Creative Slow Cooker Recipes To Bring To The Next Potluck (2024)

Potlucks are a year-round thing. Family gatherings, office luncheons, communityevents and of course – the holiday season. Personally, I love crock pots because they do most of the work for you. Nobody wants to go to a potluck and be working away at preparing a dish, or the alternative which is to stay up late and make the things you need to bring. Slow cookers aren’t just for meatballs, they’re not just for chilis and soups. You can 100% change your potluck game with these amazing recipes that are sure to keep your feet up, and your cooking easy. Now, doesn’t that sound like a dream?

2

1. Slow Cooker Barbeque Bacon Chicken Dip

A dip you don’t have to warm up in the oven! Complete in the crock pot (which you can also use for serving!) and slice up some bread, or a bowl of chips and you’re as golden as that crust of cheese on top.

http://www.themagicalslowcooker.com/2016/11/26/slow-cooker-barbecue-bacon-chicken-dip/ PHOTO AND RECIPE HERE: THE MAGICAL SLOW COOKER

3

2. Crock Pot French Toast Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Oh, yes you can!! Save yourself the baking time by serving them up hot and fresh right from the slow cooker itself. Enjoy two breakfast favorites in one with this recipe!

http://www.forkly.com/recipes/crock-pot-french-toast-cinnamon-roll-casserole/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY

4

3. Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese

Bring comfort food to the potluck, and everyone will thank you. This easy to prepare mac and cheese will go so well in the mass pile of meat balls and pulled meats on everyone’s plates!

http://www.spendwithpennies.com/ultra-cream-mac-n-cheese-in-the-slow-cooker/ PHOTO AND RECIPE HERE: SPEND WITH PENNIES

5

4. Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Yes, you can make mashed potatoes in a slow cooker! Potlucks are often just an overflowing of main dishes. Bring some warmth of a complimenting side, in a crock pot that does all the work for you, basically.

http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/?s=Mashed+potatoes PHOTO AND RECIPE HERE: THE NOURISHING GOURMET

6

5. Slow Cooker Lo Mein

Be anything but boring, and bring something a little nontraditional to your next gathering. Just make sure you bring the recipe too – it’s going to be asked for, a lot.

http://damndelicious.net/2016/05/13/slow-cooker-lo-mein PHOTO AND RECIPE HERE: DAMN DELICIOUS

7

6. Slow Cooker Chex Mix

Now here’s something that can be snacked on at your next potluck, and then grazed on for the days that follow. This is the kind of leftover you don’t mind sticking around for a couple weeks.

http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/slow-cooker-chex-mix-recipe/ PHOTO AND RECIPE HERE: GIMME SOME OVEN

8

7. Slow Cooker Pierogi Casserole

Pierogi’s were once my absolute favorite thing to see brought to a pot luck function. Many would argue “why mess with a good thing?” and then I will argue “but there’s Kielbasa in it”…

http://www.dailydiylife.com/crockpot-pierogi-casserole-kielbasa-easy-meals/ PHOTO AND RECIPE HERE: DAILY DIY LIFE

9

8. Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

Burritos at a potluck? I must be dreaming!! This recipe is an all in one, no need for the rice on the side – it all gets tossed in to cook and fuse the flavors together as one.

http://www.number-2-pencil.com/2014/10/01/slow-cooker-chicken-burrito-bowl/ PHOTO AND RECIPE HERE: NUMBER 2 PENCIL

10

9. Slow Cooker Reese’s PB Cup Swirl Cake

You. Are. Welcome. Way to rock the crock pot, my friends.

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/slow-cooker-reeses-peanut-butter-cup-swirl-cake/5c26f6b9-fe67-40d6-ba31-2e0b22136d9e PHOTO AND RECIPE HERE: BETTY CROCKER

11

10. Slow Cooker Veggie Lasagna

It’s always nice to think of those who maybe can’t eat all the meatballs and pulled pork at potluck gatherings, plus it’s a crock pot lasagna and how awesome is that!?

http://hip2save.com/2016/04/23/slow-cooker-veggie-lasagna-recipe-2/ PHOTO AND RECIPE HERE: HIP 2 SAVE

12

11. Slow Cooker Thai Meatballs

Okay, so meatballs are so not original…but they are expected and incredibly popular. Trying to break out of potluck boredom? A Thai spin on things should keep you and your potlucking friends happy!

http://www.seriouseats.com/2016/01/how-to-make-slow-cooker-thai-chicken-meatballs.html PHOTO AND RECIPE HERE: SERIOUS EATS

13

12. Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Let the Crock Pot make that beef tender and shredded with a perfect au jus for dipping. The only extra thing you need to bring is small hoagie buns to serve them on! Easy and a total change from the typical potluck offerings!

https://momscravings.com/slow-cooker-french-dip-sandwiches/ PHOTO AND RECIPE HERE: MOMS CRAVINGS

14

13. Crock Pot Butter Chicken

Move away from all the traditional potluck foods for an International flavor that everyone loves – butter chicken! This easy Indian cuisine-inspired recipe is the perfect pairing for your potluck. Bring along some pre-made basmati rice and you’ll be winning the potluck game!

https://dinnerthendessert.com/slow-cooker-indian-butter-chicken/ PHOTO AND RECIPE HERE: Dinner Then Dessert

15

14. Crock Pot Sloppy Joe Cheeseburgers

With a touch of nostalgia and a splash of comfort, this recipe is going to make your Crock Pot dish the one that won’t be bypassed because it’s an absolute must try.

https://www.recipesthatcrock.com/crock-pot-sloppy-joe-cheeseburgers/ PHOTO AND RECIPE HERE: RECIPES THAT CROCK

16

15. Crock Pot Spaghetti

No boiling necessary, but your potluck friends will be delighted to see that spaghetti is on the menu!! By adding a bit more liquid to your sauce and adding the uncooked pasta later in the cooking time, you end up with a complete meal that everyone will love!

http://lifeshouldcostless.com/2015/05/crockpot-spaghetti.html PHOTO AND RECIPE HERE: LIFE SHOULD COST LESS

17

16. Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Ribs

Just like the Swedish meatball recipes floating out there on the internet, grape jelly lends itself into more meaty slow cooker recipes beyond meatballs. With these ribs, your diners will be getting potlucky with this on their plates!

https://www.thegunnysack.com/slow-cooker-grape-jelly-ribs-recipe/ PHOTO AND RECIPE HERE: THE GUNNY SACK

18

17. Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash

One of my favorite things to do for potlucks is bring something I can actually eat. Whether you have health goals or dietary needs, sometimes you gotta look out for number one, while feeding your friends too! This healthy, but delicious Crock Pot option is sure to be a nice balance between all the other options.

http://www.mymoderncookery.com/slow-cooker-garlic-parmesan-spaghetti-squash/ PHOTO AND RECIPE HERE: My Modern Cookery

19

18. Crock Pot Margarita Chicken Dip

Bring a side of chips and you’re good to go. With everyone bringing main dishes to potlucks, be one that starts the whole thing off with a warm appetizer everyone will certainly appreciate!

https://www.diprecipecreations.com/crock-pot-margarita-chicken-dip/ PHOTO AND RECIPE HERE: Dip Recipe Creations

20

19. Crockpot Drunken Bourbon Whiskey Meatballs

These meatballs get a boozy makeover with bourbon whiskey. You’ll be asking yourself why you haven’t tried them sooner and everyone who does try them will be blown away!

http://www.forkly.com/recipes/crockpot-drunken-bourbon-whiskey-meatballs/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY

21

20. Peach Cobbler

Enjoy a fresh dessert like peach cobbler conveniently made in your slow cooker! This recipe starts with a freshand sweet base of peaches and cooks in the slow cooker with an exciting cake topping. Don’t besurprisedto discover that there won’t be any leftovers!

https://www.mykitchenlove.com/the-best-slow-cooker-peach-cobbler/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: MY KITCHEN LOVE

22

21. Apple Sauce

Applesauce is often a crowd favorite, especially for holiday meals. If you’re attending a potluck this Thanksgiving or even in the Christmas holiday season, make sure you show up with a slow cooker full of sweet applesauce. This sauce is sweetened with only a little bit of sugar and has enticing flavors of cinnamon.

https://www.yummyhealthyeasy.com/homemade-crock-pot-applesauce PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: YUMMY HEALTHY EASY

23

22. Chicken Taco Chili

Combine all your favorite taco flavors into a unique and delicious chili! This recipe is loaded with beans, shredded chicken, and flavors of garlic and cumin- taco-boutamazing!

https://www.number-2-pencil.com/slow-cooker-chicken-taco-chili// PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: NO. 2 PENCIL

24

23. Slow Cooker Chili

Prefer a traditional chili recipe? We got you covered! This recipe is filled with beans, ground beef and a savory tomato sauce that everyone will love.

https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/slow-cooker-chili-crock-pot-giveaway/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: GIMME SOME OVEN

25

24. Garlic Parmesan Pull Apart Bread

Every potluck party needs dinner rolls of some sort, but don’t show up with just any dinner rolls, make this slow cooker garlic parmesan pull apartbread! It’s soft, cheesy and delicious! What more could you want?

https://www.thecountrycook.net/crock-pot-garlic-parmesan-pull-apart-bread/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE COUNTRY COOK

26

25. Spinach And Artichoke Dip

Dips are great for potlucks, especially ones that are ooey-gooey cheesy! This spinach and artichoke dip is so easy to put together and everyone will gobble it up in no time.

https://homecookingmemories.com/slow-cooker-spinach-and-artichoke-dip/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: HOME COOKING MEMORIES

27

26. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

The slow cooker can cook pork like no other. Show up to your next potluck with this unforgettable tender pulled pork.

https://www.artandthekitchen.com/slow-cooker-pulled-pork/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: ART AND THE KITCHEN

28

27. Slow Cooker Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches

Attention vegans or vegetarians we have a recipe with your name on it! Much like a traditional pulled pork recipe this pulled jackfruit is tender and delicious but remains sans animals! Potlucks are hard enough following a plant-based diet, so show up prepared with this dish that everyone will love!

https://www.yummymummykitchen.com/2017/02/slow-cooker-pulled-jackfruit-sandwiches.html PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: YUMMY YUMMY KITCHEN

29

28. Potato Soup

Don’t show up to the potluck with a boring soup recipe! Make sure you roll up to the party with this thick and creamy slow cooker potato soup. It’s made up of shredded potatoes, a thick broth and loads of ooey-gooey cheese, what is not to like?

https://homemadehooplah.com/crock-pot-potato-soup/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: HOMEMADE HOOPLAH

30

29. Sweet And Spicy Kielbasa Bites

These sweet and spicy kielbasa bites will surely be a crowd favorite. A spicy jelly compliments tangy and sweet flavors of barbeque, you’ll love this! Serve with toothpicks to create the perfect finger food.

https://realhousemoms.com/sweet-and-spicy-slow-cooker-kielbasa-bites/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: REAL HOUSE MOMS

31

30. Slow Cooker Carrot Ginger Soup

Carrot soup is asweater weatherclassic. Share this soup at your next potluck for a comforting meal that everyone will appreciate.

https://thebusybaker.ca/slow-cooker-carrot-ginger-soup-dairy-free/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE BUSY BAKER

32

31. Slow Cooker Queso Dip

Do you love a good queso dip?Wellthen you need to try this recipe because it will amaze you! This thick and hearty cheese dip may be unlike any other you’ve experienced before. It only requires 10 minutes to prep and then you can set it and forget it in the slow cooker.

https://www.justataste.com/slow-cooker-queso-dip-recipe/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: JUST A TASTE

33

32. Italian Beef Sandwiches

This Italian beef sandwich slow cooker recipe would make an excellent main course for any potluck. Tender beef is cooked in savory seasonings and then topped with green bell pepper, onions and pepperoncini’s. Once it’s donecookingin the slow cooker, serve it on a soft bun.

https://www.momontimeout.com/slow-cooker-italian-beef-sandwiches/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: MOM ON TIMEOUT

34

33. Slow Cooker Chicken Wings

I had no idea that you could cook chicken wings in the slow cooker, but this recipe proves you can, and it promises that they’ll turn out amazing! As the wings cook in the slow cooker, they’ll bathe in a sweet and spicy barbecue sauce that is finger licking good!

https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/slow-cooker-chicken-wings/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: DINNER AT THE ZOO

35

34. Slow CookerSpikedApple Cider

Potlucks often have a wide spread of food, however, contributing a tasty beverage could be a great idea too! Show up with this warm, spicy and delicious spiked apple cider! Those of age can enjoy a boozy beverage, but you could always opt out of the alcohol if this is a family-friendly party.

https://www.wineandglue.com/slow-cooker-spiked-apple-cider/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: WINE AND GLUE

36

35. Crock Pot Jalapeno Popper Corn Dip

When it comes to the appetizer menu, jalapeno poppers are often a party favorite. Instead of bringing a tray of jalapeno poppersconsidermaking this jalapeno popper corn dip! It contains the same flavors you love but in a creamy thick dip instead!

https://www.thecountrycook.net/crock-pot-jalapeno-popper-corn-dip/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE COUNTRY COOK

37

36. Slow Cooker Clam Chowder

Seafood lovers will appreciate your contribution if you show up with this slow cooker clam chowder. It creamy, rich and has fresh flavors of the sea!

https://gatherforbread.com/slow-cooker-clam-chowder/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: GATHER FOR BREAD

38

37. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

The great thing about buffalo sauce is that it works great for so many different meals. Bring these buffalo chicken meatballs for a delicious appetizer that everyone will gobble up quickly!

https://damndelicious.net/2014/04/30/slow-cooker-buffalo-chicken-meatballs/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: DAMN DELICIOUS

39

38. Slow Cooker Deep Dish Pizza

Deep dish pizza in the slow cooker they say? Yes, it can be done! It’s made of simple store-bought ingredients and requires almost no effort to put together.

https://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/slow-cooker-deep-dish-pizza/0aa4eef2-bdaf-4ed5-b150-d379ff75fd57?crlt.pid=camp.coofj1o3balt PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: PILLSBURY

40

39. Slow Cooker BBQ Shrimp

While many slow cooker recipes take hours to cook, this one only needs one hour. This barbeque shrimp recipe is tender, sticky and incredibly delicious. Set all the ingredients in the slow cooker an hour ahead of your potluck and this recipe will be ready in no time.

https://www.5dollardinners.com/slow-cooker-bbq-shrimp/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: 5 DOLLAR DINNERS

41

40. Caramel Hot Chocolate

Show up to your potluck with an irresistibly sweet caramel hot chocolate. It’s conveniently made in the slow cooker and will allow you to create a large batch at once. Make sure to get yourself a mug full before it’s gone!

https://www.thekitchenismyplayground.com/2016/12/slow-cooker-caramel-hot-chocolate.html PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE KITCHEN IS MY PLAYGROUND

Creative Slow Cooker Recipes To Bring To The Next Potluck (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest thing to bring to a potluck? ›

Easy, quick snacks that you can make without needing to heat up anything are your best bet for last-minute potluck prep. Dips, guacamole, lettuce wraps, salsa, salad, and no-bake finger foods are all great options.

How do you make a potluck interesting? ›

One thing you can do to make a potluck more fun is to have a theme. It could be a place or an era in history, or maybe a popular movie or something. Another thing that makes potlucks better is if someone kind of coordinates what people are bringing to some degree, so you don't wind up with 6 salads and no main dish.

What is a good finger food to bring to a potluck? ›

Easy Finger Food Recipes to Make Ahead
  • Fried Pickles. Treat your guests to fried pickles for fun finger food ideas. ...
  • Fried Mac and Cheese Rolls. ...
  • Deviled Eggs. ...
  • Honey Garlic Meatballs. ...
  • Garlic Breadsticks. ...
  • Salted Soft Pretzels. ...
  • Whipped Ricotta Crostini. ...
  • Vietnamese Spring Rolls.
May 29, 2024

What store-bought food can I bring to a potluck? ›

Appetizers
  • Sushi. If there's a boat I want to sail away on, it's a sushi boat. ...
  • Cheese and Charcuterie Fixings. Has anyone ever been sad to see a cheese and charcuterie board at a potluck? ...
  • Canned and Jarred Goods. ...
  • Shrimp and co*cktail Sauce. ...
  • Chips and Dip. ...
  • Frozen Apps. ...
  • Fried Chicken. ...
  • Soup.
Sep 16, 2023

How many dishes should you bring to a potluck? ›

Main dishes and side dishes are the heart and soul of a potluck feast. These dishes tend to be more substantial and filling, so it's essential to strike a balance and avoid excessive portions. As a general rule, plan for one main dish serving and one or two side dish servings per person.

What not to bring to a potluck? ›

These Are The 5 Worst Dishes To Bring To Holiday Potluck Dinners
  • Baked potatoes in aluminum foil. When the potatoes cool down, the moisture and steam in the foil can create a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. ...
  • Mayo-based salads. ...
  • Fish and seafood. ...
  • Nuts. ...
  • Leafy green salads.
Dec 8, 2023

How to make food ahead of time for a party? ›

Make and Freeze Items

Freezing helps preserve the items, so they taste great on party day. This doesn't have to be done weeks in advance, either. Instead, make sauces, breads, pie crusts and other items that freeze well a few days before the party. Store them in the freezer until the night before.

What is perfect potluck? ›

Perfect Potluck | a free online tool for coordinating meals for groups. Meal Planning Recipes Send Them A Meal Our Blog Help Contact Us. PerfectPotluck.com Help. Click on any question below to learn more.

What is a blackout potluck? ›

Host a blackout potluck

All you will need are blindfolds and one person to volunteer to be the host (who is not blindfolded) to help serve the other guests. Have everyone guess what each dish is and award the guest with the most correct answers with first dibs on leftovers of their favorite dish.

What can I bring to a Mexican potluck? ›

Here's our most delicious Mexican food you can whip up for your next fiesta.
  • 1Bacon and cheese-stuffed jalapeño poppers. ...
  • 2Tex-Mex wings with corn salsa. ...
  • 3Quick-smart nachos. ...
  • 4Minikins with Mexican beans. ...
  • 5Chillies Rellenos (stuffed chillies) ...
  • 6Mini Mexican quesadillas. ...
  • 7Mexican beef tacos.
  • 8Mexican salad.

What is acceptable to bring to a potluck? ›

Potluck food should be plate-based. Unless you plan on bringing a stash of disposable bowls and spoons, it's best to stick to food that can be eaten off a plate with a fork. If you don't have time to cook, there's a world of store-bought food that is acceptable to bring to a potluck.

Is it rude to not bring anything to a potluck? ›

Anything More Than Empty Hands Is Acceptable

It's a fun communal activity that also takes some weight off the poor host. So can you show up to a potluck empty-handed? Heck no. That's the whole point!

What food to bring to a party as a guest? ›

What dishes should you bring to a party?
  • Party vol-au-vents. Despite the trend for mini burgers, individual bowls of stew and other such bijou party food, retro vol-au-vents are a timeless classic. ...
  • Pies. ...
  • Salads and sides. ...
  • Terrine and pâté ...
  • Infused vodka. ...
  • Pulled pork. ...
  • Pastry bites. ...
  • Big dishes.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Duane Harber

Last Updated:

Views: 5958

Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Duane Harber

Birthday: 1999-10-17

Address: Apt. 404 9899 Magnolia Roads, Port Royceville, ID 78186

Phone: +186911129794335

Job: Human Hospitality Planner

Hobby: Listening to music, Orienteering, Knapping, Dance, Mountain biking, Fishing, Pottery

Introduction: My name is Duane Harber, I am a modern, clever, handsome, fair, agreeable, inexpensive, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.