You can make all the best tailgate recipes right in your slow cooker! From brats and hot dogs to dips and snacks, nothing is out of bounds.
37 Slow Cooker Tailgate Recipes
Slow-Cooker Mac and Cheese
What could be more comforting (or easy!) than a slow cooker mac and cheese? Nothing! This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish, and I’ve never met anyone who didn’t ask for second helpings of the cheesy dish. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
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Spicy Honey Sriracha Game-Day Dip
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings (3 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
You can easily whip up this creamy, spicy, salty dip. For parties, I love dips in the slow cooker—just turn it to low once the dip is cooked and let your guests help themselves. No need to worry about the dip getting cold and having to reheat it. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 168 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 243mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
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Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves Buffalo chicken wings, but the frying makes them unhealthy. This recipe takes out some of the fat yet lets us enjoy the same amazing taste. —Terri McKenzie, Wilmington, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 398 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 2212mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
4/37
Cheeseburger Dip
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
16 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
This fun dip recipe uses ingredients that I always have in the fridge, so it's easy to throw together on short notice. —Cindi DeClue, Anchorage, Alaska
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 157 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 225mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
5/37
Taco Chili
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
10 servings (2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning give extra special flavor to my hearty chili. Folks will come back for seconds. —Julie Neuhalfen, Glenwood, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 342 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1368mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 25g protein.
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Ranch Chicken Sliders
Total Time
2 hours 55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my grandson was younger, we joked that nothing could make ranch chicken taste better. Then one day Avery’s eyes lit up and he suggested we fry it! Our fried chicken burger was born. You won’t believe how good these little sliders are. —Tamara Hire, Decatur, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 sliders: 705 calories, 40g fat (12g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 1299mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
7/37
Bacon Dip
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I've tried assorted appetizers before, but this one is a surefire people-pleaser. The thick bacon cheese dip has lots of flavor and keeps my guests happily munching as long as it lasts. I serve it with tortilla chips or sliced French bread. —Suzanne Whitaker, Knoxville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 261 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
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Italian Sausage Sandwich
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a casual but hearty meal, try these saucy subs created by our Test Kitchen. Full of traditional Italian flavor, these sandwiches are a snap to make.
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 552 calories, 28g fat (8g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 1532mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
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Spinach Turkey Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our children call these “Gramby Meatballs” because the recipe came from my dear mother-in-law. It’s a great way to make spinach palatable. I usually make a triple batch, bake them all and freeze the extras for a quick meal later. —Mimi Blanco, Bronxville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3 meatballs: 234 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 568mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 0.500 starch.
10/37
Healthy Greek Bean Dip
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This crowd-pleasing appetizer is healthy to boot! Folks will love to eat their veggies when they can dip them in this zesty, fresh alternative to hummus. —Kelly Silvers, Edmond, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 86 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
11/37
Honey and Ale Pulled Chicken Sliders
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
12 sliders
From the Recipe Creator:
Score big with your guests with a little bit of sweet heat! This recipe works well for a football party—the extra liquid in the slow cooker keeps the chicken nice and juicy all day long. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 224 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
12/37
Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
One taste of this outrageously delicious hot spinach artichoke dip and your guests will not stop eating it until it’s gone. The savory blend of artichokes, spinach and Parmesan cheese is positively addictive! It tastes even better if you make it the night before and chill it in the fridge before baking. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 68 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 139mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
13/37
Slow-Cooked Cajun Corn
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves corn on the cob, and I love this slow-cooker recipe because I don't have to stand at a hot stove. We like a little spice, so the Cajun seasoning works well for us, but any spice blend works. —Audra Rorick, Lyons, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn: 190 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 307mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
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Slow-Cooked Cranberry Hot Wings
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Cranberry wings remind me of all the wonderful celebrations and parties we’ve had through the years. My daughter’s friends can’t get enough of these wings. —Noreen McCormick Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 71 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 122mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0g fiber), 5g protein.
15/37
Spicy Chili
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This spicy chili recipe is the culmination of several years' worth of experimenting to get just the right flavor. For those who like their chili very hot, the secret is to add more jalapenos. The most I ever used in a recipe was five ... was it spicy! —Liesha Hoek, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 256 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 669mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
16/37
Coney Island Hot Dogs
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
From the youngest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves these hot dogs. Inspired by the classic Coney dog, they’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 chili dog: 371 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 992mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
17/37
Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a meal on busy days, I pop ready-made meatballs in the slow cooker to make this tantalizing Asian-style specialty. Nothing is more convenient than walking in the door to dinner. —Lisa Stepanski, Munnsville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
8 meatballs: 794 calories, 29g fat (10g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 582mg sodium, 94g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein.
18/37
Italian Beef Sandwiches
Total Time
8 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With only a few ingredients, this roast beef is a snap to throw together. And after cooking all day, the meat is wonderfully tender. —Lauren Adamson, Layton, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 278 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 735mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
19/37
Cheeseburger Soup
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A local restaurant serves a similar cheeseburger soup but wouldn’t share its recipe with me. I developed my own, modifying a recipe I already had for potato soup. I was really pleased with the way this all-American dish turned out. —Joanie Shawhan, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 354 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1012mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
20/37
Southwestern Pulled Pork Crostini
Total Time
6 hours 45 min
Servings
32 crostini
From the Recipe Creator:
As a different take on crostini, these apps are fantastic for tailgating and casual parties alike. —Randy Cartwright, Linden, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 121 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 362mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
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Slow-Cooked Peach Salsa
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
11 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh peaches and tomatoes make my salsa a winner over store-bought versions. I give my co-workers several jars throughout the year as a special treat. —Peggi Stahnke, Cleveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 28 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 59mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
22/37
Chicago-Style Beef Rolls
Total Time
8 hours 20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have fond memories of eating these big, messy sandwiches at a neighbor's house when I was growing up. Freeze any extras and save for another meal! —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich (calculated without optional toppings): 418 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 771mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
23/37
Slow-Cooker Pizza Dip
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this dip for my daughter's pizza-themed birthday party. It was an instant hit, and I've continued to take it along to other gatherings. Everyone loves it! —Stephanie Gates, Waterloo, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup dip: 68 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 198mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
24/37
Slow-Cooker Spiced Mixed Nuts
Total Time
2 hours 5 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
What slow cookers do for soups and stews, they’ll do for mixed nuts, too. The scent of spices is delightful, and the nuts are delicious. —Stephanie Loaiza, Layton, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 261 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 26mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
25/37
Sweet 'n' Tangy Chicken Wings
Total Time
3 hours 35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the convenience of slow-cooker recipes for get-togethers. Start these sweet and sour chicken wings a few hours ahead of time and you’ll have fantastic appetizers ready when your guests arrive. —Ida Tuey, South Lyon, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 74 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 282mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
26/37
Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like spice, you'll love this dip. It's super cheesy and full of rich flavor, and it really has that Buffalo wing taste! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup dip (calculated without chips): 167 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 348mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
27/37
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The slow cooker not only makes this an easy meal, it keeps the pork tender, saucy and loaded with flavor. —Beki Kosydar-Krantz, Mayfield, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 402 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1181mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
28/37
Bacon-Ranch Spinach Dip
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
During the hectic holiday season, my slow cooker works overtime. I fill it with a savory bacon dip and watch everyone line up for a helping. Keep the recipe in mind for tailgating, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 195 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 344mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
29/37
Slow Cooker Shredded Turkey Sandwiches
Total Time
7 hours 15 min
Servings
24 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy and simple slow-cooked sandwich gets its flavor from bottled beer and onion soup mix. In total, it only takes five ingredients to make the recipe! —Jacki Knuth, Owatonna, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 294 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 476mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
30/37
Root Beer Pulled Pork Nachos
Total Time
8 hours 50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I count on my slow cooker to do the honors when I have a house full of summer guests. Teenagers especially love DIY nachos. Try cola, ginger ale or lemon-lime soda if you’re not into root beer. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 391 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 287mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
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Cranberry Sauerkraut Meatballs
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I tried these meatballs at a birthday party for a friend, and now I make them all the time. They are super easy to make and perfect for a potluck or a Sunday afternoon football game. —Lisa Castelli, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball with about 1 tablespoon sauce: 76 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
32/37
Sausage and Peppers Sandwich
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sausage with peppers was always on the table when I was growing up. Here's how to do it the easy way: Just grab a sheet pan and the ingredients, then let the oven do the work. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 315 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
33/37
Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
One taste of this outrageously delicious hot spinach artichoke dip and your guests will not stop eating it until it’s gone. The savory blend of artichokes, spinach and Parmesan cheese is positively addictive! It tastes even better if you make it the night before and chill it in the fridge before baking. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 68 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 139mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
34/37
Tangy Barbecue Wings
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
2 dozen wings (2 sections each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I took these slow-cooked wings to work, and they vanished before I even got a bite! The tangy sauce is lip-smacking good. —Sherry Pitzer, Troy, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 wing (2 sections): 178 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
35/37
BBQ Brats
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In Wisconsin, brats are a food group! We are always looking for new ways to cook them. This recipe is easy and a hit at any tailgate party or cookout, any time of year. —Jessica Abnet, DePere, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 480 calories, 27g fat (9g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1659mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
36/37
Jalapeno Popper & Sausage Dip
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My workplace had an appetizer contest, and I won it with my jalapeno and cheese dip. Every time I take it anywhere, folks empty the slow cooker. —Bev Slabik, Dilworth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without vegetables): 180 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 399mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
37/37
Chicken Sliders with Sesame Slaw
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone loves barbecue chicken sliders. My version has an Asian twist, with spicy, tangy flavors. At our potlucks, they quickly vanish. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 255 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 493mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
