Whether it is the final big game of the season, or just a small gathering of devoted fans at your home, sports require a certain commitment to tailgating food. Tailgating is more of a style, really. It doesn't require you commit to actually entertaining in a parking lot. In fact, most "tailgating" happens in the comfort of people's homes, gathered around a television instead of an open hatchback. And no single tool is more of a game-changer for tailgate-style cooking than the slow cooker. Whether you are using it to prepare dishes ahead, keep them warm on the buffet, or even transporting them to the game attached to a small generator, these recipes are all just what you want for any big game. With these 24 slow cooker tailgating recipes, you'll be prepared to serve up only the best food for any game.
Slow-Cooker Barbecue Ribs
Photo by Allrecipes Magazine
These finger-lickin' ribs get a brief bake before they go in the crock pot to cook off a lot of the fat.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Photo by Mackenzie Schieck
With 3000+ reviews, this all-time classic football party dip has earned its hall-of-fame status.
Easy Slow Cooker French Dip
Photo by Jennifer Brandstrom
A quick 10-minute prep and four ingredients is all it takes to get this juicy pot of beef ready for your game day party.
Cocktail Meatballs I
Photo by mommyluvs2cook
No one can resist these saucy balls. Whether alone or in a wrap or sub, these meatballs are as versatile as your team's defense.
Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Photo by Lady Baker
The recipe is ridiculously easy — cocktail weiners get wrapped in bacon and baked with a dusting of brown sugar, then you pop them into your slow cooker to serve warm at party time — but all that simplicity still earns this fan favorite a solid 5-star rating.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Photo by Yoly
Four ingredients is all it takes to make this 5-star recipe.
Outrageous Warm Chicken Nacho Dip
Photo by Marianne
Here's what recipe submitter brightlightz says about this wildly popular dip: "This is my jazzed up version of classic queso dip taken to a heartier level, perfect for football games, tailgating or for taking along to pot lucks in a slow cooker! This is a serious crowd-pleaser that is served hot as a dip, spooned over crisp tortilla chips nacho-style, or rolled up in a warm flour tortilla! The heat can be turned up or down with the addition of jalapenos to taste."
Slow Cooker Carnitas
Photo by Tammy Lynn
Set out hot tortillas and bowls of pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, guacamole, and sour cream, and you’ve got a DIY taco bar.
Pepperoncini Beef
Photo by TTV78
Tangy pickled pepperoncini peppers give this classic sandwich a real kick without being too hot to handle.
Emily's Chipotle Chili
Photo by mommyluvs2cook
Meaty, thick, and hearty. You can substitute any sausages you like to go with the smokey chipotle peppers, and some reviewers even doubled up on the peppers because that's how they roll.
Cowboy Mexican Dip
Photo by Paula
It's unconventional, but this dip is bound to win over every person at your tailgate, even the rival fans. With just four ingredients, you can bring this dip together at the drop of a hat, if a sudden stop-by visit turns into an impromptu game-watching night.
Slow Cooker Bar-B-Q Party Mix
Photo by Morticia Adams
Any football gathering needs some good snacks. And there is nothing more classic than a great homemade spiced snack mix. For this one, you don't even need to turn on your oven, the slow cooker does all the work.
Big Game Dip
Photo by pelicangal
No tailgating party would be complete without a cheesy hot dip, and this version ups the ante with sausage. All you need are a bowl of tortilla chips, and your guests can dive on into the melty goodness.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Wings
Photo by Scoot0023
Wings go with tailgating like milk goes with cookies, but they can be a bit fussy to make and keep warm. No one wants to have to be pulling pans out of the oven all day. These wings cook right in your slow cooker, and then you can keep them warm on the buffet for all the pleasure and none of the panic.
Little Smokies
Photo by Lela
Is it even a tailgating party without some sort of sausage? These little cocktail weenies only need some toothpicks to deliver them into the happy mouths of your lucky guests.
Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Taquitos
Photo by Soup Loving Nicole
If jalape?o poppers and taquitos had a baby, this recipe is it. The filling cooks right in your slow cooker, which eliminates a lot of the steps in your taquito prep, making it a much more achievable dish for the party.
Rachael's Superheated Cajun Boiled Peanuts
Photo by Emily
Want something a little unexpected on your buffet for your next tailgating gathering? These boiled peanuts are salty and spicy and addictive.
Hearty Vegan Slow-Cooker Chili
Photo by Scott M.
Chili is nearly synonymous with tailgating, but these days, so many people have dietary restrictions it can feel a little overwhelming. A lot of vegetarians and vegans get relegated to making meals out of crudit?s and hummus or chips. This vegan chili might be meatless, but it is still hearty and delicious, your meat-eating guest will still be satisfied, and your vegan and vegetarian pals will love your thoughtfulness.
Easy, Two-Ingredient Pulled Pork
Photo by mauigirl
Sandwiches are a perfect choice for a tailgating party, and this pulled pork is as easy as two ingredients and your slow cooker. Add some buns, and you have everything you need to keep your guests happy.
Spicy Hot Chicken Legs
Photo by Erinwoolsey
Nothing is more tailgate-friendly than a one-handed snack; you don't even have to put down your beer! Chicken legs are a great choice, but most recipes have you cooking them in the oven, which is the last thing a busy host needs to add to their list. This version uses the slow cooker to eliminate the hassle.
Warm Mexican Corn Dip
Photo by Allrecipes
Don't worry about putting away leftovers after the game. This dip will be cleaned out before halftime arrives.
Cola Beans
Photo by Allrecipes
Need a great side dish for all of your tailgating foods? These classic sweet-and-savory baked beans with bacon will be your new favorite recipe. Especially if you are grilling for your gathering, the smokiness of the bacon will be a perfect match for your burgers and dogs.
Slow Cooker Candy
Photo by RainbowJewels
Think your slow cooker is only for savory tailgate recipes? Try again! These slow cooker chocolate nut clusters are just what you want for a party, a sweet homemade treat that is easy to make and even easier to eat.
Slow Cooker Fruit Cobbler
Photo by Meredith
When it comes to dessert, what would be more satisfying for a crowd than a slow cooker cobbler full of warm fruity goodness?
source by allrecipe
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