy tortilla chips and you can have the taco experience before the actual meal even begins.
With endless topping combinations, this dip is totally customizable with infinite possibilities. What are you going to put in your taco dip?
20. Crockpot Caramel Dip
With this appetizer, it’s dessert first! What could possibly be better than that? Slice up some apples or grab a bag of pretzels to dunk into this dreamy dip.
It’s made from simple ingredients, and I bet you already have all of them in your cupboard. You can whip this up for a pre dinner app or save it for after.
21. Bacon Ranch Crockpot Stuffed Mushrooms
Bacon AND ranch? Let’s go!
This is one of my favorite flavor combinations, and I know I’m not the only one. Creamy ranch and snappy bacon create a perfect partnership in any situation, but especially when they’re stuffed inside these mushrooms.
If you’ve ever made stuffed mushrooms before, I’m sure you know they can be messy and take a lot of time. This recipe completely simplifies the whole process, getting rid of unnecessary steps while keeping all of the big, bold flavor.
22. Slow Cooker Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are a sports bar favorite. There’s just one problem: there are never enough of them! This recipe doesn’t totally solve that problem, but it does make sure that wings are available from the comfort of your own home.
These wings trade their crispy fried outer layer for a juicy, tender bite. You can change up the sauce to match your favorite flavor, and you could have a different tasting wing every night of the week.
From buffalo to teriyaki, these wings are always a home run.
23. Slow Cooker Queso Verde
What gives this queso its green color? Sweet and flavorful tomatillos! These fruits are slowly softened and then mashed into the queso blanco for a smooth and creamy dip that just screams of fresh flavors.
Chop up your veggies and drop in your block of cheese, then just walk away. You can come back later to a flavorful crockpot that can warm up even the coldest of days.
What are you waiting for? Mix it up now, and it will be all ready for tonight.
