Essential Crock Pot Tailgating Recipes

The slow cooker is the perfect take-along appliance for tailgating. Just cook the dish and keep it as hot as possible in a cooler or blankets for transport. For serving, plug a power inverter into your vehicle's accessory socket, and plug in the slow cooker.

Even if you're using a grill for most of your food, the slow cooker can be used to keep hot dog toppings and side dishes hot for serving.

Here are some excellent options for game day, from pulled pork or chicken to meatballs and sausages.

01 of 12

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

The Spruce

A tangy homemade barbecue sauce makes this shredded chicken flavorful and juicy. Serve the chicken on split grilled buns with coleslaw and baked beans, along with sliced dill pickles and your favorite side dishes for barbecue.
02 of 12

Classic Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Keep this delicious hot dog sauce hot in the slow cooker to serve with grilled or steamed hot dogs. Or make this hearty spiced beef and bean Cincinnati chili for a topping.
03 of 12

Slow Cooker Pulled Ham

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Tender shredded ham is a delicious change of pace from the everyday pulled pork barbecue. Serve the meat on soft buns with Mustard Sauce or your favorite condiments.
04 of 12

Slow Cooker Beef Fajitas

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

These well-seasoned beef fajitas are super easy to cook in the slow cooker with sliced flank steak or skirt steak.

Continue to 5 of 12 below.
05 of 12

Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Sloppy Joes are a fabulous party food. Serve the ground beef mixture on soft grilled or toasted buns.
06 of 12

Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

No room for your corn on the grill? Try this easy slow cooker method! Sprinkle with bacon or brush the corn with butter and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
07 of 12

Texas Pulled Pork

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

A Texas-style barbecue sauce flavors this succulent, great-tasting pulled pork. The slow cooker makes preparation a snap.
08 of 12

Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

The Spruce

This dish is an easy macaroni and cheese recipe to prepare and cook in the slow cooker. Or, put your favorite baked macaroni and cheese in a buttered slow cooker and heat for serving.

Continue to 9 of 12 below.
09 of 12

Linda's Crock Pot Chicken Wings

The Spruce

These chicken wings are incredibly easy to fix, and they cook nearly hands-free in the slow cooker. Jazz them up with some sesame seeds or sliced green onions.
10 of 12

Slow Cooker "Baked" Potatoes

The Spruce

These potatoes are the perfect side dish for grilled steaks or chops. Or set up a stuffed potato bar with beefy chili, sour cream, and chives, broccoli with cheese sauce, crumbled bacon, sausage gravy, and other toppings.
11 of 12

Game Day Chili with Ground Beef

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Serve this easy, hearty chili with cornbread and coleslaw, or use it as a topping for hot dogs or baked potatoes.
12 of 12

Crock Pot Hot Dog and Bacon Appetizer Bites

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

These little hot dog bites make a delicious pre-game snack, and you only need three ingredients.