Get ready for football season this year with these amazing crockpot tailgate recipes! Simple chicken recipes, slow cooker dip, meaty recipes, and more. All good food, perfect for your next tailgating party.
Crockpot Tailgate Food
Making a slow cooker version of your favorite main dish meals, easy appetizers, and side dishes is a great way to prepare for game day.
There are so many different options that you can choose from that will get your day started without having to spend time in the kitchen preparing food for your friends and family to take with you to the big game.
Stop by the grocery store and pick up some chicken breasts, frozen meatballs, ground beef, chicken wings, and more to pair with pantry staples to start making some of these easy crock pot recipes.
Why you’ll love these crock pot tailgate recipes
- Different Categories – This list is sure to have something for everyone. There are cheesy dips, vegetarian options, meaty recipes, and more!
- Double Duty – The best thing about these recipes is that most double as easy weeknight dinners!
- Not just for tailgating – Whatever kind of social occasion you’re gathering for, these recipes are perfect for feeding a crowd. Even if it’s just Sunday night dinner.
Which slow cooker should I get?
I have used a Hamilton Beach Set & Forget slow cooker for years and still highly recommend it. You can read my full review here.
Easy slow cooker recipes
Slow cooker recipes require very little attention and prep time which makes them perfect for serving at parties.
Use your favorite slow cooker recipes to make hearty appetizers, easy macaroni, or beefy chili.
This list of the best tailgate food recipes will help you make the ultimate game day meal for your friends and family.
Let’s dive in!
How do you keep a crockpot warm at a tailgate?
Many cars now have outlets that you can plug directly into but if not, you can order a power inverter that plugs into the car lighter for electrical access.
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip has just FIVE ingredients and it makes a big batch that's perfect for parties, get-togethers, or game days! This dip couldn't be easier to make because it's a slow cooker dip recipe! Put the ingredients into a crock pot and you can serve the dip right from the slow cooker, too!
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Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatball Recipe
Tender meatballs slow cooked in a simple grape jelly and chili sauce. These meatballs make for the perfect simple savory party appetizer or easy dinner idea!
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Cajun Ranch Party Chex Mix
Cajun Chex Mix – Bold, spicy, and full of texture. This party Chex mix recipe has everything –Â A flavorful cajun spice blend paired with garlic, onion, butter, and ranch seasoning for a snack experience your guest will never forget! Throw it in the slow cooker, heat, and serve!
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Slow Cooker Queso Blanco
Slow Cooker Queso Blanco (aka white queso dip) is made with just four ingredients and no Velveeta! Restaurant quality made in just minutes in the crockpot.
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Copycat Chili’s Queso
Recreate your favorite cheesy dip with this copycat Chili's queso recipe! Made with just a few simple ingredients added to the slow cooker to cook low and slow until that cheesy, beefy dip is infused with plenty of seasoning and spice!
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Slow Cooker Bacon and Cheese Dip Recipe
This bacon and cheese dip is rich, creamy, and loaded with crispy bacon, all made easy in the slow cooker. It’s a warm, gooey crowd-pleasing crockpot dip that stays perfectly scoopable for parties, game day, and entertaining.
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Slow Cooker Sausage Cheese Dip
Slow Cooker Sausage Cheese Dip is a warm cheesy dip made with Velveeta and cream cheese and loaded with crumbled sausage, tomatoes, and green chiles. Once the meat is cooked, it's a dump-and-set recipe that you can make as mild or as spicy as you'd like. Serve it with your favorite dippers and this crockpot dip will have everyone asking for more!
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Buffalo Ranch Crockpot Chicken Wings
Buffalo ranch crockpot chicken wings combine buffalo sauce and ranch into one utterly delicious flavor combination. Smothered in a tangy, spicy, zesty sauce, the wings are slow cooked until the meat falls off the bones then made crispy and caramelized under the broiler!
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Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes with Olive Oil & Kosher Salt
Slow cooked baked potatoes infused with olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper. They're soft, tender, and melt in your mouth delicious! Get a restaurant-quality baked potato at home in your crockpot! Enjoy them as-is or with your favorite toppings.
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Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs
These Honey Garlic Meatballs are sweet with a little bit of heat. Made easy in the slow cooker, they are perfect for dinner or to serve as an appetizer.
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Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese
Buffalo chicken mac and cheese slow cooker style! Creamy, cheesy, spicy, and so easy—this crockpot comfort food is packed with tender chicken, buffalo sauce, and a rich homemade cheese sauce.
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Crockpot Hot Dog Chili
Full of flavor, this Crockpot Hot Dog Chili makes an ordinary hot dog extra delicious. Made in the slow cooker, it is the perfect addition to a hot dog bar with toppings, or serving on top of fries or burgers!
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Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is everything you love about Buffalo Wings in the form of a cozy bowl of flavorful chili! Complete with tender shredded chicken, tangy Buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, tomatoes with green chiles, and cream cheese, this buffalo chicken chili recipe has it all. No wonder it's always a crowd favorite!
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Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
This thick and hearty slow cooker chili recipe is filling, easy, and full of flavor. Cooked slowly in the crockpot and then loaded with your favorite toppings, this meal makes everyone happy!
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Easy Slow Cooker Chili Mac and Cheese
This easy slow cooker chili mac and cheese has everything you love about two classic comfort dishes! Loads of beefy chili, tender noodles and melted cheese, coated in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. It’s easy to make in the crockpot and the perfect meal to come home to!
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Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs
Slow cooker Hawaiian meatballs are made with frozen meatballs, canned pineapple, peppers, onions, and a sweet and tangy sauce. This dump-and-go crockpot recipe makes the perfect appetizer or a main dish that the whole family will love!
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Slow Cooker Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Easy and flavorful Slow Cooker Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are made with ground turkey or beef and stuffed with cheese. Served over zoodles, or your favorite noodle, this is a healthy and delicious recipe made right in your crockpot!
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Crock Pot Brisket Recipe with BBQ Sauce
Slow cooker beef brisket is fall-apart tender, packed with BBQ flavor, and effortless to make. Just set it and forget it—perfect for weeknights or weekend meals.
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Crock Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Easy, slow cooker spinach artichoke dip is a hit at every party! This cheesy and delicious, no-mayo version is made right in the crock pot!
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Easy Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken Meatballs
Slow cooker firecracker meatballs come together in minutes, are quickly seared, and then smothered in a sweet and spicy firecracker sauce and cooked low and slow until tender and juicy. Serve these flavorful meatballs over rice as a meal or on their own as an easy appetizer!
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3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs
Tender meatballs, slow-cooked in a teriyaki glaze with chunks of succulent pineapple for the perfect pairing of tangy, salty, and sweet. These meatballs make for the ideal savory party appetizer or easy dinner idea!
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Easy Crock Pot Frito Chili Pie
Easy Crock Pot Frito Chili Pie is soul-warming comfort food that is made with slow-cooked beefy chili, crunchy Fritos corn chips, and melted cheese served over more crunchy Fritos. This hearty recipe is so easy to make using simple ingredients, serves a dinner crowd, and is a fan favorite no matter the occasion!
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Crock Pot BBQ Chicken
Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is an easy pulled chicken recipe made right in your slow cooker. There are only six ingredients in this quick and flavorful recipe which makes it perfect for a simple dinner or your next potluck.
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Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
This old fashioned sloppy joes recipe is made extra easy in the slow cooker! The meat mixture slow cooks for hours and then is ready to pile onto a bun. This easy recipe is perfect for the whole family and makes enough for a crowd.
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Italian Crockpot Beef Recipe
This slow cooker Italian beef is packed with flavor and perfect for easy subs. Just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep for tender, zesty beef that’s ready when you are.
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Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are a crowd favorite and the best part is, you only need FOUR ingredients to make this easy appetizer in the crock pot.
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Crock Pot Ranch Mushrooms
With only 4 ingredients this recipe is so easy, plus delicious. It’s the perfect party appetizer with only a few minutes of prep. Buttery, ranch flavored mushrooms that will be gone in seconds!
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Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
This slow cooker hot chocolate recipe is the absolute BEST! It’s the perfect consistency, right between thin and thick. It’s smooth, rich, and drinks like velvet.
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3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
There are only 3 ingredients in this easy, no boil Mac and Cheese and it's made in the slow cooker! No butter or flour but full of creamy, cheesy flavor that only takes minutes to prep.
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Slow Cooker Lasagna
Leave the oven off and make Slow Cooker Lasagna tonight! Layers of meaty sauce, noodles, and cheese make this easy, comforting crockpot dinner a winner.
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Slow Cooker Green Enchilada Soup with Chicken
Slow Cooker Green Enchilada Soup takes everything you love about salsa verde chicken enchiladas and puts it in soup form. It's especially easy because it's a crock pot recipe!
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Meatballs in Crock Pot: Bourbon Flavor
Meatballs in a crock pot are a hearty appetizer EVERYONE just loves! Whether you are going to the office potluck, a Super Bowl Party, or hosting for the holidays, count on these meatballs in crock pot with bourbon flavor as your go-to dish. Everyone will want your recipe! Hi, this is Heather from To…
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Crockpot Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
This sweet and savory Crockpot Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork is so incredibly juicy, flavorful and fall-apart tender. If you’re looking for the perfect stress-free meal, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe is ideal for an easy lunch or dinner option, or for those times when you are feeding a hungry…
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Loaded Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Dip
Perfect for holidays, parties or tailgating Loaded Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Dip is delicious! With cheeses and bacon, you know it’ll be a great appetizer.
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Honey Glazed Bacon Wrapped Smokies
These 4-ingredient bacon wrapped smokies are dangerously good! Smokies wrapped in bacon then glazed with brown sugar and honey!
GET THE RECIPESlow Cooker Chicken Wings
Buffalo ranch crockpot chicken wings combine buffalo sauce and ranch into one utterly delicious flavor combination. Smothered in a tangy, spicy, zesty sauce, the wings are slow cooked until the meat falls off the bones then made crispy and caramelized under the broiler!
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Crockpot Spinach Dip {Healthy Spinach Dip}
Crockpot Spinach Dip is a delicious way to enjoy spinach parmesan dip at your next tailgate party. This easy & healthy spinach dip is the perfect appetizer!
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Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
Cranberry meatballs are sweet and tangy and bursting with flavor. It’s easier than ever to make these sweet and zesty meatballs in the slow cooker, with a sauce that takes them to the next level.
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Crock Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Crock Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole ~ Easy Slow Cooker Twist on a Classic Tater Tot Casserole! It’s creamy, cheesy and comfort food made easy!
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Crockpot Coca-Cola Meatballs Recipe
Crockpot Coca-Cola meatballs are a deliciously easy appetizer or dinner. Made with just a few ingredients, they're sweet, tangy, and always a hit!
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Sweet & Spicy Slow Cooker Chicken Wings
Fix it and forget it, these Sweet & Spicy Slow Cooker Chicken Wings are the perfect appetizer! With a little kick and a hint of sweetness they are delicious.
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Slow Cooker Seven Layer Dip
Everyone is going to love this Slow Cooker Seven Layer Dip. It’s a simple dip recipe that packs in a ton of flavor and taste. Great for game day!
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Slow Cooker Beef Queso Dip
Slow Cooker Beef Queso Dip is easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and in the crockpot. Meaty, cheesy, and perfectly spicy, it’s the ultimate party food!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Sandwich
This slow cooker chicken sandwich is sure to be a hit at your party! A Cobblestone roll with shredded barbecue chicken, cheese, cole slaw and onion strings!
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Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
Sausage and Peppers is a classic Italian-American comfort food dish; I’ve added my own spin on it by cooking it in the slow cooker!
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Chili Cranberry Fusion Meatballs
Chili Cranberry Fusion Meatballs is a slow cooker holiday appetizer made with cranberry and chili combined with chicken meatballs.
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Slow Cooker Spicy Orange Pork Roast
This Slow Cooker Spicy Orange Pork Roast is an easy to make pork roast with lots of great flavor! Eat it sliced or shred it to use in lettuce wraps.
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Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
Easy Slow Cooker Apple Crisp with brown sugar cinnamon oat topping is the perfect way to use some of your favorite apples. Served warm or cold, this dessert is a favorite!
GET THE RECIPEEasy crockpot tailgate recipes
This roundup of crockpot recipes will make you the MVP of your next tailgate party or Super Bowl Sunday!
You can prep the ingredients the day before and then throw everything together the next day for your tailgating party and some good old-fashioned family fun.
With these easy recipes, you can whip up game-day food in no time.
When you’re done with the slow cooker recipes, try these easy chocolate covered peanut butter footballs for dessert!
Which one are you trying first?
Did You Make This?
If you made this recipe, I’d love to know how it went in the comments section below.
You can also tag me on Instagram – @melissa_ppplates or share a pic in the Persnickety Plates Community Facebook group. I love seeing what you’ve tried!
Originally published October 6, 2021
