Hosting a party or gathering? The key to impressing your guests is not just about fun activities or decorations, but also the food you serve. When it comes to party food, simplicity and flavor are essential. That’s where crockpot recipes come in. Whether you are planning a casual get-together or a larger event, crockpot party food recipes offer a great way to serve delicious and filling dishes with minimal effort.
Using a crockpot allows you to prepare meals ahead of time, so you can enjoy the party without being stuck in the kitchen. From savory dips to hearty stews and tender meats, there are countless options to please your guests.
In this blog, I’ll share some of my favorite crockpot party food recipes that are easy to make and guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers.
Why Choose Crockpot Party Food Recipes?
- Minimal Prep Time: Many crockpot dishes require just a few minutes of prep, leaving you with more time to focus on your guests and other tasks.
- Set and Forget: Once you load the ingredients into the crockpot, you don’t need to keep an eye on it, making these dishes perfect for busy hosts.
- Large Portions: Crockpots allow you to make large batches, which is perfect for serving a group of people.
- Versatile: You can find crockpot recipes for any dietary preference, including meat-based, vegetarian, and even gluten-free options.
- Delicious Flavors: Slow cooking helps develop deep, rich flavors in your food, making every dish a hit with your guests.
Let’s try these amazing crockpot recipes that are not just delicious but also super simple to prepare.
1. Crockpot BBQ Meatballs
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 2-3 hours | Serves: 6-8
BBQ meatballs are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. These sweet and tangy meatballs are perfect for serving as an appetizer or even as part of the main course. They’re flavorful, tender, and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs frozen meatballs
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
- ½ cup grape jelly
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Place the frozen meatballs into your crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm with toothpicks for easy snacking.
2. Crockpot Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours | Serves: 8
This creamy and cheesy dip is a vegetarian favorite that never goes out of style. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect with bread or crackers.
Ingredients:
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- In the crockpot, combine the spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
- Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Serve warm with slices of baguette, crackers, or veggie sticks.
3. Crockpot Pulled Pork Sliders
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6-8 hours | Serves: 10
These sliders are juicy, tender, and full of flavor. They’re perfect for feeding a crowd and easy to assemble.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- Slider buns for serving
Instructions:
- Place the pork shoulder in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Pour over the pork.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
- Remove the pork from the crockpot and shred using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the sauce and mix well.
- Serve on slider buns with extra BBQ sauce, if desired.
4. Crockpot Cocktail Sausages
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours | Serves: 8
These little sausages are sweet, tangy, and a hit at any party. They’re perfect for snacking and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients:
2 lbs cocktail sausages (such as Little Smokies)
1 cup BBQ sauce
½ cup grape jelly
Instructions:
- Place the cocktail sausages in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce and grape jelly until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the sausages and stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm with toothpicks for easy serving.
5. Crockpot Queso Dip
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours | Serves: 8
This creamy, cheesy dip is a Tex-Mex classic. It’s loaded with flavor and pairs perfectly with tortilla chips.
Ingredients:
- 16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
Instructions:
- Add the Velveeta cheese, diced tomatoes, milk, and chili powder (if using) to your crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally until the cheese is melted and smooth.
- Keep the dip warm in the crockpot and serve with tortilla chips.
6. Crockpot Chili
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6-8 hours | Serves: 6
Chili is a hearty dish that’s perfect for cold days or feeding a hungry crowd. This crockpot version is rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions:
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the cooked beef, beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt to your crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Stir before serving and enjoy with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
7. Crockpot Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6-8 hours | Serves: 6
This vegetarian chili is packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s hearty enough to satisfy even meat lovers and makes for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add the sweet potatoes, black beans, tomatoes, onion, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to your crockpot.
- Stir everything together to combine well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Serve warm with toppings like avocado slices, sour cream, or tortilla chips.
8. Crockpot Jalapeño Poppers
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours | Serves: 8
Jalapeño poppers are a fun, spicy finger food that’s always a hit at parties. Making them in the crockpot keeps them warm and ready to serve.
Ingredients:
- 10 large jalapeños, halved and seeds removed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 10 slices bacon, cut in half
Instructions:
- Mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and garlic powder in a bowl until smooth.
- Stuff each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
- Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place the jalapeños in a single layer in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, or until the bacon is cooked and crispy.
9. Crockpot Cheese Fondue
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 1-2 hours | Serves: 8
Cheese fondue is a classy and fun dish that’s perfect for dipping bread, veggies, or fruit. This crockpot version makes it incredibly easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Toss the shredded cheeses with the cornstarch in a bowl.
- Add the white wine, garlic, and lemon juice to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the cheese mixture, stirring as you go.
- Cover and cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally until the cheese is melted and smooth.
- Serve warm with bread cubes, pretzels, or fresh veggies for dipping.
10. Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Bites
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 4-6 hours | Serves: 6
These sticky, sweet, and savory chicken bites are a hit with both kids and adults. They make a great appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
Instructions:
- Place the chicken pieces in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce to thicken.
- Serve warm with rice or toothpicks for easy snacking.
11. Crockpot Stuffed Mushrooms
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 2-3 hours | Serves: 8
Stuffed mushrooms are a savory and bite-sized delight that’s always a favorite at parties. Making them in the crockpot keeps them warm and tender.
Ingredients:
- 16 large button mushrooms, stems removed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems. Set aside.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each mushroom cap with the cheese mixture.
- Place the mushrooms in a single layer in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the mushrooms are tender.
- Serve warm as a delicious appetizer.
12. Crockpot Veggie Frittata
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3-4 hours | Serves: 6
This veggie-packed frittata is perfect for brunch or a light dinner. It’s fluffy, flavorful, and super easy to prepare in a crockpot.
Ingredients:
- 8 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 small onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Add spinach, bell peppers, onion, and shredded cheese to the egg mixture. Mix well.
- Spray the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the mixture into the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the eggs are set.
- Slice and serve warm.
13. Crockpot Nacho Cheese Dip
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours | Serves: 8
This Tex-Mex classic is a cheesy dream come true. Perfect for game day or casual parties, it pairs beautifully with tortilla chips.
Ingredients:
- 16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp taco seasoning
Instructions:
- Place Velveeta cheese, diced tomatoes, milk, and taco seasoning in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
- Keep warm in the crockpot and serve with tortilla chips or veggie sticks.
14. Crockpot Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 2-3 hours | Serves: 8
These sweet and salty bites are an elegant yet easy appetizer that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 20 large dates, pitted
- 10 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 20 toothpicks
Instructions:
- Wrap each date with half a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
- Place the bacon-wrapped dates in a single layer in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the bacon is crisp and the dates are soft.
- Serve warm as a tasty finger food.
Conclusion
Crockpot party food recipes are perfect for making your next event stress-free and memorable. The ease of preparation and the ability to serve a crowd with minimal effort make these dishes ideal for any gathering.
Whether you’re craving savory BBQ meatballs, creamy dips, or tender pulled pork sliders, these recipes cover all the bases and cater to different tastes.
With the help of your trusty crockpot, you can focus on enjoying the party, not spending all your time in the kitchen.