Crockpot appetizers make our lives easier! They save time and stress especially when preparing for a party or potluck! Here I have put together a list of the best slow cooker appetizers you can throw in your slow cooker that you'll want to try for your next party! All are quick to make and don't require a ton of ingredients!
Meatballs are a crock pot's BEST FRIEND so make sure to check out this list of frozen meatball party appetizers that would be great served in a crock pot.
Crockpot Appetizers
BBQ Meatballs are such a popular appetizer for parties especially if they were made in a slow cooker! Lately, its not uncommon to find multiple types of BBQ meatballs. Find some unique flavor combinations below!
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Nachos
These Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Nachos are a surprisingly easy recipe that is perfect for a large gathering! Juicy pork is smothered with a simple creamy cheese sauce, that will leave friends and family licking their fingers after each bite!
Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage Bites
These Glazed Apple Chicken Sausage Bites are one of my favorite appetizers to whip up because of how quick they are to make! Sweet chicken sausage smothered in a sauteed onion glaze, they are always a guest favorite. Make a big batch ahead of time and keep it nice and warm in the slow cooker.
Sweet and Sour Crock Pot Meatballs
Add your favorite cocktail sized meatballs to a Crock Pot, cover with an incredible homemade sweet and sour sauce that made with beef stock or consomme for more flavor. Then just let them simmer away. Serve with toothpick skewers for a simple appetizer guests will be raving over!
BBQ Meatballs
Tender, homemade meatballs are baked to juicy perfection then coated in your favorite BBQ sauce. Keep them warm in your Crockpot and serve with a roll or with skewers for a delicious appetizer.
Slow-Cooker Honey-Garlic BBQ Meatballs
Just place pre-made meatballs into your Crock Pot, mix honey and garlic to your favorite plain BBQ sauce and pour over. Allow the meatballs to cook in the sauce to cook for a few hours to impart the delicious honey-garlic flavor and you'll have a dish guests are raving about.
Sweet Brown Sugar BBQ Meatballs
These sweet brown sugar BBQ meatballs are SO delicious and so easy. Juicy, homemade meatballs are simmered in sweet BBQ sauce spiced with chili flakes. The combo of sweet and spicy is too good to pass up, so grab a fork!
Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
Have you ever thought to add cranberry for BBQ sauce? If you haven't before, you definitely have to try it now! With just a few store-bought ingredients, you can turn regular meatballs into these delicious cranberry BBQ meatballs made right in the Crock Pot.
Use this Electric Crock Pot to serve things outdoors or take on the go!
Slow Cooker Hoisin Turkey Meatballs
Pre-made turkey meatballs simmer in the Crock Pot in the most incredible sweet and savory hoisin sauce. They're delicious, simple, and always a crowd pleasing appetizer.
Honey Garlic Crock Pot Meatballs
A foolproof homemade honey garlic sauce is whisked together, poured over store-bought meatballs, and left to simmer away in a slow cooker. It's a super simple recipe that packs so much flavor. Best of all, you can serve them as an appetizer or main dish!
Crock Pot Grape Jelly and BBQ meatballs (3 ingredients)
In just 5 minutes you can prepare one of my all time favorite appetizers! Grape jelly meatballs are a classic at any big get together and best of all, the recipe only calls for 3 ingredients.
Crock Pot Meatballs
Simple and straight forward, these Crock Pot meatballs are such an easy recipe to whip up for a party. The homemade sauce is a little sweet, a little savory, and a whole lot delicious. Everyone will be asking you for the recipe if you serve these!
Crock Pot Sweet Chili BBQ Kielbasa
Another easy, 3 ingredient recipe- these sweet chili Crock Pot kielbasa are amazing! Slice up the kielbasa, pour over store-bought sweet chili and BBQ sauce, then let the magic happen.
Use this Mini Crock Pot to serve foods like dips!
Chipotle Meatballs
These chipotle meatballs definitely pack a punch of flavor! Once they're cooked, make the sauce and keep the meatballs warm in the Crock Pot for a simple, spicy appetizer.
Crock Pot Meatballs (with red sauce)
I couldn't make this list of easy Crock Pot appetizers and not include a classic Italian meatball recipe! The meatballs simmer in the red sauce for a few hours in order to impart a rich, meaty flavor. Serve as an appetizer, meatball sub, or even over pasta.
Swedish Meatballs
Crock Pot Swedish meatballs could not be more delicious! Juicy, homemade meatballs are bathed in a thick, rich sauce. Simmer them in the Crock Pot for a few hours and add sour cream right before serving for the best results.
Chicken Brown Sugar Buffalo Meatballs
These easy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are my favorite game day appetizer! Made with Franks Red Hot sauce and brown sugar, they are spicy, sweet and covered in sauce! Plus, they can be kept warm in your slow cooker for hours!
Crock Pot Spicy Barbecue Kielbasa
Such a simple recipe, this spicy BBQ kielbasa is a great dish to serve a crowd! Flavorful kielbasa is enhanced with a delicious, homemade spicy barbecue sauce. Add all ingredients into your Crock Pot and let cook- it's as simple as that!
Did you know? To work best, slow cookers should be about ½ – ¾ full. If there is not enough food in your crock pot, the food may burn and if it's too full, the food may not heat evenly.
Slow Cooker Kielbasa Sausage in Beer Mustard Sauce
Quite a delicious appetizer- you'll leave people begging for more if you serve these kielbasa slices in a thick sauce flavored with beer and mustard. This recipe is great as a party appetizer, game day gathering, or you can even use it as a sandwich filling.
Slow Cooker Cocktail Sausages
You may want to double or triple the recipe cause these little cocktail sausages will be gone QUICK. They're sweet, salty, and perfectly poppable!
Slow Cooker Black Bean Corn Dip
This hot, cheesy dip is BURSTING with flavor. Full of beans, corn, salsa, and chipotles, serve with crunchy tortilla chips for a mouthful of yumminess! Using the crock pot will keep this dip hot the entire party!
Crock Pot Buttered Mushrooms
Pair with a wooden skewer and you'll have guests eating these Crock Pot buttered mushrooms like candy! Ok, maybe not like candy but they seriously are so good!
Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken Wings
This is probably the easiest chicken wing recipe you'll ever make! Just toss all of the ingredients into the Crock Pot and let them cook. They're sweet, sticky, and fall off the bone tender.
Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Sliders
Sliders are always a hit at every party, and these slow cooker BBQ pork slider are no different! Shred cooked pork with your favorite BBQ sauce and serve on soft, yummy rolls. The best part is cause they're so slider size you won't feel guilty eating 2 (or 5...)
Crock Pot Tip! Spray the inside of your pot or use these crock pot liners to prevent food from sticking!
Slow Cooker Pizza Dip With Toasted Garlic Bread Dippers
This recipe basically tastes like pizza in dip form and I couldn't be happier. A warm, cheesy dip loaded with hot Italian sausage and served with toasted garlic bread? Sign me up!
Crock Pot Appetizer Tips
Serving appetizers in the crock pot is an easy way to host a stress free party. To make things even EASIER, here are my top Crock Pot tips to keep in mind when making crock pot appetizers!
- Place crock pots in a place where there is plenty of room to plug it in and place proper bowls/plates for your guests to serve themselves.
- Use MINI crock pots to serve foods such as dips and sauces!
- Consider using ELECTRIC crock pots if you do not have an outlet nearby! This is also great to take on the go!
- Use crock pot liners to make clean up a breeze!!
24 EASY Crock Pot Appetizers - Meatball Sliders
Equipment
- 1 Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3-4 thyme sprigs, chopped
- 1 bunch basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 3 slices white bread
- 1 egg
- ½ small onion, grated
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 9-10 slider buns
Instructions
- Add all ingredients (only HALF the parmesan cheese) to a large bowl and mix together well. The bread will soften and dissolve into the mixture.
- Shape into meatballs. I prefer mid-sized meatballs and end up aiming for 9-12.
- Option 1: For ultimate flavor: Sear meatballs over medium-high heat in a cast iron skillet, or any skillet, in ¼ cup of olive oil.
- Turn meatballs so they brown on all sides. I do this multiple times 360° to make sure I get even browning all around.
- Add meatballs to your crockpot when brown crust is acheived. Top with marinara sauce and cook on medium for 1-2 hours or until the center reaches 165°F.
- Option 2: Short on time: Add meatballs directly to a crockpot spaced out. Top with marinara sauce so they are fully submerged and cook on high for 2-3 hours or until the center reaches 165°F.
- Serve on mini rolls or Hawaiian bread. These meatball sliders are best served with parmesan cheese for topping!
Notes
- Use can enjoy these meatballs with ANY sauce. I love RAO's tomato sauce. It's the BEST in my opinion.
- The size of your meatballs will determine how long they take to cook. Ground beef should be cooked fully to 165 degrees F.
Nutrition
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Tried the recipe? I'd love to hear your thoughts below!