Hey there, football buffs and foodies A flash in time: the thrill of the game, your friends and buddies gathered around the TV shouting, and a platter of finger-lickin’ morsels everyone’s hollering louder than an end-game touchdown. The day of the game is all about ambiancegood plays, good buddies, and, humility being put aside, good eats. That’s when your slow cooker looks like the MVP of the kitchen, serving up dinner as tasty as it is convenient. You won’t miss a single play if you’re exiled to the kitchen; these recipes allow you to set it, forget it, and party. My first game day party as a hoster was a fiasco badly bumbling before oven timers and stovetop chaos as I struggled to keep pace with the score.
And then the beauty of the slow cooker, and it was absolutely a game-changer. You just dump your ingredients in, let them get to know each other for a few hours, and you have food that will make friends think you’ve been slaving away all day (although in reality, you’ve been playing with your friends). It’s perfect for quarter to quarter plate preheating so you can spend more time high-fiving friends and less time warming plates. With tacky dips and creamy chilis, these 11 slow cooker recipes are just what you’ll want to make your game day platter a legend.
Whether you’re having a wild party or just chillin’ with the people you love, these eats will wow without all the drama. They’re easy, people-pleasers, and packed with flavor everyone will be fighting for (and the recipe). So, break out that slow cooker, slip on your favorite team jersey, and let’s get to the ultimate game day snack menu that’ll have your friends singing your name at final whistle. Ready?
1. Slow Cooker Sausage Cheese Dip
No game-day snack beats a bowl of cheesy, creamy dip surrounded by the entire room in front of the bowl of chips, and this Slow Cooker Sausage Cheese Dip from Slow Cooker Gourmet is the best. It’s the type of appetizer that elicits an instant responsethink gooey melted cheese combined with sausage meat, just waiting to be scooped onto a crunchy chip. I brought this to my friend’s Super Bowl party last year and it was gobbled up quicker than the lead my team had going into the fourth quarter The slow cooker keeps it warm and gooey, so it is game-fresh from kickoff to the final play of the game. This dip is your ticket to be MVP of any game day party.
- Why It’s a Winner: Stays warm and scoopable all the way through.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Serve with chips, crackers, or veggies.
- Easy Prep: Brown the sausage and let the slow cooker do its thing.
- Customizable: Spice it up with jalapeños or use chorizo as a sausage substitute.
This dip reminds me of lazy fall afternoons spent in front of the TV on the couch with my family, all of us fighting over the final scoop. It’s a snap to whip up and uses only a few ingredients that pack immense flavor. The sausage gives it deep, meaty richness, and the cheese melts into creamy bliss that’s inescapable. Serve it over tortilla chips for old-school crunch or sliced bell peppers for a healthier alternative. Either way, it’s a touchdown slam dunk that will leave everyone clamoring for more.
The best part? This recipe is really foolproof, even for a novice cook. Brown the sausage, toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it do its thing while you’re busy screaming at the refs. Low heat = silky smooth texture with no risk of burning, so it’s ideal for long game day. It’s the no-fuss game-day snack to end all no-fuss snacks filled with aggressive flavor and making you capable of absorbing every last second of the game. You’re going to be doubling this recipe, I promisedit’s that good.
Best Cheese Dip
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet For browning meats and sautéing onion
- 1 Slow Cooker Essential for slow melting and holding the dip warm
- 1 Blender For achieving a smooth consistency with the canned tomatoes
- 1 Chef’s knife For dicing the onion and cubing the cheese
- 1 Heat-Resistant Spatula For stirring and scraping during cooking
Ingredients
Main
- ½ pound bulk spicy pork sausage
- ½ pound ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 1 2 pound loaf processed cheese food (such as Velveeta), cubed
- 1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (such as Rotel)
- 1 10.5 ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble sausage and ground beef into the skillet; add onion. Cook and stir until the meat is evenly browned, and no longer pink, about 10 minutes; drain and discard any excess grease. Transfer meat mixture into a slow cooker.
- Layer cheese food cubes atop meat mixture.
- Blend diced tomatoes with green chile peppers in a blender until smooth; pour over cheese cubes along with condensed soup. Stir well and cover.
- Cook on High, stirring occasionally until the cheese is completely melted, about 90 minutes.
Notes
2. Slow Cooker Taco Dip
If you live for big, bold flavors, the Slow Cooker Taco Dip from 365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking is your new game day BFF. It’s like your best taco night in a dippable, comforting comeback, wonderful to spoon over raw vegetables or tortilla chips. I brought this to a playoff party, and the spicy, creamy goodness had everyone crawling all over it. The slow cooker makes all things Mexican-flavored come together in something wonderful. This dip is a party in a bowl, guaranteed to bring the party to any football party
- Party Star: Delivers rich taco flavors to your snack tray.
- Versatile: Goes far with chips, veggies, or even as a taco topping.
- Low Effort: Fill the ingredients and let the slow cooker take over.
- Scalable: Simply double the recipe for parties of twelve or more.
There is something great about a gooey, crunchy dip that screams party, and this one delivers. The hearty meat, strong cheese, and hot spices are a flavor explosion just right for game day snacking. It’s large enough to satisfy but not thick enough to just keep munching away with every play. I like to serve a platter of dipperscorn chips, celery sticks, even pita breadto mix it up and make it interactive. It’s a mini taco bar for all to enjoy without needing to get up and get off the couch.
The slow cooker does make it easy enough to have this dip hot and ready to snack on throughout the whole game. You just get everything put together, place it on low, and let the flavors meld together as you’re getting your game day platter in order or arguing about who the best quarterback is. It’s perfect for hosts who don’t need to be chained in the kitchen all day long but want to impress guests. Grubit’s a way of thinking, bringing humans together by shared scoops and ear-splitting applause. Get ready for this to be the sweetheart of every watch party
3. Slow Cooker Beef and Refried Bean Chili
When the game is close and the weather gets cold, nothing is warmer than a bowl of Kalyn’s Kitchen Slow Cooker Beef and Refried Bean Chili. The hearty, comforting food is a big hug for your mouth with fall-apart beef and full-bodied beans that every bite tastes like heaven. I brought this to a tailgate party one year, and people went through it at halftime They all raved about it The slow cooker makes it simple, and you can watch the game with it while it cooks perfectly. It’s the ultimate comfort food of any football fan.
- Hearty & Filling: Perfect to feed starving game-day throngs.
- Topping Fun: Top with cheese, onions, and more with a chili bar.
- Hands-Off: Slow cooker does all the work so that you can cheer.
- Freezer-Friendly: Double the batch for a fast weeknight dinner.
This is an old-fashioned chili with a twist being that the addition of refried beans gives a creamy texture that offers a different taste than the original. The beef cooks low and slow for hours to melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up all those full-bodied spices so the flavor just gets deeper and deeper with the passing of the hours. It’s one of those foods that just makes you feel all fuzzy and warm inside, just what you need for those chilly autumn game days. Sweetie, I love how it releases this absolutely irresistible fragrance that pervades the entire house and gets everyone into game day spirit. Serve with cornbread or chips for a sprinkle of magic on game day.
I love how easy this recipe is. Sear the beef, toss everything into the slow cooker, and just let it work its magic for hoursno babysitting on the side. It’ll heat up and stay warm, so you can serve yourself when you’re feeling the munchies. You can even set up a toppings bar with shredded cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream and get everyone involved. This is one party pleaser that’s as easy as it is tasty, so your game day is a blast and not any hassle.
4. Crock Pot White Chicken Chili
For a lighter and fresher alternative to chili, Iowa Girl Eats’ White Chicken Chili in the Crock Pot is a overall game day winner. This spicy, hot chili substitutes rich beef with chicken and sweet spices and gives you a just-as-warm but slightly lighter chili The spices blend together as you root for them on, thanks to the miracle of the slow cooker I served this to my friend who dislikes spicy food, and they all devoured it This is a wonderful relief that will shortly surprise and impress your friends. – Light & Flavorful: Less spicy, yet every bit as flavorful.
- Crowd-Friendly: Chili heads and heat haters will both adore it.
- Easy Prep: Shredded chicken makes assembly quick.
- Garnish Game: Lime and cilantro add a zippy zing.
Balance is the key here tender chicken, creamy white beans, and the touch of green chiles create a bright burst of flavor without going overboard. The slow cooker tenderizes the chicken fall-apart, and the broth is just that heavenly creaminess. I just love a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime on top to serve for a flavor bomb. It’s sunshine in your mouth on a chilly game day. Serve with tortilla chips or warm rolls for dipping. I just love how hands-off this recipe is.
You just put all the ingredients into the crockpot in the morning, and then you have a hot, tasty meal ready to be served when game time arrives. It’ll keep you warm for several hours, so all the guests can serve themselves whenever they like without having to reheat. It’s ideal for a crowd of diverse people because it is soft enough for children but powerful enough for adults. This white chicken chili is proof that you don’t have to look to big spices in order to be a flavor winner.
Crock Pot White Chicken Chili
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker (Crock Pot) Essential for this recipe’s convenience.
- 1 Can Opener For opening various canned ingredients.
- 1 Cutting Board For chopping green onions and cilantro.
- 1 Chef’s knife For preparing fresh garnishes.
- 1 Ladle For serving the chili.
Ingredients
Main
- * 2 frozen chicken breast
- * 1 15.5 ounce can black bean, drained
- * 1 15.5 ounce can white bean, drained
- * 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomato
- * 1 14 ounce can chicken broth
- * 1 15.25 ounce can corn, drained
- * 1 cup 8 ounce salsa verde
- * 1 4 ounce can diced green chilie
- * 2 green onion chopped
- * 1 tablespoon lime juice
- * 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- * 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Gather all canned ingredients: black beans, white beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, corn, and diced green chilies.
- Drain and thoroughly rinse the black and white beans to reduce sodium and improve texture.
- Drain the canned corn.
- Place the frozen chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the rinsed black beans, white beans, undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, drained corn, salsa verde, and diced green chilies to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle in the cumin, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded.
- Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in the lime juice and chopped green onions.
- Stir in the fresh chopped cilantro just before serving. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
5. Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs
Punchy finger food is game day’s name of the game, and these Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs from Carlsbad Cravings are a home run (or, you know, touchdown). These little bites combine honey sweetness and buffalo flame in a taste that’s just irresistible. I brought these to a viewing party, and they were devoured before I could have second helpings The slow cooker tenderizes them, saucy, and falls-apart delicious, perfect for dipping on a toothpick. They’re your party favorite at every football party. – Sweet & Spicy: Honey and buffalo sauce are the ultimate pair.
- Grab-and-Go: Toothpicks make them easy to grab and go.
- Make-Ahead: Make ahead and reheat all day long.
- Tailorable: Use the heat level to your group’s liking.
The slow cooker is a total lifesaver with these meatballs, where they can just hang out in that yummy, tangy sauce and end up just bursting with flavor. The low heat makes them soft and juicy, the sauce reduce to a sticky glaze that holds to each bite. I enjoy the fact that they’re substantial enough to be an appetizer but small enough to stuff in your mouth in the middle of a quick inning break. They’re perfect for parties, too, since the guests can grab one and continue cheering. It’s party food in each bite These meatballs are so easy to prepare, you’ll be wondering why you bothered going out of your way for fancy appetizers in the first place.
Simply stir, cook, and let the magic of the slow cooker take over while you’re catching the game. Honey-buffalo flavor is everybody’s favorite, with hot and sweet blended together in a tasty mix that has them all taking second helpings. Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side to dip into, and they’ll be all gone. These Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs are your secret ingredient slam dunk game day party favorite.
6. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is the crowd-pleaser of feeding a big group of hungry game day watchers. This recipe transforms a boring piece of pork into moist, juicy, fall-off-the-bone yum-packed with flavor. I did this at a tailgate one year, and folks were piling it onto sandwiches before I even had a chance to set out the toppings The slow cooker takes care of its job as you watch football It’s a people-pleaser, a do-whatever meal that never disappoints.
- Big Batch: Feeds a group in one sitting or has leftovers.
- Low Effort: Set and let it cook for an entire day of taste.
- Flavor Boost: Add your choice BBQ sauce as a twist.
The best part of pulled pork is the versatility to changeit so go traditional with barbecue sauce or use a cola-spiced glaze for a sweet option. The slow cooker breaks down the meat to fall-apart, sopping up every bit of last drop flavor in the process. I’m completely head over heels about serving it with coleslaw for the best crunchy texture contrast. It’s one of those recipes that perfumes your home with the scent of a barbecue shack and has everyone ready for game day.
You just can’t help but do it right with this reassuring, filling classic. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy hosts. Prep it in the morning, let it cook all day, and by kickoff, you’ve got a mountain of delicious pork ready to serve. The slow cooker keeps it warm, so guests can help themselves throughout the game. It’s perfect for everything from casual watch parties to big tailgates. This pulled pork is a game day staple that’ll have everyone ravingand asking for your secret.
7. Slow Cooker Chex Mix
No football party game day is complete without a crunchy grab snack, and Slow Cooker Chex Mix from Gimme Some Oven is a complete crowd-pleaser. This isn’t your typical store-bought mix-it’s a perfectly seasoned, adjustable mix that’s crunchy and irresistible. I made this for a game party, and it was a dish of hand magnet The slow cooker just does it so hassle-free, toasting everything to just the right degree without having to stir it all the time. It’s the ideal snack to get everyone in good moods between quarters. Endlessly Adjustable: Add nuts, pretzels, or hot seasoning.
- Hands-Free: Slow cooker toasts it perfectly with no work.
- Big Batch: Perfect for a crowd or snacking all week long.
- Kid-Friendly: A party favorite with guests of all ages.
There’s just something so retro about Chex Mixit that makes me think of game days past spent with my dad, snacking away while we watched our team. Slow cooker recipe has each bite just so – crispy and full of rich savory goodness, ranging from classic Worcestershire to innovative additions like maple or dill. I like to add in some additional pretzels or even M&Ms for a bit of extra sweetness. It’s a party snack guaranteed to be the buzz of the event and keep the party vibe going. Set out a big bowl, and it will be devoured The best part about it?
You can make it ahead and have it simmer while you have the rest of your spread prepared. The slow cooker keeps it warm and fresh-tasting so there’s always some out there to graze game long. It’s perfect for a casual snacking or gargantuan buffet. This Chex Mix is easy, offbeat, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser in kids and die-hard fans. It’s proof that plain ingredients become something spectacular with a little slow cooker magic.
8. Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken Taquitos
Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken Taquitos on Creme de la Crumb is the key to a ridiculously wow-dish snack. The cheesy, crispy taquitos blend jalapeno popper’s kick of heat with cozy chicken cooked all day, all wrapped inside a crispy tortilla. I brought these to a game day party, and they were gobbled up in an instantpeople couldn’t get enough. The slow cooker prepares the filling for you so you can just worry about watching the game. They’re the ultimate combination of full flavor and ease of preparation. – Flavor Explosion: Cheesy, spicy, and creamy bite after bite.
- Finger Food: Easy to pick up with a dip to go along.
- Make-Ahead: Make the filling in advance for convenient assembly.
- Adjustable Heat: Use jalapeños to introduce less or more heat based on your choice.
The slow cooker takes care of it all, warming up the chicken to fork-tender bliss. Infused in cheesy goodness and a punch of spice, it’s a filling that’s sinful but great. I just love rolling them up and baking until crispy for that crunching goodness. They’re great with ranch or salsa for dippin’, and they’re a new, interactive snack. These taquitos are a headstopper for game day that will be loved by all. This is an excellent hostess recipe to impress with minimal effort.
The filling is preheated by the slow cooker beforehand so that you can simply fill and bake when it’s time to eat. They are hearty enough to be served as an entree but excellent to serve as an appetizer. Even the hot spice phobe will find them irresistible by adjusting the heat. These taquitos are a delicious party classic for any game day gathering.
9. Honey Lime BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are a game day favorite, and these Honey Lime BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Wings from Slow Cooker Gourmet are absolute perfection. The honey and lime are blended to make a sticky, tangy sauce that is completely unstoppable. I made these for my friend’s watch party, and nobody could shut up about them The slow cooker cooks them through, then broiling them gets them a crispy skin. They are the ultimate finger food for any football fan. – Sticky & Saucy: Honey-lime BBQ glaze is a taste home run.
- Easy Finish: Broil for crispy skin following slow cooking.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for snatching during game time.
- Prep Ahead: Prep ahead and reheat to game time.
The slow cooker makes the wings fall-off-the-bone tender, and it soaks up all that gorgeous colorfully flavored sauce. The broiling gives them a crunchy outside that makes them bite like “regular” wings but with so much less effort. I love how the sweet-tangy flavor is great for anyone from kids on up to the hot pepper lover. They’re so convenient to serve with toothpicks or napkins for mess-free munching. These wings are a game day delight that’ll have fingers licking This is a fantasy of a hostess for busy hosts.
Do the wings in the morning, cook them low and slow, and top them off just as the guests are arriving. The slow cooker will heat them up, so guests may serve themselves whenever they want it. They’re perfect for a casual gathering or big party, lots of flavor and minimal effort. These Honey Lime BBQ wings are going to be a touchdown on your next game day.
10. Crockpot Lil Smokies
No game day party is complete without Crockpot Lil Smokies, the small sausages and saucy goodness never failing a crowd. They’re comfort food, easy to make, and the ideal size for stuffing into your mouth as you cheer on your home team. I took them to a tailgate, and they were gone in an instantkids and adults devoured them The slow cooker makes them nice and moist and saucy, just right for snacking on all game day long. They’re the ideal no-nonsense appetizer for any football game party. – Nostalgic Treat: Back-to-basics grape jelly and chili sauce flavor.
- Super Simple: Sauté and dump for fast prep.
- Shareable: Perfect to spear with toothpicks.
- Flexible Sauce: Try BBQ or sweet-and-sour for a change.
One of the best things about Lil Smokies is that they soak up whatever sauce you serve them up, from old-school grape jelly to brown sugar glaze with a kick. The slow cooker warms them up to just-right perfection and full of flavor, so each bite is a little slice of heaven. I am enjoying how they transport me back to family gatherings and good ol’ game days. They’re suitable for all ages, so they’re a group essential for groups that include people of various ages.
Pull them out, and watch them disappear This recipe is as easy as it getscombine the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and you’re done. It keeps the smokies warm and ready, so guests can help themselves throughout the game. They’re perfect for casual snacking or as part of a bigger spread. The simplicity and universal appeal make them a game day staple. These Crockpot Lil Smokies are your go-to for a stress-free, crowd-pleasing snack.
11. Slow Cooker Deep Dish Cheese Pizza with Cauliflower Crust
Treat yourself to a delicious, unexpected game day snack by preparing the Slow Cooker Deep Dish Cheese Pizza with Cauliflower Crust from Slow Cooker Gourmet. Your slow cooker can make a cheesy, gooey pizza? Absolutely. I made this for a game day party, and it was a total conversation starterpeople loved the lighter cauliflower crust It’s a lighter version of a favorite that never gives up flavor. This pizza is a game day showstopper that will blow all your guests away.
- Defining Twist: Cauliflower crust gives it a lighter touch. – No Oven Necessary: Slow cooker makes it easy.
- Cheesy Dream: Flavors deliciously melty and great to slice.
- Conversation Starter: Your friends will love the genius twist.
- Slow cooker perfects bubbly cheese and crust without heating up your kitchen.
Cauliflower crust is sturdy enough to hold all that cheesy goodness, so it’s a perfect option for the low-carb dieter. I like to cut it into squares and have everyone serve up a square at halftime. It’s a fun, interactive meal that’s full of flavor but snuck veggies in the bargain. It’s proof your slow cooker can do anything This is the perfect dish for hosts who want to mix things up. Prepare it ahead, let it cook low, and have it hot and fresh during game’s peak.
The slow cooker will stay warm, so the guests can have a slice when they want. It’s a simple, effective way to include pizza on your game day spread. This slow cooker, deep-dish showstopper is the pièce de résistance of your slow cooker game day spread.Hello, football enthusiasts and foodies A moment in time: the fervor of the game, your friends and friends gathered ’round the TV cheering, and a platter of finger-lickin’ bites that everyone’s calling out louder than an end-game touchdown.
