No one wants to spend more time than necessary in the kitchen, especially on a holiday. So why not fire up the slow cooker this St. Patrick’s Day so you can just set it, forget it, and spend time with the family? Because the slow cooker is designed to cook food low and slow, it’s the perfect appliance for cooking tough cuts of meat, but there are so many other recipes you can make with it, too.
Maria Higgins is a nutrition coach and mom of two who uses her slow cooker regularly to help her meal plan and save time and money. “Since I do weekly bulk cooking, I know what I have on hand in the pantry or freezer. Building my grocery list each week takes 5-10 minutes,” Higgins wrote on her blog. “I always start with the recipes I’ve picked and move to other staples or snacks to fill in the week.”
Check out these St. Patrick’s Day recipes just for the slow cooker!
Start your day with slow cooker cooking for St. Patrick's Day
Slow cooker recipes for dessert
Finish off your meal with a slow cooker dessert recipe you can whip up in advance or leave your kids on dessert duty, while you tend to the adult beverages.
- Your kids will love helping in the kitchen when this St. Patrick’s Day Crockpot Candy is on the menu. It’s just a matter of dropping in the ingredients and mixing until combined!
- Another fun recipe for the kids to try on their own is this St. Paddy’s Day Fudge. While you don’t need a slow cooker to make it, it’s a great activity to help pass the time while they’re waiting for dinner.
- Everyone’s favorite cereal turned snack is center stage with these Crock-pot St. Paddy’s Mint Muddy Buddies</a>; again another easy one that gets the kids helping in the kitchen.
- And of course, we can’t forget a St. Patrick’s Day recipe just for the adults! Finish off the evening with a Slow Cooker Bailey’s Irish Cream Hot Chocolate — it’s the perfect end to a chilly winter night, or leave out the Bailey’s for a family-friendly after-dinner treat!