Crock pot appetizers let you prepare delicious snacks without spending hours in the kitchen. These slow-cooker dishes let you set them up and cook while you focus on other party preparations or relax.
From classic dips to savory meatballs, these appetizers work well for gatherings of any size. Using a crock pot for appetizers gives you the freedom to create impressive dishes that taste like you spent all day making them.
The gentle, consistent heat develops rich flavors while requiring minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, holiday gathering, or casual get-together, these recipes will satisfy your guests and make entertaining stress-free.
1. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
This cheesy, spicy dip is perfect for parties and requires just a few ingredients. You’ll need cream cheese, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese.
Place the cream cheese in your slow cooker first. Add the chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and half the cheddar cheese on top.
Cook on high for about 1.5 to 2 hours until everything is hot and well combined. Some recipes let you cook chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker with milk and ranch seasoning for 3 hours before adding other ingredients.
Serve this dip warm with chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
2. Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spinach artichoke dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s even better when made in a slow cooker. This creamy, cheesy dip combines spinach, artichoke hearts, and a blend of cheeses for a delicious treat.
You’ll need fresh spinach, canned or jarred artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella cheese. Simply combine these ingredients in your crockpot.
Mix everything together, set your slow cooker, and let it do the work. Your guests will love scooping up this rich, warm dip with crackers, bread, or vegetables.
3. Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs
Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs are a super easy appetizer that needs just a few ingredients. You can make these with frozen meatballs to save time.
Combine BBQ sauce and grape jelly in a 2:1 ratio. Mix these sauces in your slow cooker, add the meatballs, and stir until they’re coated.
Cook the meatballs on low for 4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Some recipes add ketchup or honey for extra flavor.
Keep them warm in the slow cooker for a convenient self-serve option.
4. Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
These meatballs require just three simple ingredients: frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and a sauce component. Most recipes call for either chili sauce or BBQ sauce to balance the sweetness.
Combine equal parts grape jelly and your chosen sauce in the slow cooker until well blended. Add the frozen meatballs and stir until they’re fully coated.
Cook on high for 2-3 hours until the sauce is hot and the meatballs are heated through. The grape jelly creates a glossy, sweet coating while the chili or BBQ sauce adds a savory tang.
Serve at parties for a sweet and tangy appetizer.
5. Crockpot Sausage Rotel Dip
This three-ingredient dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering. It combines browned sausage, creamy Velveeta cheese, and zesty Rotel tomatoes.
Brown a pound of breakfast sausage in a skillet and drain the excess fat. Add it to your slow cooker.
Place a block of Velveeta (regular or white) on top. Pour in one or two cans of Rotel tomatoes.
Cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally until everything melts together into a smooth, cheesy mixture. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or bread cubes for dipping.
6. Slow Cooker Chili Queso Dip
Slow Cooker Chili Queso Dip is a popular party appetizer that combines creamy cheese with spicy chili flavors. This dip is similar to the famous version served at Chili’s restaurant.
You can make this dip with just a few simple ingredients. Most recipes include cream cheese, shredded cheddar or Velveeta, canned chili, and salsa for extra flavor.
Add the ingredients to your slow cooker and let them melt together. Stir occasionally until everything is smooth and well combined.
Serve this warm, gooey dip with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
7. Slow Cooker Corn and Jalapeño Dip
This creamy, spicy dip is perfect for game day or summer cookouts. You’ll need corn, jalapeños, sour cream, and cheese as your main ingredients.
Place corn, chopped jalapeños, sour cream, and cheeses (Pepper Jack and cotija work great) into your slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the mixture on low for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Some recipes add cream cheese for extra creaminess or bacon for a smoky flavor.
Serve this dip warm with tortilla chips. Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
8. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs bring the zesty flavor of buffalo wings without the mess. These spicy, tangy meatballs cook to perfection in your crockpot with minimal effort.
Combine ground chicken with egg, buffalo sauce, oil, and seasonings. Add green onions, cheese, breadcrumbs, and garlic for extra flavor.
Roll into balls and let your slow cooker do the work. Serve with extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing for dipping.
At about 82 calories each, they’re a lighter alternative to traditional wings.
9. Slow Cooker Cheddar Bacon Dip
This creamy cheese dip is perfect for your next party. You only need a few simple ingredients to make it.
Start with cream cheese and sour cream as the base. Mix until smooth, then add in some mustard and garlic powder for flavor.
Add cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. Some recipes include a splash of beer for extra flavor.
Combine everything in your slow cooker and let it heat until warm and melted. Stir occasionally to ensure even melting.
Serve this dip with chips, pretzels, or vegetable sticks.
10. Slow Cooker Refried Bean Dip
This easy bean dip is perfect for your next party. Combine a large can of refried beans with sour cream and cream cheese in your slow cooker.
Add taco seasoning and about 1/4 cup of salsa to create the base flavor. You can also mix in shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese for extra creaminess.
For meat lovers, substitute two cans of chili with beans instead of refried beans. Reduce some of the salsa if you make this swap.
Cook the dip in your crockpot until everything is warm and well blended. Serve with tortilla chips.
11. Crockpot Buttered Garlic Mushrooms
Crockpot Buttered Garlic Mushrooms are one of the easiest appetizers you can make. Place mushrooms, butter, minced garlic, and ranch salad dressing mix into your slow cooker and stir to combine.
Cook the mushrooms on LOW for about 4 hours. The mushrooms absorb all the rich flavors of butter and garlic.
This dish requires minimal prep—just 5 minutes to get everything into the pot. Serve these mushrooms as an appetizer or as a delicious topping for steaks.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
12. Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
Cranberry meatballs are one of the easiest appetizers you can make in your crockpot. You only need a few simple ingredients for this dish.
Add frozen meatballs to your slow cooker. Pour in a can of cranberry sauce, some chili sauce, and a splash of orange juice.
Some recipes include BBQ sauce for extra flavor. Mix everything together and cook on low heat.
The sweet and tangy sauce infuses the meatballs with flavor. Serve at parties or gatherings.
13. Slow Cooker Pizza Dip
Slow Cooker Pizza Dip brings all the flavors of pizza into a creamy, cheesy appetizer. This crowd-pleaser is simple to prepare with just a few ingredients.
Combine cream cheese, pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and mini pepperonis in your slow cooker. Add Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Cook the mixture on high for about an hour until everything is melted and well combined. For variety, add green peppers or Italian sausage.
Serve this hot dip with breadsticks, crackers, or toasted baguette slices.
14. Slow Cooker 2 Ingredient Queso
Looking for a quick and easy party dip? This 2-ingredient slow cooker queso is perfect.
Add cubed cheese (American or sharp cheddar work great) and canned Rotel tomatoes to your crock pot. Set it on low heat for 2-3 hours until the cheese is completely melted.
Stir occasionally for even melting and a smooth consistency. Serve with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or as a topping for tacos.
15. Slow Cooker Jelly BBQ Meatballs
Slow Cooker Jelly BBQ Meatballs are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that needs just three ingredients. Combine grape jelly and BBQ sauce in your crockpot, then add frozen meatballs.
The ratio is typically 2:1 BBQ sauce to grape jelly. The sweet and tangy sauce creates a sticky glaze that coats each meatball.
Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for about 4 hours. Use store-bought frozen meatballs or make your own with ground chicken for a healthier option.
These meatballs are sticky, smoky, and satisfying—perfect for parties or game day gatherings.
16. Slow Cooker Slow-Cooker Chex Mix
Making Chex Mix in your slow cooker is incredibly simple and frees up your oven for other dishes. Start by combining Chex cereal (corn, rice, and wheat varieties work well), pretzels, Cheerios, bagel chips, and nuts in a 6-quart oval slow cooker.
The oval shape provides more cooking space for even flavor distribution. You can customize your mix by adding bugles, cheese crackers, or peanuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Prepare this savory snack for parties and let it cook while you get other appetizers ready. Guests will enjoy munching on this classic party mix that requires minimal effort.
17. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks offer a crowd-pleasing appetizer with bold flavor and convenience. You only need a few simple ingredients to make this tasty dish.
Start with chicken drumsticks, a packet of ranch seasoning, and your favorite buffalo sauce. Place the drumsticks in your slow cooker, sprinkle with ranch seasoning, and pour the buffalo sauce over the top.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the meat becomes tender and falls off the bone. The chicken absorbs all the tangy buffalo flavor as it cooks.
Serve these drumsticks with celery sticks and blue cheese dip for the complete buffalo experience. They make perfect finger food for game day gatherings or casual parties.
18. Crockpot Enchilada Bake
Crockpot Enchilada Bake delivers the flavors of traditional enchiladas with slow cooker convenience. This dish requires just 5 minutes to assemble.
Layer tortillas with chicken, enchilada sauce, and cheese in your crockpot. You don’t need to roll tortillas like traditional enchiladas, making this recipe much simpler.
Place chicken breasts in the crockpot with enchilada sauce and cook until tender. Add onions and other vegetables for extra flavor if desired.
This one-pot meal creates cheesy, saucy enchiladas perfect for busy weeknights. Let the slow cooker handle the work while you manage other tasks.
19. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
White Chicken Chili is a perfect set-it-and-forget-it appetizer for any gathering. Add chicken, beans, corn, green chiles, and seasoning to your slow cooker.
Cook on low for about 8 hours or high for 5 hours until the chicken becomes tender enough to shred. The slow cooking blends all the flavors beautifully.
Serve this creamy chili with toppings like sour cream, cheese, avocado slices, or crushed tortilla chips. For a dairy-free version, skip the cream cheese that some recipes call for.
20. Slow Cooker Simmered Smoked Links
Little smokies make a great choice for your next party or game day gathering. Simmer these mini sausage links in a flavorful sauce with minimal prep work.
Combine BBQ sauce and grape jelly for a sweet and tangy flavor, or add extra seasonings for variety. Try the “Mississippi” style smokies for a different flavor profile.
Add the ingredients to your slow cooker and let them simmer until hot. These appetizers stay warm in the crockpot, so guests can help themselves throughout your event.
21. Slow Cooker Corn Dip
Slow Cooker Corn Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day gatherings. This creamy dip combines drained corn with cream cheese and pepper jack cheese.
Add 2-3 cans of drained corn to your crockpot. Mix in 16 oz of cream cheese, 8 oz of pepper jack cheese, and a 1/4 cup of sour cream.
For extra flavor, add diced cilantro and a sprinkle of Tajin seasoning. Some recipes include bacon and green chilies for additional taste.
Cook on low for about 2-2.5 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve warm with tortilla chips for an easy, delicious appetizer.
Tips for Preparing Crock Pot Appetizers
Making appetizers in your slow cooker can save time and reduce stress when hosting. The right equipment, timing, and ingredient prep make a big difference.
Choosing the Right Slow Cooker Size
The size of your slow cooker matters when preparing appetizers. For dips and small bites, a 2-3 quart cooker works perfectly.
Larger gatherings call for 5-6 quart models to accommodate meatballs, wings, or pulled pork sliders. Consider these options based on your needs:
- Small (2-3 quarts): Perfect for dips, cheese fondue, or hot chocolate
- Medium (4 quarts): Good for cocktail meatballs or wing recipes
- Large (5-6+ quarts): Ideal for pulled pork, large batches of dips, or multiple appetizers
If you host different events throughout the year, having two sizes gives you flexibility. Many hosts find that a medium-sized cooker handles most appetizer needs without taking up too much counter space.
Timing and Temperature Considerations
Most crock pot appetizers need 2-4 hours on high or 4-6 hours on low. Plan accordingly to ensure your food is ready when guests arrive.
Follow these guidelines for safety and flavor:
- Meat appetizers: Cook thoroughly to proper internal temperatures
- Cheese-based dips: Stir every 30 minutes to prevent burning
- Party timing: Start cooking 1-2 hours before guests arrive for warm dips
Once cooking is complete, use the “warm” setting to keep food at a safe serving temperature. For potlucks or tailgates, secure your cooker lid with rubber bands or special travel covers.
Prepping Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
Proper ingredient prep enhances the flavor of your slow cooker appetizers. Take a few extra minutes during preparation for better-tasting results.
Try these flavor-boosting techniques:
- Brown meats before adding them to the pot for richer flavor
- Slice vegetables uniformly for even cooking
- Layer ingredients with heartier items at the bottom
- Toast spices briefly in a dry pan before adding to recipes
Prep ingredients the night before and refrigerate them separately when possible. This saves time on party day and allows flavors to develop.
For ingredients that might discolor, such as apples or avocados, wait until just before cooking to prepare them.
How to Serve and Store Crock Pot Appetizers
Serving and storing your slow cooker appetizers properly keeps them delicious from the first bite to the last. The right techniques help maintain food safety and fresh flavors.
Best Serving Practices for Parties
When hosting, set your crock pot to the “warm” setting during the party to keep food at a safe temperature. Place serving utensils beside each dish and consider labeling appetizers with ingredient cards for guests with dietary restrictions.
Arrange small plates, napkins, and toothpicks near the appetizers for easy self-service. Position your crock pot in an accessible location with enough space for guests to gather.
If serving multiple appetizers, create a station with different heights using boxes covered with decorative cloths to add visual interest. This setup allows guests to see all options at once.
For dips, provide sturdy dipping items that won’t break when scooped. Refresh the serving area periodically, wiping spills and replenishing serving utensils as needed.
Proper Storage and Reheating Methods
Cool leftover appetizers within two hours of serving. Transfer food to shallow, airtight containers before refrigerating to ensure quick cooling.
Most crock pot appetizers stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For freezing, let appetizers cool completely first.
Store them in freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. Label each container with the date and contents.
Most frozen appetizers remain good for 2-3 months. Thaw frozen appetizers in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Use the microwave for small portions, stirring halfway through. For larger amounts, reheat them in an oven at 325°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
You can also return appetizers to the slow cooker on low for gentle reheating. Add a tablespoon of liquid if needed to prevent drying out.
