31 Delicious Crockpot Appetizers To Take Your Party To The Next Level

Finally, try savory crockpot appetizers like hanky panky, crockpot green beans, and refried beans.

Quick Table: Delicious Crockpot Appetizers

Recipes	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Crockpot Little Smokies	731	4 Hrs 5 Mins
Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip	287	1 Hrs 10 Mins
Crockpot Ranch Mushrooms	177	3 Hrs 15 Mins
Honey BBQ Chicken Wings	420	2 Hrs 10 Mins
Slow Cooker Queso Verde	272	2 Hrs 40 Mins
Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Peanuts	143	1 Hrs 35 Mins
Slow Cooker Spiced Cashews	102	1 Hrs 15 Mins
Slow Cooker Kielbasa Bites	598	2 Hrs 5 Mins
Hanky Panky Recipe	214	1 Hrs 20 Mins
Crockpot Buttered Garlic Mushroom	57	3 Hrs 5 Mins
Crockpot Buffalo Wings	339	4 Hrs
Southern Crockpot Green Beans	131	4 Hr 10 Mins
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs	285	2 Hrs 5 Mins
Crockpot Crack Chicken	397	6 Hrs 10 Mins
Crockpot Jalapeno Corn Dip	457	2 Hrs 5 Mins
Crockpot Chex Mix	366	3 Hrs 10 Mins
Peach Bourbon Meatballs	456	4 Hrs 5 Mins
Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks	145	10 Mins
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes	294	3 Hrs 10 Mins
Slow Cooker Enchilada Meatballs	493	5 Hrs 5 Mins
Crock Pot Italian Bacon Chicken Tenders	586	1 Hr 10 Mins
Slow Cooker Apple Butter	136	5 Hrs 25 Mins
Slow Cooker Refried Beans	188	6 Hrs 15 Mins
Slow Cooker Lentil Soup	222	11 Hrs 20 Mins
French Onion Soup	211	10 Hrs 10 Mins
Queso Fundido with Chorizo	569	2 Hrs 10 Mins
Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup	520	4 Hrs 15 Mins
Creamy Crockpot Corn	194	4 Hrs 5 Mins
Lazy Hot Dog Pull Apart	48	3 Hrs 20 Mins
Crockpot Corn Casserole	409	3 Hrs 10 Mins
Asian Crockpot Meatballs	91	2 Hrs 5 Mins

Appetizers are a party game-changer; food always breaks the ice and gets people in high spirits. Because they’re so crucial, you don’t want to get them wrong. So, what are some trusted appetizers you can make for your guests (or family)?

Meanwhile, if you just got a crockpot, or maybe you’re even an old-time owner, you probably have no idea how powerful your new device is.

Soups aren’t the only use for crockpots, you can do so much more with them, and that’s why we’re here. We’ve compiled a list of our all-time tastiest crockpot appetizers, so read on! 

31 Delicious Crockpot Appetizers

1. Crockpot Little Smokies

Pineapples are delicious; who doesn’t love them? Imagine the juices coating tiny smokies in a delectable chili base sauce. I promise you’ve never had anything this lovely.

Add a little cornstarch to thicken your sauce if you don’t like its consistency. Of course, brown sugar in this recipe will make this dish so tasty, and you don’t need any cooking skills.

Calories Per Serving: 731

Preparation Time: 4 Hrs 5 Mins

2. Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Dips are classic appetizers, they’re light and simple, and you can play around with them. This blend of spinach and artichoke in a creamy, cheesy mix is everything you need a dip to be. 

Moreover, this is a very versatile recipe; serve it with bread, tortilla chips, or whatever floats your boat. You can also make it way ahead of time for convenience; that’s the beauty of your crockpot.

Calories Per Serving: 287

Preparation Time: 1 Hr 10 Mins

3. Crockpot Ranch Mushrooms

It doesn’t matter if you hate mushrooms; you’ll fall head over heels in love with these. Tossing the mushrooms in Ranch and Italian dressings leaves them bursting with flavor. 

Meanwhile, you can imagine the effect of slow-cooking your mushrooms with butter – they’ll melt in your mouth like your favorite pastry. Be careful not to soak them in water so you don’t ruin their texture.

Calories Per Serving: 177

Preparation Time: 3 Hrs 15 Mins

4. Honey BBQ Chicken Wings

Anything cooked in BBQ sauce is a smash, but chicken wings? You’ll definitely have a banger crockpot appetizer on your hands. But, perhaps, what’s even more critical is the spice mix.  

Chock full of savory seasoning like paprika, garlic, and black pepper, the mix deeply infuses your chicken with flavor. Next, add brown sugar and some honey; you’re good to go!

Calories Per Serving: 420

Preparation Time: 2 Hrs 10 Mins

5. Slow Cooker Queso Verde

Recreate your favorite Mexican dip right in your crockpot with this recipe. Milk, cream, and Velveeta cheese are a good combination any day, and this dip cements that theory. 

After only ten minutes of prep, transfer your dip to your slow cooker. The result is a thick, creamy plate of gooey goodness that you’ll never want to stop making, especially when topped with hot jalapenos.

Calories Per Serving: 271

Preparation Time: 2 Hrs 40 Mins

RELATED: 15 Beef Crock Pot Recipes That Are Easy To Make

6. Slow Cooker Sweet And Spicy Peanuts 

If you love peanuts or peanut butter, you’ll be glad you met this recipe. Take your regular roasted peanuts a step further by slow-cooking them in a mix of melted butter, chili, sugar, and a special ingredient – sriracha.

This is hands down the best crockpot appetizer when you have limited time but want to turn out a fantastic dish. Additionally, you can store your leftover peanuts for months after cooking, so that’s a huge bonus.

Calories Per Serving: 143

Preparation Time: 1 Hr 35 Mins

7. Slow Cooker Spiced Cashews

You need cashews on your appetizer menu for multiple reasons. Firstly, cashew nuts stand out from regular nuts; they’re simply show-stoppers. Even the most hard-to-impress guest at your table will be wowed.

On their own, cashews are amazing, but when fried with a spice mix containing cayenne, cumin, garlic, and paprika? They’ll make an irresistible appetizer.

Calories Per Serving: 102

Preparation Time: 1 Hr 15 Min

8. Slow Cooker Kielbasa Bites 

I’m sure kielbasa in grape jelly sounds unusual; it did to me at first, too. Still, don’t deny it till you try it! 

Mix your favorite barbecue, chili, and Worcestershire sauces with grape jelly. Then, pour the mix over your kielbasa and cook for a delightfully distinct taste. For variety, serve it as an appetizer or a side for any dish you choose.

Calories Per Serving: 598

Preparation Time: 2 Hrs 5 Mins

9. Hanky Panky Recipe

This recipe is as fun as it sounds, especially if you adore a sausage-on-bread combo. And that’s not all there is to love! 

Let your ground beef and sausage simmer with tiny pieces of extra-creamy Velveeta cheese and Worcestershire sauce. A dash of oregano and garlic powder in your crockpot will take this appetizer to unimaginable levels. 

Calories Per Serving: 214

Preparation Time: 1 Hr 20 Mins

10. Crockpot Buttered Garlic Mushroom

Here’s another fantastic mushroom recipe to delight your taste buds. This one’s simple and needs almost no prep; just throw the mushrooms into your crockpot and season.

You can never go wrong cooking mushrooms in butter, and garlic infuses a heady, savory flavor into each piece. To pull your mushrooms up, garnish with bright green parsley. Crockpot appetizers can’t get better than this.

Calories Per Serving: 57

Preparation Time: 3 Hrs 5 Mins

RELATED: 24 Crockpot Side Dishes That Are Very Easy To Make

11. Crockpot Buffalo Wings

I think crockpots and slow cookers were made for chicken, don’t you? You’re missing out if you’ve never cooked chicken wings in your crockpot; they come out tender and full of flavor.

Wings are never complete without a matching sauce; in this case, use Worcestershire and red hot pepper sauces. Mix them in melted butter, coat your chicken wings in this blend, and watch everyone pounce on them!

Calories Per Serving: 339

Preparation Time: 4 Hrs

12. Southern Crockpot Green Beans

Searching for a light vegetable appetizer? Look no further; these green beans are like green slices of heaven. Besides their delicious taste, they have that southern homemade dinner kick that leaves a hearty warmth in all stomachs.

The warm aroma of onion and garlic fried in bacon grease and chicken broth will make your kitchen full before dinner begins. Toss your beans in butter to tie everything together, and you’re done!

Get ready to serve second and third helpings; everyone will clamor for more.

Calories Per Serving: 131

Preparation Time: 4 Hrs 10 Mins

13. Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs

Next, we have another meatball recipe cooked in pineapple rings and BBQ sauce. I don’t know if these meatballs are from Hawaii, but who cares? You’ll love them all the same.

More good news! It doesn’t matter if your meatballs are frozen or not; pour them into your crockpot, and be on your merry way. You’ll still have a quick, delectable appetizer on your hands.

Calories Per Serving: 285

Preparation Time: 2 Hrs 5 Mins

14. Crockpot Crack Chicken

If you’ve ever tried crack dip, you’ll know you’re in for a real treat with this one. Plus, your crockpot makes cooking this meal so stress-free. 

The chicken mix contains your favorite ingredients: cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and bacon. Serve it with whatever you or your guests like – buns, chips, or lettuce wrap. It works with a whole bunch of options.

Calories Per Serving: 397

Preparation Time: 6 Hrs 10 Mins

15. Crockpot Jalapeno Corn Dip

This is your chance to taste a corn and jalapeno combo, so why won’t you take it? Don’t be scared of the heat; this dip is creamy and full of cheese, making it more tolerable.

Besides the taste, there’s so much color here that your guests will be wowed. Squeeze a wedge of lime over your bowl, then dig in with your preferred chips. Your guests will be obsessed with the juiciness of this crockpot appetizer!

Calories Per Serving: 457

Preparation Time: 2 Hrs 5 Mins

16. Crockpot Chex Mix

Tired of chalky store-bought Chex mix? Well, here’s your chance to make your version that everyone will love. And yes, this is a no-bake crockpot appetizer, so if you need to bake something else for your party, your oven remains free.

In addition to your Chex cereals, you can pop in a few surprises, depending on what you like. First, mix everything up in your crockpot, then drizzle melted butter and Worcestershire sauce over it and stir.

If you have kids at your party, they’ll happily rush through a bowl of this mix.

Calories Per Serving: 366

Preparation Time: 3 Hrs 10 Mins

17. Peach Bourbon Meatballs

Booze in meatballs? What more do you need? This is one of several creative ways to upgrade ordinary meatballs into something unique and different.

The sauce is a beautiful blend of peach preserves, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and seasonings. Don’t forget the A-lister of this recipe – bourbon.

Calories Per Serving: 456

Preparation Time: 4 Hrs 5 Mins

18. Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks

Adding something healthy to your meal is always advisable, even if you want to indulge in goodies. That’s where celery sticks come in.

After cooking your chicken in a  buffalo sauce mix that’s sweet as honey, transfer it to celery sticks, then generously sprinkle blue cheese over it. You won’t be disappointed.

Calories Per Serving: 145

Preparation Time: 10 Mins

19. Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes 

Garlic Parmesan potatoes will have everyone thinking you’re a pro chef in no time, even if you can barely cook. The crockpot does all the work for you here; all you need to do is mix your seasonings and cheese with the potatoes. 

Garnish with some parsley and more cheese, and remember to coat with butter for maximum flavor.

Calories Per Serving: 294

Preparation Time: 3 Hrs 10 Mins

20. Slow Cooker Enchilada Meatballs

More meatballs, now, with a Mexican tinge. Again, this crockpot appetizer needs little effort from you, but the result is out of this world! 

Although it’s not necessary, a cilantro topping triples the thrill of this recipe. It pairs well with rice, but you’ll want to serve it alone for an appetizer.

Calories Per Serving: 493

Preparation Time: 5 Hrs 5 Mins

RELATED: The 35 Best Crockpot Recipes

21. Crock Pot Italian Bacon Chicken Tenders

I adore Italian dressing, don’t you? Of course, wrapping it around chicken tenders makes them much more appetizing, but this recipe doesn’t stop there. 

Give your tenders an additional coat of bacon and cheese, then dip them in a special marinara sauce. You’re best off making a bunch of these appetizers in your crockpot because a smaller amount will go by faster than you can say ‘Jack’!

Calories Per Serving: 586

Preparation Time: 1 Hr 10Mins

22. Slow Cooker Apple Butter

You probably just thought, ‘Butter as a crockpot appetizer?’. Absolutely! With this recipe, you can say goodbye to store-bought apple butter; homemade food is always best. 

The spices in this recipe will have you licking all the extra butter off your fingers and lips while eating. But, of course, you can’t eat it alone; you’ll need toast or biscuits – anything you can serve with regular butter.

Calories Per Serving: 136

Preparation Time: 5 Hrs 25 Mins

23. Slow Cooker Refried Beans

Although it’s high in nutrients, many people avoid cooking beans because of the soak time. However, your crockpot takes those worries away instantly; no need to soak overnight anymore. 

As with most Mexican dishes, this is one very flavorful pot of beans; the seasoning is spectacular. Meanwhile, butter and spring onions add a necessary pop of color, so don’t skip them.

Calories Per Serving: 188

Preparation Time: 6 Hrs 15 Mins

24. Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

Soups are the perfect appetizer for hosting a party; they’re light, tasty, and classy. This lentil soup looks so inviting; words can’t do the bubbly red color any justice. 

It’s also nutritious and easy to cook with all the healthy veggies. Combine all the ingredients in a large crockpot and let your soup bubble away. 

Calories Per Serving: 222

Preparation Time: 11 Hrs 20 Mins

25. French Onion Soup

French recipes are always a banger. So, what’s stopping you from giving your guests something to marvel at with the French version of this classic onion soup?

Traditional, quality Gruyere cheese and beef broth lend an indescribable richness to this soup. Cook lots of onions (onion soup, duh) with aromatic herbs like thyme, and serve with croutons to maintain the elegant theme.

Of course, you can afford to leave this cooking all day in your crockpot while you attend to other things.

Calories Per Serving: 211

Preparation Time: 10 Hrs 10 Mins

RELATED: The 35 Best Crockpot Soup Recipes

26. Queso Fundido With Chorizo

This is the ultimate party food; everyone will burst into smiles on sighting a bowl of this dip. Fortunately, you need only four ingredients and ten minutes of prep time. 

Each ingredient adds something special to this crockpot queso, while cheese leaves a gooey, creamy feeling in your mouth. For a complete appetizer experience, serve with bread, chips, or any other side you like.

Calories Per Serving: 569

Preparation Time: 2 Hrs 10 Mins

27. Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Here’s another soup for you. Potato is the reigning king of kitchen ingredients, you can use it in any course, and it’ll deliver outstanding results.

The potatoes cook in the ultimate cream trio – cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and cream cheese for this soup. Garnish with any toppings you like; just make sure it looks colorful.

Calories Per Serving: 520

Preparation Time: 4 Hrs 15 Mins

28. Creamy Crockpot Corn

Corn on the cob is terrific, but have you tried corn with cream cheese? As the name suggests, this crockpot corn has the creamiest texture you’ve ever tasted. Yet, with butter and sugar, its taste is out of this world.

Everyone will love this recipe, both adults and children. Moreover, creamy corn is a versatile crock pot meal; you can serve it as an appetizer, a side dish, or a stand-alone light meal.

Calories Per Serving: 194

Preparation Time: 4 Hrs 5 Mins

29. Lazy Hot Dog Pull Apart

Cooking is more relaxing when you carry everyone along, especially kids. This dish is a fun crockpot recipe that can easily make for an exciting family activity and a killer party appetizer.

You’d think you need a lot of ingredients to bring this recipe to life, but how wrong you are. With hot dogs and crescent roll cans, you’re done.

Calories Per Serving: 48

Preparation Time: 3 Hrs 20 Mins

30. Crockpot Corn Casserole 

Variety is also essential in corn. It’s okay not to like regular frozen kernel corn, especially when you can have cream-style sweet corn instead.

Add corn muffin mix to give your casserole a bread-like texture, and slow-cook in your crockpot. This casserole will be a crockpot appetizer to remember.

Calories Per Serving: 409

Preparation Time: 3 Hrs 10 Mins

RELATED: The 30 Best Crockpot Chicken Recipes

31. Asian Crockpot Meatballs

Bring a little slice of Asia to your table. These meatballs are unique and look heavenly, with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onion garnish. Plus, the soy and hoisin sauces pack loads of flavor into every morsel of meat.

There’s no better appetizer to add to your party menu. It’s straightforward to make, flavorful, and will have every hand instantly stretching to the appetizer tray.

Calories Per Serving: 91

Preparation Time: 2 Hrs 5 Mins

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There A Difference Between Slow Cookers And Crockpots?

Although slow cookers and crockpots are used for the same foods and purposes, they’re not the same. To further explain, Crock-Pot is only a brand, while the slow cooker is a general appliance. The main difference between the two is in the construction.  

Crockpots have a ceramic bowl set inside the heating element, while other types of slow cookers sit on a base containing the heating element. Hence, crockpots tend to get hot faster compared to other slow cookers.

What Drinks Can I Serve With Crockpot Appetizers? 

The most common drinks that go with appetizers are cocktails. There’s a whole bunch of cocktails you can make, have fun mixing. 

However, if you have kids, or you’re not crazy about getting drunk, alcohol isn’t the way to go, so try punches or a classic mojito. 

Can I Leave My Crockpot Cooking Overnight?

Yes, you can leave your crockpot to cook through the night. Regardless, set it to low heat and take other precautions to be safe. 

Crockpots slowly cook your meal for long hours to let you attend to other things, so whether it’s day or night, you can trust your crockpot to do its job even in your absence.