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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
Ready for some drool-worthy appetizers and party snack ideas? Let’s jump in…
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:
- Mix ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Stuff each mushroom cap with the mixture.
- Arrange mushrooms in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
Crockpot Cream Cheese & Chili Dip Recipe
The Crockpot Cream Cheese Chili Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for any gathering or game day.
This warm and creamy dip is effortlessly made in a slow cooker with just a few simple ingredients like chili and cream cheese, resulting in a hearty appetizer that’s sure to be a hit. Ideal for parties and potlucks, this dip stays warm and inviting, making it a go-to recipe when you need a no-fuss, irresistible dish.
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:
- Prepare the Ingredients
Make sure the spinach is fully thawed and very well drained — squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Gently drain the crab meat and check for any shell pieces. - Layer the Dip
Add the softened cream cheese to the bottom of the crockpot. Spoon the sour cream over the top, then sprinkle in the Old Bay seasoning. - Add the Mix-Ins
Gently fold in the drained spinach and crab meat. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. - Slow Cook Until Creamy
Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, stirring every 30–45 minutes, until the dip is fully heated through and smooth. - Final Stir & Serve
Once everything is melted and creamy, give the dip a final stir to fully combine. Switch the crockpot to WARM and serve with crackers or toasted baguette slices.
Quick Tips:
- Texture tip: If the dip seems too thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of milk or cream at the end.
- Flavor boost (optional): A squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of black pepper pairs beautifully with the crab.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble everything in the crockpot insert, refrigerate, then cook when ready.
Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers Recipe
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:
- Mix quinoa, black beans, cheddar cheese, and chili powder in a bowl.
- Stuff each bell pepper half with the mixture.
- Arrange in the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- 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.
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
- Prepare the Crockpot
Place the softened cream cheese in the bottom of the crockpot, cutting it into a few chunks to help it melt evenly. - Add the Base Ingredients
Add the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing over the cream cheese. Sprinkle in the shredded chicken and shredded cheddar cheese. - Slow Cook Until Creamy
Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, stirring every 30–45 minutes, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the dip is smooth and creamy. - Final Stir & Serve
Give the dip a final stir, switch the crockpot to WARM, and serve with celery sticks, crackers, or tortilla chips.
Quick Tips:
- Too thick? Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of milk at the end.
- Extra heat: Add more buffalo sauce to taste.
- Make-ahead: Assemble everything in the crockpot insert, refrigerate, then cook when ready. Honestly, I think it tastes even better this way because all the ingredients have even more time to meld together!
Dr Pepper Lil Smokies
The Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Lil Smokies from our friends at SimplyEileen are a simple, set-it-and-forget-it appetizer perfect for parties, offering a delightful caramelized flavor.
This recipe combines Lil Smokies with Dr Pepper soda, BBQ sauce, honey, brown sugar, mustard, and chili powder, creating a rich, flavorful dish with a hint of spice.
It’s cooked in a slow cooker, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. This is perfect for large gatherings and/or you can freeze for future parties. See the full recipe >>
Crockpot Stuffed Mushrooms Appetizer Recipe
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:
- Mix cream cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and garlic powder.
- Stuff each mushroom cap with the mixture and place in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- Serve and be sure grab one for yourself before they are gobbled up!
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:
- Place Brie in the crockpot.
- Top with cranberries, walnuts, and honey.
- Cook on low for 1-2 hours, until the Brie is soft and gooey.
- Serve with crackers or sliced baguette.
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:
- Add meatballs, BBQ sauce, and grape jelly to the crockpot.
- Stir to coat the meatballs evenly.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
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:
- Add beef, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until beef is tender.
- Shred the beef with two forks and stir to coat in the sauce.
- 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.
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:
- Whisk together coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, curry paste, and lime juice.
- Add chicken tenders and sauce to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Remove chicken, skewer onto sticks, and sprinkle with chopped peanuts and cilantro.
- Serve with remaining sauce for dipping.
Football Dip
The Football Dip from The Magical Slow Cooker is a straightforward and budget-friendly appetizer, perfect for game day gatherings. Made in a slow cooker, this dip combines Velveeta cheese, chili with beans, refried beans, salsa, taco seasoning, and sour cream to create a creamy, cheesy delight that’s ideal for serving with tortilla chips.
It’s quick to prepare, requiring just a few pantry staples and two hours of cooking time. Variations include adding cooked ground beef for a meatier option or using hot salsa for extra spice.
This dip serves 12–16 people, making it great for entertaining a crowd. See the full recipe >
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:
- Add sausages, honey, soy sauce, and garlic to the crockpot.
- Stir to coat sausages evenly.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
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:
- Add all ingredients to the crockpot and stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- 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.
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:
- Place chicken wings in the crockpot.
- Mix melted butter, garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, and pour over wings.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- 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.
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:
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and stir to mix.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm with crackers or baguette slices.
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:
- Combine Chex, pretzels, and peanuts in the crockpot.
- Drizzle with melted butter and seasonings, stirring to coat evenly.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
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:
- Combine cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and jalapeños in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Optional: Transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and broil for a crispy topping.
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:
- Add meatballs, grape jelly, Sriracha, and ketchup to the crockpot.
- Stir to coat meatballs evenly.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- 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.
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:
- Combine little smokies, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar in the crockpot.
- Stir to coat sausages evenly.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- 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.
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:
- Add ground beef, taco seasoning, cream cheese, and salsa to the crockpot.
- Stir to combine and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
- 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.
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:
- Add meatballs, teriyaki sauce, and pineapple juice to the crockpot.
- Stir to coat the meatballs evenly.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- 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.
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:
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and stir well.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- 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.
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:
- Add chili, Velveeta, and salsa to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with tortilla chips or fresh veggies.
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:
- Add meatballs, ketchup, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce to the crockpot.
- Stir to coat the meatballs evenly.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Bacon Cheddar Slow Cooker Dip
The yummy crockpot appetizer dip from our friends at Savvy Mama Lifestyle is a perfect, easy-to-make appetizer ideal for game days or cocktail hours.
This dip combines cream cheese, cheddar cheese, half-and-half cream, Worcestershire sauce, minced onion, mustard, and bacon, all cooked together in a slow cooker for 2-3 hours. The result is a creamy and cheesy dip with a crunchy texture from the bacon. It can be served with a variety of dippers like tortilla chips, French bread slices, green apple, or pretzel rods.
The recipe yields about four cups, providing a delicious option for crowds. See the full recipe.
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Cream Cheese
Get ready to score a touchdown with these Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Cream Cheese!
Perfect for game day, these zesty sliders deliver a slam dunk of flavor that’ll have your guests cheering for more. Imagine juicy chicken slow-cooked with tangy buffalo sauce, a hint of ranch seasoning, and a melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese finish.
Simply toss your ingredients in the crock pot, kick back while it cooks, then shred and serve on slider buns with a drizzle of ranch dressing for that extra flair. They’re spicy, creamy, and irresistibly easy—ideal for parties where fun and flavor are on the menu! See the full (yummy) recipe.
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:
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and stir to mix.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm with your favorite dippers.
Please note: This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
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