34 Tasty Summer Slow Cooker Recipes That Keep Your Kitchen Cool
Your slow cooker isn't just for winter soups and stews. Keep the heat in your kitchen to a minimum with your slow cooker.
Turn to these creative summer slow cooker recipes for a seasonal dish that won't heat up your entire kitchen as your oven might. Our slow cooker summer dinner and dessert ideas include picnic-perfect chicken sandwiches, saucy barbecue, plus fresh twists on classic warm-weather desserts like peach cobbler.
Related: The 10 Best Slow Cookers For One-Pot Meals, Soups, and Casseroles
Mediterranean Chicken and Wheat Berry Salad
Equal parts light and hearty, this summer slow cooker recipe is designed to be prepped ahead, so try this for a make-ahead dinner or a meal prep lunch idea. While the slow cooker preps the wheat berries, shake together the citrusy dressing, then toss with leftover shrimp or rotisserie chicken.
Related: How to Clean a Slow Cooker, Including Tough Stuck-On Stains
Fast or Slow Cheesy Chili Mac
Rather than choosing one or the other, keep the peace with this comfort food concept. This summer slow cooker recipe will please all of your family's kids (and kids at heart). But most importantly, it's like a mash-up of two school lunch favorites, chili and mac and cheese—which will cure all the cravings until the bell rings again.
Tomatillo Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
The spice is right in this summer slow cooker recipe. Cilantro, lime, tomatillos (those tasty green tomatoes in season come summer), and garlic give the simmer sauce loads of Mexican flair. Allow that green salsa to infuse into each ounce of the chicken during its two-hour shift in the slow cooker, then serve it as a wrap or sandwich.
Related: 14 Delicious Mexican Chicken Recipes to Add to Your Meal Rotation
Tangy Molasses Barbecue Ribs
You're just 15 minutes of effort away from getting this summer slow cooker recipe all set to "barbecue" itself. The secret for these saucy ribs lies in the rub that calls for brown sugar, dry mustard, smoked paprika, and garlic salt for blue ribbon-worthy meat. Simmer in an easy molasses- and mustard-forward homemade barbecue sauce for finger-licking results.
Braised Chickpeas with Midsummer Vegetables
Put your bumper crop of tomatoes, zucchini, and sweet corn to good use by whipping up this veggie side dish. Serve this summer slow cooker recipe at a potluck or a backyard barbecue for a produce-centric play on a shrimp boil. Everything from grilled steak to smoked chicken work marvelously to round out the seasonal meal.
Pesto Chicken Sandwiches
Instead of assembling sandwiches one by one for your picnic, pack this summer slow cooker meal that serves eight in one. Slather ciabatta bread with pesto mayo and layer on the slow-cooked chicken, mushroom, and zucchini blend. Slice and split for a recipe that will likely change your definition of "chicken sandwich."
Related: 32 Fresh Zucchini Recipes to Squash Your Summer Cravings
Low-Sugar Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Skip the store-bought barbecue sauce and dress up your succulent, shredded meat with this date-sweetened, just-so-happens-to-be-Paleo mixture. One drop, and you'll never want to buy a bottle again. This slow cooker summer dinner recipe isn't just about the tomato-based blend, though. The real star of the show is the smoky and ultra-savory pork shoulder that practically falls apart after cooking low and slow.
Spicy Pulled Pork
Unlike many grilled, barbecued, and smoked meats, after just 15 minutes of prep time, this summer slow cooker recipe is ready to set and forget. A cup of Dr. Pepper soda lends a sweet counterpart to the spicy barbecue sauce that drips from each and every bite of the pulled pork. Stack it between toasted crostini for slider-like snacks, or stuff it between sandwich buns to make a main dish.
Peach Graham Cracker Upside-Down Cake
When warm weather arrives, there's little that tastes better than a juicy fresh peach. Here's a remarkably easy recipe to show off the stone fruit du jour: upside-down cake with a crunchy graham cracker crust. And since peaches and cream is one of the best combos of all time, top this summer slow cooker recipe with ice cream, custard, or frozen yogurt.
Related: The 6 Best Ice Cream Makers of 2023, According to Testing
Loaded Creamed Corn with Tomato and Bacon
Get ready for a loaded bowl of Southern-style goodness. This easy summer slow cooker recipe features sweet and creamy corn topped with melty Monterey Jack cheese and crispy bacon. One BH&G home cook deems this "easy, creamy, and delicious! Before serving, I stir the bacon and tomatoes into the corn and then top it with more to make sure everyone gets some."
Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Grinders
Jam-packed with tomatoes (canned or fresh), this slow cooker summer dinner recipe feeds 12. You know what that means? Your summer potluck menu is solved; simply dump and simmer for 4 hours on high or 2 hours on low. Whether you make it with hot or sweet sausage or with a little or a lot of crushed red pepper depends on the spice preference of your crowd.
Slow Cooker Taco Salad
Tex-Mex takeout has met its easy-make match. This easy summer slow cooker recipe is surrounded by fresh ingredients to pep up the meat mixture. Come mealtime, create a salad buffet with all the fixings (including toppings like salsa, cheese, and sour cream), and allow everyone to build their own bowl.
Related: 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Recipes That Make Home-Cooked Dinners a Breeze
Jerk Pork Wraps with Lime Mayo
Try this quick and easy slow cooker summer meal for a fresh summer entrée with minimal effort. Jamaican jerk seasoning infuses slow-cooked pork shoulder with a bold Caribbean flavor tempered with creamy lime mayo. Fresh mango salsa and crisp red pepper add sweetness and crunch to the shredded meat wraps.
Slow Cooker Herb and Garlic Peasant Bread
Skip the store-bought loaves for all your picnic sandwiches and swap in this summer slow cooker recipe for light and flavorful homemade bread instead. Leave it in the slow cooker for the day—while you enjoy the beautiful weather—for a fresh loaf ready by dinnertime. This carb creation calls for fresh thyme, basil, or rosemary for a dose of garden flavor. Pick your favorite from the herb garden.
Triple Berry Cobbler
Little says "summer" more than a big bowl of berries. While we call for a bag of frozen mixed berries from the supermarket, you could absolutely use fresh to make this the ultimate summer slow cooker dessert. A box of muffin mix makes the cobbler uber-easy. Just be sure to have Greek yogurt, whipped cream, or ice cream handy to crown each serving!
Related: Tri-Berry Pie
Chicken Bratwurst and Onions with Broccoli Slaw Salad
Who says you need a grill to make a better-than-ballpark batch of bratwursts? Set and forget the summer staple in garlic and bubbly apple cider, then top with cool broccoli slaw for a crisp, crunchy finish. Just add a baseball game on TV and a package of in-the-shell peanuts to this slow cooker recipe, and you'll have the quintessential summer sports experience.
Greek Sloppy Joe Pitas
If you're attending a potluck, consider these light and fresh Greek pita sandwiches. They're ideal for lunch on the go or events where most guests eat while mingling and can benefit from handheld food. Slow-cooked garlicky lamb and veggies, including summery tomatoes, join perfectly with tangy feta cheese for only 300 calories per serving.
Related: Caprese Salad Pita Pockets
Apricot Chipotle Pork Ribs
No need for brushing and basting. These tangy pork ribs are here to save time and reduce stress for your next backyard bash. The sweet heat of this summer slow cooker recipe, made with apricot preserves, chili sauce, and chipotle in adobo, will keep all your potluck pals coming back for more. Just be sure to provide plenty of napkins to mop up that sauce.
Zesty Fajita Bites
Get on a roll with this party-perfect summer slow cooker recipe. One bite is all it will take to convince you that chicken tastes even better when sizzled in spicy brown mustard and feisty fajita seasonings. Scoop it up onto warm tortillas alongside crisp, seasonal sweet peppers and green onions for bite-size shareable wraps no one can resist.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Enjoy all the wing flavors, minus the mess and the fry time. Party guests will line up at the table to satisfy their craving for a crunchy, savory snack with a hint of spice via buffalo chicken. Assemble a platter with this summer slow cooker recipe at the center and surround it with stacks of seasonal vegetables such as sweet pepper strips and cucumber coins.
Related: 10 Game-Changing Chicken Wing Recipes for Winning Appetizers
Cola-Chipotle Pork Tortas
A bubbly can of cola transforms ordinary pulled pork into a saucy sandwich filling. The hint of sweetness from the soda balances the smoky kick of the chipotle peppers. Stack on fresh avocado slices for a creamy, summery crown. Craving more zip? Top each torta with a pile of grapefruit-infused red onions.
Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Here's a light, lower-carb, refreshing alternative to heavy sandwiches on a particularly scorching summer day. Prep your favorite restaurant dish at home with this summer slow cooker recipe, a healthier take on the chicken lettuce wraps you might order. Savory teriyaki sauce and spicy mustard give a burst of Asian flavor to every bite.
Jalapeño Steak 'n' Mushrooms
There's little better than a juicy steak eaten outdoors on a beautiful evening as the sun sets. But this isn't your basic beef. Instead, this slow cooker summer dinner recipe features beef chuck simmered in a savory garlic sauce. Seasonal fresh mushrooms, onions, and jalapeños join the spiced-up party.
Dark Chocolate Fondue with Fruit Kabobs
Colorful and sweet fruit kabobs make for a dreamy warm-weather dessert. The fresh fruit beautifully complements the summer slow cooker recipe featuring rich, dark chocolate fondue made with a splash of hot coffee and whipped dessert topping. Drizzle or dunk—you can't go wrong with this dark chocolate dessert.
Related: Grilled Fruit and Cheese Charcuterie Boards Are THE Snack of Summer
Quinoa & Chicken Tabbouleh Bowls
Toss chicken breasts and quinoa into your slow cooker, and the hard work is done. Once cooked, toss the mixture with chopped veggies, lemon juice, and chill until ready to serve. When you're ready to eat, top each serving with fresh herbs and olives.
Crispy Chicken and Citrus Salad with Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette
This slow cooker salad recipe starts with chicken confit. It's made with chicken leg quarters cooked slowly with thyme, garlic, and pepper. The sweet orange and peppery arugula provide a flavorful bed for the chicken and candied nuts.
All-American Sloppy Joes
Saucy sloppy joes are a total crowd-pleaser. Toss the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook for up to 8 hours on low. Pile the sweet, tangy meat on whole grain buns and top with dill pickle slices.
Related: Best Ever Dill Pickles
Slow Cooker Chilaquiles
Chilaquiles are a classic Mexican dish often served for breakfast or brunch. The dish has broken tostada shells or tortilla chips, beans, and enchilada sauce. You can top the finished dish with salsa, sour cream, cheese, or lime, but our Test Kitchen loved the sweetness of cherry tomatoes.
Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn is at its peak during the summer months. Take the guesswork out of making tender corn on the cob using your slow cooker. Simply wrap the ears in foil and cook on low for four hours. Top the finished corn with one of our recipes for seasoned compound butter.
Slow Cooker S'more Cake
You don't need a campfire to whip up this s'mores-inspired summer slow cooker recipe. "Bake" a rich chocolate cake in the slow cooker and top it with marshmallow creme and graham crackers. This summer dessert requires just 15 minutes of prep time.
Related: These S'mores Boards Will Take Your Summer Bash to the Next Level
Low-Country Shrimp Boil
This summer slow cooker recipe stars juicy shrimp, sausage, and corn. The key to cooking the ingredients properly is adding them in batches. The corn and shrimp won't need as much time as the sausage and potatoes. Serve with melted butter and plenty of fresh lemon.
Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas
There are plenty of ways to customize this summer slow cooker recipe. Serve the crispy, juicy pork in tortillas, lettuce wraps, or cabbage cups. Top it off with salsa, guacamole, lime, herbs, or our homemade avocado salsa.
Slow Cooker Pickled Beets
A batch of these pickled beets makes a flavorful topper for salads, hummus, crostini, or sandwiches. Store the pickled beets in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Related: Our Best Beet Recipes Including Pickled, Roasted, and Salads
Slow Cooker Falafel
Falafel may not come to mind when you think of summer slow cooker recipes, but this recipe is here to change that. Whip up the patties and cook them on high for 4 to 5 hours. Serve the finished falafel in pitas with spinach, sliced tomatoes, and a homemade yogurt sauce.
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