Many of us use our slow cookers all winter long for everything from pork shoulders to pot roasts, but that doesn't mean they should put away as soon as the weather finally warms up again. In fact, now that we've gotten into using the slow cooker for warm-weather foods (including desserts — seriously!), we're not sure we're going to find the need to heat the house up by turning the oven on at all this summer, especially on Memorial Day.
And while a lot of dishes we tend to associate with Memorial Day weekend are amazing on the grill, planning a party around grilling also means planning a party around a piece of cooking equipment in limited space that often takes a long time to heat up — and that's only really fun to use in really nice weather. So in case of rain, or just for some additional dishes for the party, these are great bets.
We also know that with all the planning for fun and sun with family and friends, we can forget the true meaning behind this important holiday weekend. We are so grateful to our country's service members for giving us all the opportunity to get to spend this time safely with the people we love, and want to offer up 10 Memorial Day quotes to share with your friends and family along with your delicious meal. Memorial Day is a beautiful time to spend with our loved ones, but that's because of the sacrifices our service members make — and we want to be respectful of that.
These Crock-Pot recipes are perfect for a Memorial Day get-together because they're casual, delicious, and fun for the whole family — there are some seriously kid-friendly dishes here. They're also a perfect addition to finding ways to celebrate Memorial Day besides a barbecue and are really good for leaving the grill open for more unusual fare.
A lot of these recipes are also perfect for bringing to a Memorial Day weekend picnic or potluck, as many of them travel beautifully, and they're ideal for both kids and adults alike to get snacking on while the grill gets going.
More from CafeMom: 38 Summer Barbecue Ideas for a Delicious Backyard Soiree
Pulled Chicken
This simple recipe for pulled chicken in a Crock-Pot is so simple and flavorful — and who doesn't love chicken barbecue? Perfect to bring to a potluck or serve at home for a Memorial Day celebration.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken
We love jerk chicken, but it often takes a lot of effort. With this 5-ingredient slow cooker jerk chicken recipe, just pick up a great jerk seasoning and go to town — pretty much any cut of chicken works for this versatile recipe.
Crock-Pot Bacon Ranch Potato Salad
Um, add bacon and ranch to anything and we're in. This Crock-Pot bacon ranch potato salad is a total crowd-pleaser, and it's perfect for a special occasion like Memorial Day. Goes great with anything hot off the grill, too!
Crock-Pot Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Crock-Pot cheesy chicken tater tot casserole is totally amazing comfort food perfect for a low-key Memorial Day weekend get-together. Given all the cheese and bacon, everyone in the family is going to love it.
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Barbecue Ribs
There is basically nothing easier than this 3-ingredient slow cooker Dr. Pepper barbecue ribs. Wow kids by using their favorite soda in a meat dish (what! so cool!) — and don't worry, it'll be loved by grown-ups, too.
4-Ingredient Easy Chili Cheese Slow Cooker Dogs
These 4-ingredient easy chili cheese slow cooker dogs are a perfect low-key Memorial Day weekend meal, and so perfect for the pickiest kids (and parents who are totally into the occasional indulgence).
Pizza Burgers
Can't decide on pizza or burgers? Why not try pizza burgers? Get all the flavors of a pizza, but with the ease and tastiness of a burger. Totally great for kids of all ages.
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Teriyaki
Great for sandwiches or served with rice or noodles, this slow cooker pulled chicken teriyaki is so tender and juicy, with tangy-sweet teriyaki sauce. The leftovers are incredible, too, if there's anything remaining!
Crock Pot Cheesy Bacon Dip
We love serving a dip at any gathering, and this Crock-Pot cheesy bacon dip is basically the most classic crowd-pleaser we can imagine. Serve with tortilla chips and vegetable sticks, like zucchini, carrots, and celery.
Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Flavored with ranch dressing and taco mix, this slow cooker taco soup offers familiar Tex-Mex flavors perfect for folks coming over for a Memorial Day party — without taking a ton of time. Goes great with a side salad (and a beer, for the grown-ups).
Slow Cooker Ham With Brown Sugar Glaze
For a big Memorial Day weekend party, take it easy with this slow cooker ham with brown sugar glaze — it takes just five minutes of prep, requires just three ingredients for the glaze, and looks and tastes like so much more effort. The slow cooker does everything!
Slow Cooker Sweet Corn & Jalapeno Dip
We love this slow cooker sweet corn and jalapeno dip, especially served with those big tortilla chips (or the scoopy kind of Fritos). Adjust the spiciness for the family's preferences, but this one isn't as spicy as one might imagine looking at the ingredients.
Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Chicken Dip
OK, we've all had a buffalo chicken dip (and it's amazing, let's be real) but why not mix things up with this similarly spicy slow cooker honey sriracha chicken dip? So simple to make, and amazing with a bag of tortilla chips.
Crock-Pot Beer Brats
The slow cooker is so good in the winter, but it's also amazing for warm weather cooking for dishes like this one: Crock-Pot Beer Brats. We love those German (and Midwestern!) sausages, and while we love to grill them, they're even better in beer, in our opinion.
Crock-Pot Cowboy Chicken Chili Mac
Cowboy-style meats are so yummy (and the name makes kids' ears perk up, for sure). This cowboy chicken chili mac is a great one-pot meal that's made even simpler in a slow cooker.
Crock-Pot Frito Chili Pie
Anyone who wants to pretend they're too fancy for Crock-Pot Frito chili pie is lying to themselves, amirite? Homemade chili is so easy to make in a slow cooker — then just add a bunch of shredded cheddar and a big handful of Fritos.
Crock-Pot Barbecue Lit'L Smokies
Crock-Pot barbecue Lit'L Smokies are one of those childhood foods that I challenge anyone to have actually outgrown. This recipe makes a throwback party appetizer for a crowd, and kids absolutely adore it.
Crock Pot Creamy Ranch Chicken & Potatoes
This Crock-Pot creamy ranch chicken and potatoes is so easy, and it won't heat up the oven even a little bit. Delicious served with a side salad and maybe some roasted asparagus.
Easy Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs
Look, ribs are always a good idea, but they're even better when they're incredibly easy — like when they're made in the slow cooker instead of on the grill. Check out these slow cooker barbecue ribs for a classic Memorial Day treat.
Slow Cooker Berry Cobbler
Berry cobblers scream summer, but heating up the whole kitchen with the oven at 350 for an hour is no fun when it's sweltering outside. Instead, make life easier by trying out this amazingly delicious, super easy slow cooker berry cobbler.
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Keep these recipes to your Pinterest boards to celebrate Memorial Day with your family!
