Looking for no-fuss appetizer recipes? Bust out your slow cooker. Including juicy meatballs, creamy dips, and sliders, our top-rated slow cooker appetizers are the ultimate party starters. Plus, get some of our favorite slow cooker main dishes for easy weeknight meals. These 14 easy slow cooker appetizers are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a game-day gathering, holiday celebration, or cozy family dinner. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these dishes are sure to impress and keep everyone coming back for more.
Slow Cooker Philly Cheese Steak Dip
Blaine Moats
No need to act like a short-order cook to assemble a sandwich for every guest. Share this slow cooker appetizer instead; it delivers everything you love about a Philly cheesesteak (roast beef, peppers, mushrooms, cheese) in a cozy, creamy dip. Scoop it up with toasted hoagie roll pieces, and everyone will feel like they’ve been transported to a sandwich shop walk-up window in the City of Brotherly Love.
Meatball Sliders
Blaine Moats
This saucy meatball recipe is an adorable—and surprisingly easy—way to get any party started. Gather a jar of marinara, frozen meatballs, and just a handful of other pantry staples, and you’re all set for snack success. The entire recipe requires just 10 minutes of prep. Set, forget, then nestle the slow cooker appetizer meatballs inside cocktail buns alongside Roma tomatoes and smoky provolone cheese.
Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Dip
Brie Passano
All the flavors of classic jalapeño poppers star in this easy slow cooker dip recipe. Mix up cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, jalapeños, and garlic to create the creamy base. When you’re ready to serve, top with crispy breadcrumbs and freshly sliced jalapeños.
Sweet-and-Hot Nuts
Karla Conrad
Although we suggest a mix of cashews, pecans, hazelnuts, and almonds, there’s no need to go nuts tracking down all those varieties if you don’t have them on hand. Combine your favorite nuts with a sweet-and-spicy blend of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and cayenne for an easy slow cooker appetizer or healthy snack. One recipe makes 22 servings, perfect for a crowd!
Gluten-Free Supreme Pizza Fondue
Blaine Moats
This snack tastes like your favorite slice, just with the “crust” on the side. That way, this semi-homemade slow cooker appetizer recipe can fit a low-carb and gluten-free diet if needed. Whether you scoop it up with vegetable slices, mini mozzarella balls, or bread pieces, the garlic-infused, turkey sausage-spiked tomato sauce will steal the show. Start with jarred marinara sauce to make it ultra-easy.
Zesty Fajita Bites
Andy Lyons
Five ingredients—including juicy chicken thighs and zesty fajita seasoning—get this slow cooker appetizer ready to party. We call for regular flour tortillas but feel free to try this with corn tortillas (for a gluten-free fix) or any flavored wrap you like. Don’t skip the pepper strips, which add a fresh element and satisfying crunch.
Caramelized Onion and Swiss Dip
Blaine Moats
You pretty much can’t go wrong with any recipe that starts with caramelized onions, white wine, and cheese. Need even more convincing to add this ooey-gooey slow cooker appetizer recipe to your party menu? Think of it like a European riff on queso. (Yes, please!) And the fussiest part, caramelizing the onions, is done for you in the slow cooker. Offer it with a variety of veggies for a refreshing, crunchy, light counterpart to the luscious and rich cheese.
Molasses-Lime Meatballs
Andy Lyons
Shh…it will be our little secret that these slow cooker appetizer meatballs sneak in some extra nutrition. Made with lean ground beef and turkey sausage held together by a bit of fiber-rich oats, these meatballs will satisfy carnivores and calorie counters all at once. A sweet yet tangy molasses-lime sauce adds bold flavor to the bite-size snacks.
Gluten-Free Tex-Mex Cheese Dip
Jason Donnelly
This easy slow cooker appetizer dip needs just two hours of hands-off time to become warm and melty. Serve the cheesy dip with pretzels, pickled jalapenos, chips, and fresh veggies.
Test Kitchen Tip: This dip is best served once it’s warm or soon after.
Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas
Andy Lyons
Make carnitas appetizer-ready by serving them in lettuce cups topped with homemade salsa. We like to use crisp romaine lettuce leaves, but cabbage or corn tortillas would be equally good. Serve on a big platter with plenty of lime wedges.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Andy Lyons
You only need 6 ingredients to whip up this easy slow cooker dip recipe. Buffalo chicken is a total crowd pleaser, especially when served in dip form with fresh veggies, chips, and bread for dipping. The combination of spicy Buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and tender chicken creates a rich, flavorful dip that’s perfect for game day, parties, or any casual gathering.
Saucy Apricot ‘n’ Spiced Meatballs
Prep your homemade meatballs ahead and you’ll be ready for the party with almost no effort. Add a spiced apricot sauce with apricot nectar, chili powder, and a touch of nutmeg for the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. These tender meatballs simmer in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors for a crowd favorite. Plan on serving them within two hours for the best taste, or stash the leftovers in the fridge for up to a few days.
Asiago Cheese Dip
Blaine Moats
This mushroom and cheese slow cooker dip is easy to customize. As one reviewer shared, “Marinate left over chicken in hot sauce (shredded or finely chopped) and add it to this dip. It’s incredible and really makes a wow with your guests”
Meatball Sandwiches
Brie Passano
To make this slow cooker recipe an appetizer, serve these saucy meatballs on slider buns with a slice of mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. Set out the ingredients and let your guests assemble their own to create personalized sliders with the ideal balance of flavors.