Sometimes it’s too hot to cook, and sometimes I’m just too darn lazy. On those days, my friends, I take out the slow cooker.
The best thing about these unexpected slow cooker recipes is that with a little planning ahead, they free up a lot of time. Plop your ingredients in, set a timer, relax (or run errands) for a few hours, and then enjoy an amazing, flavorful meal, alone or with friends. Your guests will never know the slow cooker did most of the work.
1. Chex Mix recipe
Image: Gimme Some Oven
Why not make a batch of slow cooker Chex Mix for your next party? It’ll save oven space, and your whole house will smell totally delish.
2. Rosemary olive oil bread recipe
If you love freshly baked bread (and who doesn’t?), using a slow cooker is the perfect way to enjoy it year-round, even in the dog days of summer when you can’t imagine turning on your oven.
3. Hard-boiled eggs recipe
Image: Oh Sweet Mercy
If you have a big family, are making egg salad for a potluck or picnic or just really like hard-boiled eggs, then using a slow cooker is the perfect way to get the big batch you need with minimal effort.
4. Baked potatoes recipe
Image: My Frugal Adventures
These slow cooker potatoes couldn’t be easier to make and are the perfect side dish for a big dinner party or a lazy weeknight meal.
5. Lasagna recipe
Image: Faithful Provisions
Who knew you could make lasagna in the slow cooker, noodles and all? Brown the meat, then layer the ingredients, cover, and cook on low for a few hours. No worrying about burnt edges, uncooked noodles or spillover.
6. Corn on the cob recipe
Image: Family Fresh Meals
The next time you have a summer barbecue, don’t worry about heating up your house with a pot of boiling water or using up precious grill space. You can make perfectly cooked corn on the cob right in your slow cooker.
7. Cocktail recipes
Nothing warms up the body and soul quite like some spiked hot cider or mulled wine. Try one of these 15 slow cooker cocktail recipes to keep you cozy no matter how cold it is outside.
8. French toast casserole recipe
Image: Recipes that Crock
If you’re a brunchaholic trying to save money or tend to wake up a few hours before the kids in the morning, then this French toast is the perfect recipe for you. Make it the night before, then cook on high for 2 hours the next morning for an effortless morning meal.
9. Pumpkin pie recipe
Yeah, you can make pie in the slow cooker! Say goodbye to fussy torn pie crusts, and say hello to warm, creamy pumpkin pie.
10. 7-Layer bars recipe
Image: Tamilee Tips
Dessert in a slow cooker? It seems people tend to think of the slow cooker as a vehicle for mainly savory dishes, but it’s totally perfect for cooking ooey, gooey desserts like these seven-layer bars too.
11. Refined sugar-free, dairy-free fudge recipe
Image: Sugar-Free Mom
Making fudge on the stovetop can be a total pain in the butt. One minute you have creamy, chocolaty goodness, the next minute you’re left with a burnt, grainy mess. Not so with this slow cooker recipe, which churns out perfect fudge every time.
12. S’mores brownies recipe
Image: Imperial Sugar
These s’mores brownies are way easier than going through the trouble of making a campfire, and you can have them year-round too.
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More great slow cooker recipes
Our top 10 Slow Cooker Sunday recipes of 2014
Slow cooker vegetarian stew with kale is comfort food done right
Slow Cooker Sunday: Classic cioppino is a seafood stew done right
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