23 Easy Crockpot Appetizer Recipes That Will Steal the Show

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Crockpot appetizers are the ultimate party hack—they save time, keep things simple, and allow you to serve delicious, warm bites without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re hosting a game day, holiday gathering, or casual get-together, these 23 crockpot appetizers will make your life so much easier. Let’s dive into the recipes!

Easy Crockpot Appetizer Ideas

Slow Cooker Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Mushrooms

These tender mushrooms are filled with a creamy spinach and ricotta mixture, making them both elegant and comforting. Garnish with Parmesan and serve warm from the crockpot.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound button mushrooms, stems removed
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Mix ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, and garlic powder in a bowl.
2. Stuff each mushroom cap with the mixture.
3. Arrange mushrooms in the crockpot.
4. Cook on low for 3-4 hours.

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Spicy, creamy, and loaded with cheese, this crowd-favorite dip will disappear in no time. Serve alongside a platter of celery sticks and tortilla chips.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup buffalo sauce
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the crockpot and stir to combine.
2. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve warm with celery sticks, crackers, or tortilla chips.

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Crockpot Brie with Cranberries & Walnuts

A gooey, melty wheel of Brie topped with sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts makes an elegant and indulgent appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 1 wheel of Brie cheese
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions:

1. Place Brie in the crockpot.
2. Top with cranberries, walnuts, and honey.
3. Cook on low for 1-2 hours, until the Brie is soft and gooey.
4. Serve with crackers or sliced baguette.

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Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs

Tender, saucy meatballs coated in sweet and tangy BBQ sauce—perfect for toothpick appetizers.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds frozen meatballs
• 2 cups BBQ sauce
• ½ cup grape jelly

Instructions:

1. Add meatballs, BBQ sauce, and grape jelly to the crockpot.
2. Stir to coat the meatballs evenly.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

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Crockpot Korean BBQ Beef Sliders

These tender, flavorful sliders bring a taste of Korea to your party spread.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• Slider buns
• Coleslaw for topping

Instructions:

1. Add beef, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until beef is tender.
3. Shred the beef with two forks and stir to coat in the sauce.
4. Serve on slider buns, topped with coleslaw.

Picture this: Juicy Korean BBQ beef piled high on mini slider buns, topped with colorful coleslaw, and arranged on a rustic wooden platter.

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Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers

These rich, nutty chicken skewers are packed with bold Thai flavors and served with a creamy peanut sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken tenders
• 1 cup coconut milk
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon red curry paste
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Chopped peanuts and cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Whisk together coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, curry paste, and lime juice.
2. Add chicken tenders and sauce to the crockpot.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
4. Remove chicken, skewer onto sticks, and sprinkle with chopped peanuts and cilantro.
5. Serve with remaining sauce for dipping.

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Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Mini bell peppers stuffed with a savory mix of quinoa, black beans, and cheese make for a colorful and healthy appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 12 mini bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• ½ cup black beans
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions:

1. Mix quinoa, black beans, cheddar cheese, and chili powder in a bowl.
2. Stuff each bell pepper half with the mixture.
3. Arrange in the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
4. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Picture this: Bright mini bell peppers filled with colorful quinoa and black bean stuffing, arranged snugly in a crockpot, and garnished with fresh cilantro.

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Honey Garlic Lil’ Smokies

These bite-sized sausages are sweet, savory, and utterly addictive.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds little smokies sausages
• ½ cup honey
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Add sausages, honey, soy sauce, and garlic to the crockpot.
2. Stir to coat sausages evenly.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

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Crockpot Queso Dip

This creamy, cheesy dip is a game-day favorite that stays warm and gooey for hours.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the crockpot and stir to combine.
2. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve with tortilla chips or fresh veggies.

Imagine this: A crockpot of creamy queso dip, garnished with diced tomatoes and cilantro, surrounded by a colorful array of tortilla chips.

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Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

These tender chicken wings are coated in a buttery garlic Parmesan sauce that will have guests coming back for more.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken wings
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Place chicken wings in the crockpot.
2. Mix melted butter, garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, and pour over wings.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Broil wings in the oven for 5 minutes for crispy edges, if desired.

Picture this: A crockpot filled with golden garlic Parmesan chicken wings, garnished with fresh parsley and served with a side of ranch dressing.

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Slow Cooker Crab Dip

This indulgent seafood dip is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender crab meat.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup lump crab meat
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and stir to mix.
2. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve warm with crackers or baguette slices.

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Crockpot Chex Mix

A savory, crunchy snack mix that’s perfect for munching throughout the party.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Rice Chex
• 3 cups Corn Chex
• 2 cups pretzels
• 1 cup peanuts
• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Combine Chex, pretzels, and peanuts in the crockpot.
2. Drizzle with melted butter and seasonings, stirring to coat evenly.
3. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.

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Slow Cooker Stuffed Mushrooms

These tender mushrooms are filled with a savory, cheesy stuffing and cooked to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound button mushrooms, stems removed
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Mix cream cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and garlic powder.
2. Stuff each mushroom cap with the mixture and place in the crockpot.
3. Cook on low for 3-4 hours.

Imagine this: A crockpot filled with tender stuffed mushrooms, their golden tops glistening and garnished with chopped parsley.

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Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Dip

This creamy, spicy dip has all the flavors of jalapeño poppers with none of the hassle.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup diced jalapeños
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Instructions:

1. Combine cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and jalapeños in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Optional: Transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and broil for a crispy topping.

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Crockpot Grape Jelly Sriracha Meatballs

Sweet and spicy, these meatballs combine the classic grape jelly twist with a fiery kick of Sriracha.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds frozen meatballs
• 1 cup grape jelly
• ½ cup Sriracha sauce
• ½ cup ketchup

Instructions:

1. Add meatballs, grape jelly, Sriracha, and ketchup to the crockpot.
2. Stir to coat meatballs evenly.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

Picture this: Glazed meatballs glistening with a sweet and spicy sauce, garnished with sesame seeds, and arranged with toothpicks in a stylish crockpot insert.

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Slow Cooker Hot Crab and Spinach Dip

This indulgent dip combines creamy spinach and savory crab for an elegant seafood appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 1 can lump crab meat, drained
• 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and stir to mix.
2. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve warm with crackers or toasted baguette slices.

Imagine this: A bubbling crockpot of hot crab and spinach dip, garnished with Old Bay seasoning and served alongside crispy crackers and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

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Crockpot Maple Dijon Little Smokies

These sweet and tangy cocktail sausages are a delicious upgrade to the classic little smokies.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds little smokies sausages
• ½ cup Dijon mustard
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Combine little smokies, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar in the crockpot.
2. Stir to coat sausages evenly.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Serve warm with cocktail sticks.

Picture this: Glazed little smokies sausages nestled in a crockpot, their rich maple Dijon sauce pooling at the bottom, with toothpicks ready for serving.

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Crockpot Taco Dip

This layered dip is full of taco flavors and stays perfectly warm for hours.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Add ground beef, taco seasoning, cream cheese, and salsa to the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
3. Top with shredded cheese and serve with tortilla chips.

Picture this: A bubbling crockpot of taco dip topped with melted cheddar cheese, garnished with chopped green onions, and surrounded by tortilla chips.

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Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs

Sweet, sticky, and savory, these teriyaki meatballs are a party favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds frozen meatballs
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce
• ½ cup pineapple juice
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Add meatballs, teriyaki sauce, and pineapple juice to the crockpot.
2. Stir to coat the meatballs evenly.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Imagine this: A crockpot of glossy teriyaki meatballs, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

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Crockpot Spinach Ricotta Dip

A creamy, cheesy dip with a lighter twist, thanks to ricotta and plenty of spinach.

Ingredients:

• 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and stir well.
2. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve with crackers or sliced baguette.

Picture this: A bubbling crockpot of spinach ricotta dip, garnished with grated Parmesan and surrounded by an assortment of crackers and bread.

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Slow Cooker Chili Cheese Dip

This spicy, cheesy dip is packed with bold flavors and perfect for game day.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chili (with or without beans)
• 1 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed
• ½ cup salsa

Instructions:

1. Add chili, Velveeta, and salsa to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve with tortilla chips or fresh veggies.

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Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs

These tangy, sticky meatballs are a hit at any gathering and couldn’t be easier to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds frozen meatballs
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Add meatballs, ketchup, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce to the crockpot.
2. Stir to coat the meatballs evenly.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Imagine this: A crockpot filled with sweet and sour meatballs, glistening in their sticky sauce and garnished with pineapple chunks.

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Crockpot Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Rich, cheesy, and irresistibly creamy, this dip is perfect with baguette slices, mini naan bread, crackers, and/or veggies. This classic always seems to be the one guests gobble up first.

Ingredients:

• 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and stir to mix.
2. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve warm with your favorite dippers.

Imagine this: A bubbling crockpot of spinach and artichoke dip, garnished with grated Parmesan and surrounded by baguette slices and fresh veggies.

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