When you think of using a slow cooker, you might think of those cold, dark winter nights where there’s nothing better than a meal from a slow cooker. During the lazy days of summer, your slow cooker can still come in handy. Avoid spending time grueling over a hot stove top or oven. Use your slow cooker to make hearty meals, dips and more, all while keeping your kitchen cool. With our list of summer slow cooker recipes, you’ll have easy, refreshing meals for the whole family.
1. Chipotle, Chorizo, and Bean Dip
Start off a Tex-Mex night with this recipe from Better Homes & Gardens. Serve the spicy dip with crunchy tortilla chips and whip up some cold margaritas in the blender. It’s a great addition to any summer party on the patio.
2. Skinny Parmesan Spinach Dip
The dip from I heart vegetables is not only easy to make, it’s a healthier option with less fat and more protein. The Greek yogurt and light sour cream make it a light snack for hot summer days. Plus, you can keep using the recipe into the football tailgating season.
3. Slow Cooker Corn and Jalapeno Dip
Add some heat to the menu with the dip from Damn Delicious. The recipe includes cheese, bacon and jalapenos, making the perfect flavor combination. It only takes two hours to cook, making it perfect for any summer party.
4. Bourbon Maple Slow Cooker Baked Beans
Baked beans are a staple of any summer cook-out menu. This recipe from Averie Cooks is no exception. Combine the rich flavors of bourbon, maple syrup and more to make these tasty, gluten-free baked beans.
1. Collard Greens Stew with Chorizo & Garlic
If you want a Southern-inspired dish, you can’t go wrong with collard greens. This stew from the kitchn.com is a great recipe for summer. The leafy greens mixed with spicy chorizo go great over rice, or as a solo dish.
The zucchini soup recipe from All Recipes is a versatile dish that’s great served as a soup with French bread or as a topping over rice or noodles. You can make it on the stove if you want, but using a slow cooker will keep your kitchen cool. It’s a great recipe if you have your own vegetable garden. There’s nothing like using your own homegrown tomatoes, peppers, onions, and zucchini.
3. Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Soup
The spicy and sweet soup from Foodie Crush is easy to make; everything goes straight in the slow cooker. Just throw in the ingredients and enjoy your time relaxing by the pool, not sweating in the kitchen.
1. Grilled Pineapple Pork Sandwiches
If you make any summer slow cooker recipes, you need to make pulled pork. The recipe from pinch of yum mixes bold flavors with grilled, sweet pineapple. It’s the perfect dish for a summer luau, or any get-together.
2. Slow Cooker Bratwurst
The easy recipe from Six Sisters’ Stuff is perfect for when you don’t feel like grilling out. Dump everything in the slow cooker, and enjoy some fun summer activities while your brats cook. Try topping off your brats with Southern style chow chow relish or whatever you like.
Give your regular old chicken a Greek twist with the recipe from Chef in Training. You’ll have juicy chicken sprinkled with feta cheese. Pair it with a Greek salad for a low-carb meal the whole family can enjoy.
4. Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs in Cabernet Sauce
These beef short ribs from eat, live, run fall right off the bone. After you brown the beef, throw everything in the slow cooker. You’ll be able to come home to a delicious meal after enjoying the summer weather.
Summer is not just reserved for grilling and outdoor cooking. Your trusty slow cooker can be a valuable tool during the hot months, allowing you to create delicious meals without heating up the kitchen. From tender pulled pork to refreshing fruit desserts, there’s no shortage of mouthwatering summer slow cooker recipes to explore.
So, dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the flavors of the season, all while enjoying the convenience and ease of slow cooking.
Embrace the slower pace, and let your slow cooker be your secret weapon for a memorable summer filled with delectable meals and more time spent doing what you love with your loved ones. Happy slow cooking, and cheers to a delightful summer ahead!
