Crock pot appetizers are a game-changer for any gathering. They make party prep a breeze and let you enjoy time with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
These slow-cooked snacks are perfect for game days, holidays, or casual get-togethers.
You’ll find a wide variety of tasty options that are sure to please any crowd. From cheesy dips to savory meatballs, there’s something for everyone.
Crock pot appetizers are not only easy to make but also keep food warm throughout your event.
Get ready to discover some new favorites that will have your guests asking for the recipes.
1. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer you can easily make in your crock pot. You’ll need chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, ranch dressing, and shredded cheese.
Add these ingredients to your slow cooker and stir to combine. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
For extra flavor, try adding some green onions and garlic powder. Once the dip is hot and bubbly, sprinkle more cheese on top and let it melt.
Serve this creamy, spicy dip with chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks. It’s perfect for game days, parties, or any gathering where you want a warm, satisfying snack.
2. Swedish Meatballs
Swedish meatballs are a classic appetizer that’s perfect for your crock pot. You can use frozen meatballs to save time and effort.
Mix cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and sour cream in your slow cooker. Add the meatballs and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
For extra flavor, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce and some dried thyme.
Serve the meatballs straight from the crock pot with toothpicks.
You can also offer them over noodles for a heartier option. This versatile dish works well as both an appetizer and a main course.
3. Honey Garlic Little Smokies
Honey garlic little smokies are a tasty crock pot appetizer. You can make them easily with just a few ingredients.
Mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ketchup to create a sweet and savory sauce. Pour this over cocktail sausages in your slow cooker.
Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and coat the sausages nicely.
These little bites are perfect for parties or game day snacks. Your guests will love the blend of sweet honey and savory garlic flavors.
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey. For extra kick, try adding a dash of sriracha sauce.
4. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spinach artichoke dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer you can easily make in your crock pot. This creamy dip combines spinach, artichokes, and cheese for a delicious treat.
To prepare, mix all ingredients in your slow cooker. Set it on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1 hour. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Once the cheese melts and everything is hot, give it a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve warm with crackers or chips for dipping.
You can keep leftovers in the fridge for 3-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to enjoy again.
5. Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers are a tasty appetizer you can make in your crock pot. Start by stuffing jalapenos with cream cheese and cheddar.
Wrap each stuffed pepper with bacon. Place them in your slow cooker and cook on low for about 4 hours.
You can prep these poppers ahead of time. Assemble them up to a day before and keep in the fridge. Take them out 30 minutes before cooking.
For extra flavor, try adding garlic to the cheese mixture. You can also freeze the assembled poppers for up to 3 months. Just cook them a bit longer if frozen.
6. Queso Blanco
Queso blanco is a creamy white cheese dip that’s perfect for your next party. You can easily make it in your slow cooker with just a few ingredients.
Start by mixing shredded white cheeses with cornstarch. Add evaporated milk and other flavorings like green chilies or jalapeños for a kick.
Cook the mixture on low for about 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The result is a smooth, rich dip that’s great with tortilla chips or veggies.
For a quick version, use white American cheese or Velveeta. Either way, your guests will love this warm, gooey appetizer that’s ready when you are.
7. Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
Cranberry BBQ meatballs make a tasty appetizer for your next gathering. You can easily prepare them in your crock pot.
Start by mixing BBQ sauce with cranberry sauce. Pour this mixture over frozen meatballs in your slow cooker.
Cook on low for 3-4 hours. The meatballs will absorb the sweet and tangy flavors as they heat up.
For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This allows some liquid to evaporate.
Serve these meatballs warm. They’re perfect for parties or game day snacks. Your guests will love the blend of cranberry and BBQ flavors.
8. Cheesy Corn Dip
This tasty dip is perfect for your next party. You can make it easily in your crock pot.
Mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, canned corn, and green chiles in the slow cooker. Add some spices like chili powder and garlic for extra flavor.
Cook the dip on low for 2-4 hours, stirring once or twice. The cheese will melt and blend with the other ingredients.
Serve the warm, gooey dip right from the crock pot. Offer tortilla chips or corn chips for dipping.
You can customize this dip by adding bacon bits on top or mixing in some diced jalapenos for heat.
9. Teriyaki Chicken Wings
Teriyaki chicken wings are a tasty appetizer you can make in your crock pot. They’re perfect for parties or game day gatherings.
To prepare, start by browning the wings in a skillet. Then place them in the slow cooker.
Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Pour this sauce over the wings and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours.
The result is tender, flavorful wings coated in a sticky-sweet teriyaki glaze. Sprinkle with green onions before serving for added color and flavor.
These wings are great on their own or served with rice. Plan for 3-5 wings per person if serving as an appetizer.
10. Beer Cheese Dip
Beer cheese dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer you can easily make in your crock pot. This creamy, savory dip combines melted cheese with beer for a rich flavor.
To make it, add cream cheese, shredded cheese, beer, and seasonings to your slow cooker. Set it on high for about an hour, stirring every 10-15 minutes until everything is melted and smooth.
You can customize the flavors by adding garlic, mustard, or spices like paprika.
Serve your beer cheese dip hot with pretzels, chips, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
It’s a great option for game days, parties, or anytime you want a warm, comforting snack. The crock pot keeps it at the perfect temperature throughout your event.
11. Crab Rangoon Dip
Crab Rangoon Dip brings the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout appetizer to your slow cooker. This creamy dip combines cream cheese, crab meat, and seasonings for a tasty treat.
You can use imitation crab or real lump crab meat, depending on your preference. Add green onions and a splash of lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
Serve this warm dip with crackers, fried wonton chips, or vegetable sticks.
Your guests will love scooping up this cheesy, crabby goodness. The slow cooker keeps the dip warm throughout your gathering, so you can enjoy stress-free entertaining.
12. Ranch Chicken Dip
This creamy and flavorful dip is perfect for your next party. You can make it easily in your slow cooker.
Start by combining chicken thighs with ranch seasoning in the crock pot. Add cream cheese on top.
Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 7-8 hours. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily.
Mix in some sour cream and shredded cheese for extra richness. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Serve your ranch chicken dip warm with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
13. Barbecue Pulled Pork Sliders
Barbecue pulled pork sliders are a crowd-pleasing appetizer you can easily make in your crock pot. Start by rubbing a pork loin with a mix of spices.
Place the seasoned pork in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Once tender, shred the meat and mix it with your favorite barbecue sauce.
Serve the pulled pork on small slider buns. Top with coleslaw and pickled onions for extra flavor and crunch. You can toast the buns for a nice texture contrast.
These sliders are perfect for parties or game day gatherings. They’re easy to make ahead and keep warm in the crock pot until ready to serve.
14. Pizza Dip
This easy crock pot pizza dip is perfect for game day or any gathering. You’ll need cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, pizza sauce, and pepperoni.
Mix cream cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan, pizza sauce, and seasonings in your slow cooker. Cook on high for 1 hour or low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Once the cheese is melted, add the remaining mozzarella on top. Cover and cook until it melts.
For extra flavor, try adding cooked sausage or bell peppers.
Serve this cheesy dip hot with breadsticks, crackers, or veggie sticks. Your guests will love this tasty twist on pizza flavors.
15. Slow Cooker Nacho Dip
Nacho dip made in your slow cooker is a crowd-pleasing appetizer. You can easily prepare this cheesy, zesty dip with minimal effort.
Start by browning ground beef and draining the fat. Add it to your Crock-Pot with cream cheese, salsa, and shredded cheddar.
Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
The result is a warm, gooey dip perfect for tortilla chips.
Top with sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or green onions for extra flavor and color. Your guests will love this tasty, fuss-free appetizer at your next gathering.
16. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Buffalo cauliflower bites offer a tasty vegetarian twist on classic buffalo wings. You can easily make these in your crock pot for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Start by cutting a head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
In a bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and spices. Coat the cauliflower pieces in this mixture.
Place the coated cauliflower in your crock pot. Pour buffalo sauce over the top and cook on low for 2-3 hours until tender.
For extra crispiness, broil the bites for a few minutes before serving.
Serve your buffalo cauliflower bites with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side. These make a great game day snack or party appetizer that everyone will enjoy.
17. Mongolian Beef Sliders
Mongolian beef sliders make a tasty appetizer for your next gathering. To make them in your slow cooker, start by coating flank steak pieces in cornstarch.
Add the meat to your crock pot with a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.
Once done, shred the meat and serve on small buns. Top with sliced green onions for extra flavor.
You can prepare the meat ahead of time and keep it warm in the slow cooker. This makes serving easy when it’s time to eat.
18. Cheddar Bacon Ranch Dip
This tasty dip combines three favorite flavors in one easy crock pot recipe. You’ll need cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and ranch seasoning mix.
Add all ingredients to your slow cooker and stir to combine. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until hot and bubbly.
Serve this warm, creamy dip with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies. It’s perfect for game days or parties.
You can adjust the amount of ranch seasoning to suit your taste.
For extra flavor, try topping the dip with more crispy bacon and green onions before serving.
19. Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Sweet and sour meatballs are a tasty appetizer you can easily make in your crock pot. Start by adding frozen meatballs to the slow cooker.
Mix brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice to create the sweet and sour sauce. Pour this mixture over the meatballs.
Add pineapple chunks and diced bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
The sauce will thicken as it cooks, coating the meatballs perfectly. Serve these meatballs warm straight from the crock pot for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
20. Sriracha Chicken Bites
Sriracha chicken bites are a tasty crock pot appetizer that packs a spicy punch. You’ll need chicken, Sriracha sauce, honey, and a few other simple ingredients.
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in your slow cooker. Mix Sriracha, honey, and other seasonings in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.
Cook on low for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
The sauce will thicken as it cooks. Serve these zesty bites with toothpicks for easy eating at your next party.
21. Creamy Sausage Dip
This easy crock pot dip is perfect for parties and game days.
You only need three main ingredients: pork sausage, cream cheese, and diced tomatoes with chiles.
Brown the sausage in a pan and drain the grease.
Add the cooked sausage, cubed cream cheese, and canned tomatoes to your slow cooker.
Cook on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
The result is a rich, creamy dip with a spicy kick.
Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
You can easily double the recipe for larger gatherings.
For extra flavor, try adding shredded cheese or a dash of hot sauce.
This versatile dip is sure to be a hit at your next get-together.
22. Hot Crab Dip
Hot crab dip is a tasty appetizer you can make in your slow cooker.
It’s perfect for parties and gatherings.
To make it, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and seasonings in your Crockpot.
Add lump crab meat and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
The result is a warm, cheesy dip packed with crab flavor.
Serve it with crackers, bread, or veggie sticks for dipping.
This easy recipe lets you enjoy a restaurant-quality appetizer at home.
Your guests will love the rich, creamy texture and delicious taste of hot crab dip.
23. Pineapple BBQ Meatballs
These tasty meatballs are perfect for your next gathering.
You can easily make them in your slow cooker with just a few ingredients.
Start by placing frozen meatballs in your crockpot.
Add barbecue sauce, pineapple chunks with juice, and some brown sugar. Sprinkle in garlic powder for extra flavor.
Mix everything together to coat the meatballs well.
Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-6 hours.
Stir the meatballs occasionally while cooking.
The sauce will thicken and the flavors will blend nicely.
Your guests will love the sweet and tangy combo of pineapple and BBQ.
24. Asian Glazed Drumsticks
Asian Glazed Drumsticks are a tasty appetizer you can make in your crock pot.
These drumsticks are coated in a flavorful sauce that combines sweet and savory elements.
To make them, place chicken drumsticks in your slow cooker.
Mix together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sriracha for heat. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
Cook the drumsticks on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
The meat will be tender and falling off the bone. For a crispy finish, you can broil them briefly before serving.
These drumsticks are perfect for parties or game day gatherings.
They’re easy to eat and packed with Asian-inspired flavors that your guests will love.
25. Reuben Dip
Reuben dip is a tasty twist on the classic sandwich.
You can make it easily in your slow cooker.
Mix cream cheese, corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut. Add some Thousand Island dressing for extra flavor.
Cook the dip on low for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to blend the ingredients.
Serve this warm, cheesy dip with rye bread, crackers, or veggie sticks.
It’s great for parties, game days, or St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
This crowd-pleasing appetizer captures all the flavors of a Reuben sandwich in dip form.
Your guests will love the creamy texture and tangy taste.
Flavor Enhancement
Slow cooking brings out rich flavors in appetizers. Ingredients have time to blend together over several hours.
This creates deeper, more complex tastes.
Meats become tender and juicy in a crock pot. Tough cuts break down, absorbing spices and sauces.
Chicken wings and ribs fall off the bone.
Dips and sauces thicken naturally as they cook. Cheese melts smoothly without burning.
Beans soften and take on smoky notes from added spices.
You can keep appetizers warm for hours in a crock pot. This lets guests enjoy hot food throughout a party.
The flavors continue to develop as the dish sits.