Need an easy appetizer for your next party, game day, or holiday get-together? These 25 Crock Pot appetizers are budget-friendly, mostly hands-off, and stay warm right in the slow cooker so you can actually enjoy your own party instead of running back to the kitchen. From cheesy dips and saucy meatballs to wings and a couple of sweet treats, there’s an easy, wallet-friendly option here for every crowd.
Why You’ll Love These Crock Pot Appetizers
- Something for every party. From cheesy dips to saucy meatballs, wings, and a couple of sweet bites, this list has an easy option for game day, holidays, or just a casual get-together.
- Budget-friendly. Most of these recipes use simple, affordable ingredients like cheese, canned goods, and frozen meatballs — perfect for feeding a crowd without a big grocery bill.
- Hands-off prep. Toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away. No standing at the stove while your guests are in the other room.
- Stays warm for hours. The “warm” setting keeps dips and finger foods at the perfect temperature all party long, so nothing gets cold or gummy.
- Frees up your oven and stovetop. Let the crock pot handle the appetizers while you use your oven and stove for the main dishes.
How Many Appetizers Do I Need for a Party?
As a rule of thumb, plan on 2 to 3 different appetizers if you’re also serving a meal. If appetizers are the main event — like game day or a holiday open house — plan on 4 to 6.
For dips, figure about 2 to 3 tablespoons per guest. For meatballs or wings, plan on 4 to 5 pieces per person if there’s other food, too. If the appetizers are dinner, go with 8 to 10 pieces per person.
Can you keep appetizers warm in a crock pot?
Yes, it is so easy to keep appetizers warm in the slow cooker. Just about every crock pot has a warm setting that is perfect to keep these appetizers warm.
Once everything has cooked, turn the setting to warm and you are set. This is an easy way to keep food warm until ready to serve.
We do this for just about all parties and they are warm for the entire time. It is a great way to serve appetizers and have them taste warm and delicious.
Slow cooking is the way to go when serving appetizers. The food stays warm and your kitchen stays cool. It also frees up precious oven and stove space for other dishes.
1. BBQ Little Smokies Crock Pot Recipe
The barbecue sauce combined with the little smokies tastes so delicious. They are really tender and packed with flavor. This is one of the easiest recipes but always so popular with party guests.
2. Crock Pot White Cheese Dip Recipe
If you love ordering cheese dip at Mexican restaurants, this is a must try recipe. It is so rich and creamy while being super easy. I love how the crock pot keeps it warm and the perfect texture.
3. Crock Pot Cheeseburger Dip
This dip is so filling that it is almost like a meal. From the cheese and ground beef to the tortilla chips for dipping, it is always a crowd pleaser. Our family request this often because it is so cheesy and yummy.
4. Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Spice things up with this easy Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip. Each bite is so creamy and loaded with chicken. You can enjoy all the flavors of buffalo chicken in this impressive dip recipe.
5. Crock Pot Sweet and Spicy Meatballs Recipe
These sweet and spicy meatballs always go fast at parties. The brown sugar and hot sauce taste delicious after being slow cooked with the meatballs. It is the perfect combination.
6. Crock Pot Teriyaki Meatballs
You only need 4 ingredients to make these sweet and savory meatballs. The teriyaki flavor is delicious. Just be prepared for these to go super fast at your next party or gathering.
7. Crock Pot Drumsticks
Drumsticks make the best appetizer for Game Day. Learn how to cook them in the crock pot for a really easy recipe. You will love how much time you save from standing over the stove.
8. Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs
Try these sweet and sour slow cooker grape jelly meatballs. This is one of my go to recipes for parties. You can also use chili sauce for this versatile recipe.
9. Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings
Enjoy all the amazing flavor of buffalo when you make these Buffalo Chicken wings. They are even better dipped in ranch or blue cheese. Pair them with a veggie tray and you are set.
10. Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders
There is so much to love about these sliders. Each bite is packed with tender chicken, lots of buffalo sauce, cheese and more. They are the perfect size for parties and holidays.
11. Crock Pot Cream Cheese Taco Dip
With only 5 simple ingredients, this recipe is so easy. The cream cheese gives the dip such a rich and creamy texture blended with the ground beef. It is very filling and has lots of taco flavor.
12. Crock Pot BBQ Ranch Drumsticks
There is so much Ranch flavor in these drumsticks. Top with green onion for a burst of flavor and pop of color. Anyone that loves ranch definitely needs to try this recipe.
13. Crockpot Chili Cheese Dip
It’s hard to believe you only need 3 ingredients for this recipe. It comes together for a hearty chili cheese dip. It is fabulous and super addictive.
14. Crock Pot French Onion Soup
The richness of this soup is so comforting and flavorful. Serve with bowls topped with melted cheese and toasty bread. It is an all around tasty appetizer for any meal.
15. Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Fans of artichoke dip need to try it in the slow cooker. It is the easiest way to cook this and always turns out perfect. Serve it with crackers or tortilla chips.
16. Crockpot BBQ Meatballs
Hearty eaters will be thrilled to see BBQ Meatballs on the appetizer menu. They are so tender and packed with flavor.
17. Crock Pot Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs
The tangy pineapple sauce and savory BBQ make a great flavor combination. It is fabulous on meatballs in the slow cooker .
18. Crock Pot Sausage Cheese Dip
Take cheese dip up a level with this recipe for Sausage Cheese Dip. It is loaded with a tasty cheese and sausage blend but so easy to make.
19. Crock Pot Honey Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Jazz up plain meatballs with the combination of honey and buffalo flavor. This is a great dish for any party.
20. Crock Pot Rotel Dip Recipe
Rotel is always a pleasant addition to dips and this one does not disappoint. It has the perfect amount of heat without being overly spicy.
21. Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup
This filling Broccoli Cheese soup is packed with the best ingredients. Everyone will enjoy being served a warm bowl of soup for a flavorful appetizer.
22. Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup
Potato Soup is so easy in the slow cooker. It literally does all of the work and turns out so creamy and tender. Just add sour cream for topping and green onion.
23. Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs
24. Pepperoni Pizza Dip
Everyone can enjoy everything they love about Pizza in this low carb dip recipe. It is so creamy and full of pizza flavor. The recipe can even be customized with your favorite toppings.
25. Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Sweet cinnamon rolls and decadent icing come together for the perfect casserole. It is made in the slow cooker for a great recipe without much work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Once your dip, meatballs, or wings are done cooking, just switch the setting to “warm.” Almost every slow cooker has this setting, and it will keep your appetizer at the perfect serving temperature for hours without drying it out or overcooking it.
A small 1.5 to 3-quart slow cooker is perfect for dips and smaller finger foods, since it keeps portions from spreading out and drying on the sides. For meatballs, wings, or anything serving a big crowd, a full-size 6-quart crock pot gives you more room to stir and serve.
Yes — most of the recipes on this list cost just a few dollars to make. Dips built around cream cheese and canned ingredients, and meatballs made with a jar of sauce, are some of the most affordable party foods you can serve, especially compared to ordering appetizers out or buying a pre-made veggie and cheese tray. See our budget-friendliest picks below.
Many of these recipes can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated, then added to the crock pot the morning of your party. This is an easy way to save time on the day of your event — just add a little extra cook time if you’re starting with cold ingredients.
Most of these recipes double easily as long as your crock pot is large enough to hold the extra volume. If you’re doubling a dip or meatball recipe, plan on adding 30 to 60 extra minutes of cook time and stir occasionally so everything heats evenly.
The next time you need an easy appetizer for a party, game day, or holiday, save this list. With this many budget-friendly options, you can mix and match a few dips, one meatball recipe, and a sweet treat and feed a crowd without turning on your oven or spending a fortune. You might also want to try our New Year’s Eve Appetizers.
Let us know in the comments which one you try first!
I did not see a link for the French Onion Soup. Love your recipes! Alot of these are familiar and easy to make!
I’m sorry about that! Here is the French Onion Soup recipe: https://www.eatingonadime.com/french-onion-soup/ I hope you enjoy it, and thank you so much for the kind words!