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20 Crockpot Appetizers You Don't Have To Spend All Day Prepping

These apps basically make themselves!

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crockpot buffalo chicken dip
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

Slow-cookers are our version of a magic wand, especially when it's party time. So if you've ever wished your favorite appetizers could just magically make themselves, well, sounds like it's high time to bust out the Crockpot! Thanks to this kitchen powerhouse, you're just a few minutes of prep away from these 20 super-easy Crockpot appetizers. We've got plenty of dips, wings, and snacks perfect for any tailgate or holiday potluck you've got on the calendar this year.

Slow cookers are one of our favorite ways to save some oven space on those important app-packed days of the year: the holidays and the Super Bowl. They also will keep your slow cooker Buffalo ranch wings and Crockpot spinach artichoke dip perfectly warm all night long.

Want more party-ready tips? We've got even more appetizer inspiration, whether you're looking for delightfully bite-sized apps (tiny food > everything), appetizers you can make at the last minute (been there), or make-ahead appetizers (we love an overachiever). Since these slow-cooker apps saved you tons of prep, now you've got plenty of time to refine your home bartending skills with all our favorite classic cocktails to go with your snacks.

We also tested all the best slow cookers, so you can find the perfect one for your kitchen. And if you're looking for more slow-cooker recipes, we've got something for everyone, like our healthy Crockpot recipes, beginner slow-cooker recipes for two, and fall slow-cooker recipes. Loving that countertop appliance life? Don't miss our best air fryer recipes and Instant Pot recipes.

1

Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs

slow cooker grape jelly meatballs
EMILY HLAVAC GREEN

Grape jelly meatballs might not sound like an ideal combo, but trust us, it is! The sweet jelly mixed with smoky BBQ sauce is a match made in heaven. We added some sriracha to give it a bit of a kick that we found so enticing.

Get the Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs recipe.

2

Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip

crockpot spinach artichoke dip
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: JUSTIN SULLIVAN

If spinach-artichoke dip is one of those things you get really excited about at a party but you feel like it takes too much effort, this slow-cooker version is for you. Don’t bother turning on the oven (especially when you have other appetizers to bake—cranberry brie bites, perhaps?).

Get the Crockpot Spinach-Artichoke Dip recipe.

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3

Crockpot Chicken Drumsticks

crock pot chicken drumsticks
Parker Feierbach

These chicken drumsticks are the perfect game-day treat. They're super-tender and crazy flavorful with a gingery, garlicky glaze. Broiling is an optional step, but it really takes them to a whole other level. Fall-apart meat and crispy skin? Sign us up!

Get the Crockpot Chicken Drumsticks recipe.

4

Slow-Cooker Chex Mix

delish slow cooker chex mix 3
Ethan Calabrese

Make it even easier to inhale this snack by prepping a batch big enough to actually stick around for awhile.

Get the Slow-Cooker Chex Mix recipe.

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5

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

crockpot buffalo chicken dip
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

Fact: A party or movie night-in is only as good as the Buffalo dip you serve. The best part? Your slow cooker will keep it warm and ready for dipping! Go all out and make a batch of homemade soft pretzels to serve with it.

Get the Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe.

6

Slow-Cooker Crab Dip

slow cooker crab dip
Ethan Calabrese

We LOVE this dip with Ritz crackers, but slices of French bread or pita chips would also be delicious. If you’d like to go a healthier route, sliced cucumber or celery sticks are the way to go.

Get the Slow-Cooker Crab Dip recipe.

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7

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Ranch Wings

slow cooker buffalo ranch wings
Ethan calabrese

Any true sports fan knows that Game Day isn't complete without Buffalo ranch something. These are doused in ranch seasoning and sprinkled with fresh chives for extra flavor.

Get the Slow-Cooker Buffalo Ranch Chicken Wings recipe.

8

Mini BBQ Chicken Sliders

mini bbq chicken sliders

Sliders—in any variation—are something we love whether we're at a BBQ or not. We find this recipe for mini BBQ chicken sliders impossible to resist. It's got some homemade coleslaw on top and served on super-soft, super-fluffy rolls.

Get the Mini BBQ Chicken Sliders recipe.

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9

Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchilada Dip

slow cooker chicken enchilada dip
Ethan Calabrese

Got a leftover rotisserie chicken you need to use up? Toss it with enchilada sauce and pepper Jack, and it will really shine in this gloriously cheesy dip.

Get the Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchilada Dip recipe.

10

Slow-Cooker Louisiana Ribs

slow cooker louisiana ribs
Brandon Bales

Low and slow is all you need to know when it comes to making these ribs. Spoiler alert: That's the only thing slow about these. They'll be gone fast once they're done in the slow cooker.

Get the Slow-Cooker Louisiana Ribs recipe.

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11

Slow-Cooker Queso

slow cooker queso delish
Ethan Calabrese

Don't skimp on the cilantro; it lightens up the dip just a bit and adds a refreshing, herbal note. Hungry for more queso recipes? We LOVE this Instant Pot queso.

Get the Slow-Cooker Queso recipe.

12

Slow-Cooker General Tso Chicken Wings

general tso wings delish
Ethan Calabrese

Turn the Chinese takeout favorite into a chicken wing, and you'll regret NOTHING. Don't skip the sesame seeds; you know you want that crunch.

Get the Slow-Cooker General Tso Chicken Wings recipe.

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13

Slow-Cooker Beer Cheese Dip

beer cheese dip
Chelsea Lupkin

Beer cheese dip is far better than queso, and being able to make it in your slow cooker makes it even better. The dip makes for a perfect snack or any dinner party appetizer. It's simple, quick, and is always loved.

Get the Slow-Cooker Beer Cheese Dip recipe.

14

Slow-Cooker Parmesan-Garlic Chicken Wings

parmesan garlic wings delish 2
Ethan Calabrese

Slathered in melted butter, chopped garlic, parsley, and a whole lot of shredded Parm, this classier take on wings makes them less football food, more dinner party appetizer.

Get the Slow-Cooker Parmesan-Garlic Chicken Wings recipe.

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15

Slow-Cooker Bourbon Smokies

slow cooker bourbon smokies

Lil smokies belong at every party and potluck. Hit them with a shot of bourbon for a little something extra that shakes up the expected. It's a welcome addition and goes well with all of those party dips!

Get the Slow-Cooker Bourbon Smokies recipe.

16

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

slow cooker buffalo chicken meatballs
Jonathan Boulton

Trust us: Bring these to your next tailgate and your friends will love you forever. These meatballs will give your regular ol' Buffalo wings a run for their money.

Get the Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs recipe.

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17

Slow-Cooker Boiled Peanuts

slow cooker boiled peanuts vertical
John Komar

Attention: We've found the next snack you're sneaking into the ballgame. Add plenty of Cajun seasoning!

Get the Slow-Cooker Boiled Peanuts recipe.

18

Slow-Cooker Tex-Mex Dip

slow cooker tex mex dip
Brad Holland

Our favorite part of game day is often the appetizers, and this cheesy dip is full of flavor, making it our new go-to. It's quick and easy, and since it's cooked in a slow cooker, it makes almost no mess at all. Now that's a win.

Get the Slow-Cooker Tex-Mex Dip recipe.

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19

Slow-Cooker Party Meatballs

slow cooker party meatballs
Chelsea Lupkin

Don't let their mini size fool you, these slow-cooker party meatballs are packed with flavor. Love these? Try our slow-cooker grape jelly meatballs next!

Get the Slow-Cooker Party Meatballs recipe.

20

Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Dip

slow cooker jalapeno popper dip  delishcom
Chelsea Lupkin

Using a slow cooker for dips is the easiest way to keep your dip warm during parties. This dip tastes just like our favorite bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers, and it's insanely hard to stop dipping. Creamy, smooth, and just the right amount of kick.

Get the Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Dip recipe.

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