When you think of a slow cooker, you might immediately imagine soups, stews, or chili. But your crockpot is capable of so much more. In fact, it can handle everything from snacks to sides—and even full meals.
In this post, we’re sharing 5 surprising and easy recipes you can make in your slow cooker that go far beyond the basics. These are perfect for meal prep, parties, or just simplifying your weekly cooking routine.
I am making these in either my 2 qt Crockpot that you can find here https://amzn.to/45T7Qng or my 3.5qt Cuisinart Slow Cooker that you can find here https://amzn.to/4mNpazQ
The links will take you to Amazon. I am an Amazon Affiliate and I do earn a small commission when you shop using my links. Thank you for shopping using my links, I appreciate your support.
Here are the recipes:
Crockpot Boiled Peanuts
Ingredients
- 8 C Green Peanuts You could use raw peanuts too, but never use roasted peanuts.
- 8 t Salt I use a ratio of 1 tsp of Salt to every cup. This gives you a lightly salted boiled peanut. If you prefer a saltier boiled peanut, add 2 t of salt per cup of peanuts.
- Water, enough to cover peanuts Peanuts will float at first. To make sure you have enough water, push the peanuts down and make sure the water level is above the peanuts.
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a 3.5 qt slow cooker and cook on high for 14-16 Hours.
- Taste test the peanuts at the 12 hour mark and cook them for two hours more before you taste them again.
- Once the peanuts reach your desired texture, turn off the heat and let them sit for 4 hours.
- Enjoy!
Crockpot Caramelized Onions
Ingredients
- 3 large White Onions
- 1 T Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 T Brown Sugar Omit the Brown Sugar if you are using a sweet onion like a Vidalia
- 3 T of Butter
- 1/4 t Salt
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in the crockpot and cook on High for 5 Hours or Low for 10 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
BBQ Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 T Salt
- 1 T Pepper
- 1 T Smoked Paprika or Chipotle
- 2 T Brown Sugar
- 1-1/2 t Garlic Powder and Onion Powder
- 1/2 t Thyme
Instructions
- Combine all seasonings and store in an airtight container.
Crockpot Ribs
Ingredients
- BBQ Seasoning Rub
- Ribs
- Onion wedge for the bottom of the Crockpot
- 1/4 c Water
- BBQ Sauce This is optional if you want a saucy rib.
Instructions
- Coat your ribs with the BBQ seasoning rub
- Place Onion and Water in the Crockpot
- Place seasoned ribs into the Crockpot
- Cook on High for 4 Hours or Low for 8 Hours
- If you like a saucy rib, the last 30 minutes of cooking time, cover ribs with BBQ Sauce.
- For a crispier ribs you can cook the finished ribs in the Air Fryer at 375 for 5 minutes or the oven at 375 for 10-15 minutres.
- Enjoy!
Crockpot Baked Potato
Ingredients
- Olive Oil and Salt to coat the potato
- Potato
Instructions
- Wash the potato and cover with olive oil and a sprinkling of salt.
- Wrap in foil and cook on High for 4.5-5 Hours or Low for 7.5-8 Hours.
- Unwrap and Enjoy!
I also make Slow Cooker Chex Mix. I use this recipe https://www.chex.com/recipes/original-chex-mix/ but I half the ingredients making it a perfect fit for the 3.5qt Cuisinart Slow Cooker.
The slow cooker is one of the most versatile tools in your kitchen and these recipes prove it. Whether you’re planning snacks, sides, or the main course, there’s almost nothing your crockpot can’t do with a little creativity
If you’re looking to make your life in the kitchen easier while still keeping things delicious, give these ideas a try. You might be surprised just how often you’ll reach for your slow cooker next.
I hope you try these recipes, friend. Let me know if you do, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Have a fabulous day!
What is the name of the company to order green peanuts, please?
I buy them at my local grocery store. They can be tough to find though.
HELLO STACEY I AM GOING TO MAKE THE Caramelized Onions I LIKE TO USE IN PIZZA MY HUSBAND LOVES IT ON HIS PIZZA
THANKS FOR SHARING
Wonderful! I can’t wait to hear what you think.