If you’re looking for some appetizers for your next party, try these slow cooker party recipes! Crockpot foods aren’t just for dinner! They are amazing for appetizers as well and are super easy to make! The perfect cozy finger food to share with guests!
Crockpot Party Food Appetizers for a Crowd? Yes, Please!
If you’ve been this blog at all, you know that my favorite words for anything home-related are ‘cheap’ and ‘easy.’ I’m always looking for a shortcut, a hack, a frugal alternative.
I’m a big fan of crockpot recipes in general, and I love the idea of bringing or serving appetizers at a party or gathering, but if I can combine the two? Jackpot, y’all.
To help you on your way, I’ve rounded up all kinds of slow cooker recipes that would be perfect to serve as appetizers or finger foods at a party. Generally, even when you transport it or serve it, it’s a ‘set-it-and-forget-it’, which is ideal for everyone – host and guests.
As you go through the list, you’ll see that these easy appetizers are somewhat categorized.
For instance, there’s a dip category, where’ll you’ll find different varieties of cheesy dips and the like. You’ll see a meatball category, where there are several different kinds of meatballs you can make.
Each crockpot recipe, whether it’s its own category or one in a series is a delicious option.
Some might even fall in the ‘dinner’ category and can easily be served as a main course rather than in the appetizer category, but they are still suitable to serve as a small portion type snack at a potluck dinner or party.
I’ve also included some sweet options that are borderline desserts as well as some slow cooker drinks, which is also a wonderful addition.
Generally, they are super-easy recipes but are special and will impress, for sure!
Whether you’re hosting a party for the big game or having all your friends over for a Super Bowl Party, or something a little fancier like a dinner party or Christmas party, these appetizers will be a huge hit and devoured.
Best Crockpots for Party Foods
If you’re either hosting a party and serving Crockpot foods or attending a party and bringing a Crockpot dish, there are certain crockpots are better than others.
Since there will be other dishes served, it’s fine to make a smaller amount, which makes sense to make in a smaller Crockpot. This size is easier to transport as well.
For a party, a 1.5 quart slow cooker or just a little bigger with a 2 quart slow cooker will do the trick!
If you’re hosing the party or have more than one Crockpot, consider using a dual pot buffet slower cooker that has 2 pots, or even a triple pot buffet server with 3 slow cooker pots.
And don’t forget the slow cooker liners for an easy clean up!
40+ Easy Slow Cooker Recipes for a Party
Slow Cooker Party Foods
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
There's no limit to this cheesy dip favorite... cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ricotta cheese... serve with tortilla chips and you're golden.
Slow Cooker Pizza Dip
Pizza is always a hit - and who wouldn't love a pizza flavored dip? Just like the real thing but dip in some garlic bread.... Mama Mia!
Slow Cooker Taco Dip
This Mexican dip is all the things you love about tacos in a dip - ground beef, refried beans, Enchilada sauce, Spanish rice... this could be the perfect meal on all on its own!
Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Here's another favorite party dip! Spin dip is a classic choice that is always sure to place, Starting with garlic, onion, sour cream, parmesan cheese, adding some heat... this favorite is even better when warm. Include some pita chips... oh yum!
Easy Crockpot Corn Dip Recipe
Cream cheese, sour cream, pepper jack, Monterey, garlic powder and the star - corn - and you've got a creamy and wonderful treat to share.
Crock Pot Crack Dip
Just 5 ingredients (one of which is bacon), and you absolutely cannot go wrong sharing this dreamy, creamy dip!
Slow Cooker Smoked Sausage & Cheddar Cheese Dip Appetizer Recipe
If you want to try a dip that a little heartier and more filling, try this cheesy dip made with smoked sausage.
Crock Pot BBQ Cocktail Sausage | Valerie's Kitchen
If you didn't want to serve a dip with sausage but like the idea of sausage, you've got options! This is a tangy and delicious way to prepare and serve smoked sausages. And special ingredient that takes it over the top: apricot jam.
Slow Cooker Glazed Bacon Wrapped Sausage Bites
Here's another delicious way to serve sausage: with bacon and a brown sugar and mustard sauce. A delectable combination sure to please.
Crockpot Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Hash Browns, No Soup)
This is an outstanding, filling recipe that takes about 10 minutes to prep! Made frozen hashbrowns and topped with crunchy corn flakes, these will be a fan favorite, for sure!
BBQ Little Smokies
These are savory little cocktail wieners made in a sauce including with a little smoke flavor (or substitute soy sauce for a more Asian-inspired taste!)
Easy Sweet n' Sour Crock Pot Meatballs Recipe
You can opt to make your own cocktail meatballs or take a shortcut and use frozen meatballs (totally acceptable!), but it's the sauce (made from peach or apricot preserves, ketchup, and soy sauce) that really takes it over the top.
Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Cranberries are just for Thanksgiving or Christmas! Use them to make a sauce combined with brown sugar and barbeque sauce for a tangy and delicious finger food.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs
I don't think you can ever go wrong with a flavor combination that includes garlic. This sauce made with honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar + all the garlic - checks off all the boxes.
Slow Cooker Peach Glazed Meatballs
These frozen meatballs are served with a sauce made from peach preserves, chili sauce, onion soup mix, and Worcestershire sauce. Sooo yummy!
BBQ Turkey Meatballs
If you really wanted to make your own meatballs for appetizer, this one is delicious, in addition to the amazing sauce made with BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Sriracha sauce! You can also easily substitute the ground turkey for ground beef (or even ground chicken for chicken meatballs!).
Cheesy, Garlicky Meatballs w/ Marinara
She seriously had me with 'cheesy, garlicky'. Your traditional Italian meatball served with marinara sauce is a filling appetizer that is delicious. Including garlic bread as a bonus is a great way to level up! (There are also gluten-free & keto meatball recipe options).
Honey Glazed Crockpot Chex Mix
Yes, you can absolutely serve this slow cooker party mix! Simple ingredients like Chex Mix, pretzels, and nuts, tossed with a sweet glaze of honey, cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar? Oh my! This makes a huge batch so you can chomp it the next day, too!
Crock-Pot Sticky Chicken Thighs
There are lots of options to this appetizer, including using drumsticks or chicken wings if thighs aren't your thing - or even boneless thighs if bone-in isn't your thing. It's the Asian-inspired sauce made with soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, Sriracha and honey that takes this over the top.
Crock Pot Chicken Wings
What is a game day party without buffalo wings? This is one of the most delicious and easy ways to serve them, with this homemade buffalo wing sauce!
Crock Pot Cranberry BBQ Drumsticks
You can't go wrong serving drumsticks in this delicious sauce with a cranberry and orange marmalade base, combined with BBQ sauce! This is not your plain chicken recipe for sure!
Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil
I love this southern food idea for an appetizer for a party! Hearty ingredients that complement the shrimp such as baby potatoes, smoked Kielbasa, and chunks for sweet corn... this is a generous spread for guests!
Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli
If you love Chinese food, this is a great option to serve as a crock pot recipe! Made with sirloin steak, this is wonderfully delicious - and it even works with tough cuts as meat as well.
Easy Crock-Pot BBQ Ribs Made in the Slow Cooker
Ribs are an amazing crockpot party food to serve, with just a 10-minute prep! Ribs are not just for game day! Serve them at a birthday party, dinner party, or yes, even a girls' night.
Slow Cooker French Dip Sliders
Make these delicious mini French dip sandwiches with a beef roast and homemade au jus sauce! Serve with sweet Hawaiian rolls and you've got a sure crowdpleaser!
Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes is another delicious slow cooker recipe that is amazing on mini slider rolls. It's a perfect meal if you are bringing along kids to the festivities as well.
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
This is a complete dump and serve recipe that is so easy and straight up classic comfort food!
EASY Slow Cooker Taco Lasagna
This is a wonderfully filling recipe you can serve as an appetizer! Just a little goes a long way, and it's a festive spin on traditional lasagna that's amazing any time of year.
Crockpot Chili
Chili is a wonderful dish to serve as an appetizer and it's one of the best slow-cooker recipes. This is an amazing recipe, or use your favorite!
Easy 4-Ingredient Potato Soup Slow Cooker Recipe
Potato soup is another hearty and delicious food choice to serve at a party. Filling and cozy, it's a great appetizer and easy to make with just handful of simple ingredients. Top with green onions, bacon, and cheddar!
Crockpot Mac and Cheese
One of the all-time favorites as far as classic comfort foods! You cannot go wrong with mac and cheese, and it's a guaranteed winner with any hungry crowd.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Tortellini
Yes, you absolutely can serve a pasta dish in crockpot! Tortellini is a hearty pasta choice, and when it's paired with chicken and a thick cream sauce, it's an ideal crockpot party food.
4 Ingredient Crockpot Ravioli
Here's another pasta dish that is amazing in the crockpot! Pasta will cheese filling makes the dish a little more filling, and with just 4 ingredients? Literally the easiest thing.
Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
This is another great comfort food option, made with simple ingredients you probably have on hand. This is a great choice is you have kids or little ones who will be attending the party!
Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos
This is a delicious queso chicken recipe that you can serve with flour or corn tortillas, tortilla chips, taco shells, or really, with any starch.
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe in the Slow Cooker
Yes, you absolutely can serve fried apples as an appetizer! Sometimes, guests are looking for a sweet rather than a savory appetizer, and this is always a fan favorite!
Easy Crock Pot Bread Pudding
This is a delicious and substantial recipe that can definitely be served at a party It includes bread, so it can be considered a food rather than just a dessert!
Slow Cooker Rice Pudding
Another 'dessert' type option but made with a dinner food staple, so rice pudding definitely qualifies as something approved for the party buffet line. You never know what guests will gravitate toward and including sweeter options in your party food rotation ensures there's something for everyone!
Homemade Apple Cider (Stovetop or Crockpot)
If you want to add in something a little lighter to your party food spread, a homemade cider is always a great option! Usually there is so much food, so a yummy drink option is always welcome!
Slow Cooker Spiced Pear Juice
Another warm drink option that is sooo easy to make! Just drop in the juice and spices and let simmer. Super easy but an impressive choice!
Slow Cooker Orange Pomegranate Cider
There's something so fancy about a warm, citrusy drink served at a party! Created with orange and pomegranate flavors, this is not your average party cider!
Slow Cooker Party Recipes for the Win
Any one of these choices would make a great appetizer. These easy recipes are sure to please! Crock pot appetizers are some of my favorites because they are so easy and they can be stretched so far, making it easy on the wallet!
More Entertaining Ideas
If you’d like to see more party inspiration, check out these other posts!
25 Best Individual Appetizers for Social Distancing: Party Approved!
30 Single-Serving Desserts for Parties (Easy, Safe & Classy!)
35 Easy Summer Desserts for a Crowd (Perfect for Cookouts!)
35 Delicious Summer Cookout Side Dishes {100% Crowdpleasers}
Best Backyard Dinner Party Ideas {Budget-Friendly, Outdoor Charm}
Delicious Whole30 | Paleo 4 Course Dinner Party Menu
If you make any of these dishes or use any of these ideas, I’d love to see them! Tag me on Instagram @100affections or leave a comment on Pinterest!
Other thoughts? I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below!
(If you enjoyed this article, I’d so appreciate it if you’d pin and share! ๐๐๐)
Leave a Reply