The Mini-Crockpot. Yes, it seems weird. I get that! I’m used to big-batch chili recipes. I was hesitant and didn’t know what I’d do with it. But let me just take a second to assure you. This little baby is a weeknight wonder.
Think about it: a small, simple side dish that is completely hands-off. Just picture how easy Thanksgiving will be. You save oven space!.
And it’s not just for savory sides. There are so many fun sweet treats. These 20 recipes are just the beginning. The sky’s the limit.
1. Slow Cooker Rocky Road Candy
Who else loves making holiday cookies and candy? I give out homemade treats as gifts all the time. And using the Crockpot for melting chocolate? It’s a total cheat code.
It’s so gentle and keeps everything warm while you work, no water bath needed. This recipe could not be easier. You just melt it all, mix in your marshmallows and nuts, and then scoop it onto a baking sheet to cool. It’s a holiday miracle.
2. Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata For One
I am a huge fan of chicken piccata, and I was so, so happy with how this turned out. Like a lot of my favorite recipes, this one is all about the sauce.
You’ve got to use fresh lemon juice and capers to get that flavor just right. After a few hours, the chicken is just perfectly tender. YUM. Seriously exciting food times.
3. Small Crock Pot Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze
Okay, this is amazing for a Sunday dinner with all the sides. But I’ll just put it out there: I make this just for lunch. It’s so tender and has so much flavor.
It makes what might be the best grilled ham and cheese sandwiches ever. I could eat those from here on out.
4. Crockpot French Onion Soup
French onion soup is just a dream, right? It’s so hearty and meaty, just packed with flavor. In my book, it’s pretty close to perfect. You’ve got the beef broth, the caramelized onions, that cheesy top, and the crusty bread. The gang’s all there.
After the onions get nice and dark, you add the broth and let it all come together. That base is just genuinely delicious. All you do is pour it into ramekins, add that thick, crusty bread and lots of cheese, and broil it until it’s bubbling and luscious. YES.
5. Crockpot Chili
As you know, I love a good chicken chili. But there is just nothing that beats a classic beef chili with tons of beans and lots of heat. Want a cheat code to speed things up? Try skipping the browning step.
I know what you’re thinking! But really, the meat doesn’t need to be cooked first. It’s going to cook for 8 hours. Trust me, it will be super tender. Just be sure to mix it in really well at the start and give it a stir every hour or so.
6. White Chicken Chili
This one is made in a 1.5-quart slow cooker. It’s perfect for one person, or maybe two if you add a side.
It’s loaded up with chicken breast, beans, onions, and jalapenos. This guy is hearty, tasty, and just ideal for lunch.
7. Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup
HEY, did you know you can get this cooking in just 5 minutes? It’s true! That’s faster than I make my coffee. It’s a total cheat code. You use frozen broccoli, and you don’t even need to thaw it.
Just put it in the pot with your broth, milk, onion, and seasonings. So good and so simple. If you want it thick, just add a little cornstarch and water slurry at the end.
8. Slow-Cooker Crab Dip
This dip is just… wow. It’s hot, it’s creamy, and it’s so cheesy. Plus it’s full of those sweet chunks of crab meat. The base has cream cheese, mayo, garlic, green onions, lemon juice, Parmesan, Worcestershire, and Old Bay.
It’s a friend to all buttery Ritz crackers. You can even swap the mayo for sour cream if you want something a little tangier. Still super tasty!
9. Crock Pot Tagalongs Mini Cake
Can you ever go wrong with cake in a slow cooker? They always come out sweet, super moist, and dense in the best possible way.
This one is no different. It uses cake mix, a tub of frosting, and Girl Scout cookies. For being so simple, this recipe is super tasty.
10. Easy Crockpot Fondue
This one is a total no-brainer. That gentle heat is just perfect for melting cheese. Plus, the warm setting keeps it all saucy while you’re digging in. A miracle!
A few important things, though: make sure you use a block of cheese that you cut up yourself. The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt right. And if you want a deeper flavor, try using beer instead of wine.
11. Crockpot Wild Rice
Fun fact: wild rice has more protein than quinoa. So if you’re not into the texture of quinoa, this is right where you want to be. For this simple side, you just layer your rice, mushrooms, onion, and pepper in the pot.
Then cover it all with stock. It’s a choose-your-own adventure. You can keep it vegan with veggie stock or add more flavor with chicken or beef stock.
12. Crock Pot White Cheese Dip Recipe
If you need a simple dip for just a few friends, this is it. The combination of white cheese and green chilies is just… beyond. It’s so delicious with salty chips on the side.
And it only feeds 4 people, so you don’t have to stress about leftovers. That’s the type of thing we can always get behind.
13. Steel Cut Oatmeal Crockpot Directions
Talk about a breakfast cheat code! If you’re not a fan of cold overnight oats, this one is 100% for you. It’s a miracle.
This recipe has you prep everything before bed and let the Crockpot cook while you sleep. Just imagine: you wake up to warm, sweet, tasty oats. All you have to do is scoop. A delight.
14. Slow Cooker Taco Soup
First of all, can you ever go wrong with taco soup? This recipe brings lean turkey, black beans, corn, and fire-roasted tomatoes all together in one epic bowl.
Every single bite is filling and full of flavor. And just like a burrito, you can pile on all the tasty toppings you want.
15. Warm Feta Cheese Dip
With cream cheese, feta, basil, and sweet peppers, you might need to make a double batch for a crowd. It’s so creamy, with a great salty-sweet flavor and some fantastic texture.
Serve it with crunchy bread, chips, or crackers. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure for all the best chomping.
16. Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl For One
Look at this! How incredible does this burrito bowl look? With all that chicken, tomatoes, and black beans, you know it’s going to be filling.
But let’s be real. It’s a blank canvas for toppings, which you know are my weakness. So load it up! Avocado, chilies, sour cream… pile it high.
17. Crockpot Cheese Dip
Real question here: can we please normalize making hot dip at home for no reason? It’s just so good! This one is everything you want a decadent dip to be: bacon, cheddar, and ranch.
A few important things, though. Please hear me say this: always shred your own cheese. It has so much more flavor and a better texture. And since the ranch is already pretty salty, I suggest using low-sodium bacon if you can.
