~ Think slow cooker recipes are just for cozy winter dinners? Think again! Crockpot recipes for summer are an absolutely perfect way to keep the kitchen cool! These easy recipes get you out of the kitchen FAST … so you’ve got lots of extra time to get out there and enjoy all that summer fun (and dinner will be ready whenever you are)! ~
Do you tote your crockpot to a shadowy basement shelf once winter ends? Shove it deep behind other jumbled pots and pans as you haul out grill baskets and metal shish kabob skewers for summer?
I hear ya. Somehow slow cookers seem so perfect for hearty soups and warm-you-up chilis – all those comforting recipes we crave in winter.
BUT.
I’m here to tell you that crockpots (or crock pots or crock-pots … however you wanna spell ’em) are an absolute summer game-changer.
Why Summer Crockpot Recipes are AWESOME!
Two big reasons here:
Reason #1 – You just toss ingredients in there in the morning, and dinner cooks merrily away while you take the kiddos to the zoo or go splash in the pool.
Yes. Yesssss. You want that, right? I knowwwww! Me, too!
Even better?
Reason #2 – Slow cookers don’t heat up your kitchen. No need to sweat over a hot stove or crank the AC because you need to fire up the oven. And slow cookers don’t require you to slave over a flaming-hot grill after a long day, either. No siree. Your trusty little crockpot will keep you (and your kitchen) as cool as a cucumber!
So, exactly what can you make in a crockpot that actually feels summer-y? We’ve got lots of ideas!
Types of Summer Slow Cooker Recipes
Think beyond all those fall and winter soups, stews, chilis and roasts.
Crockpots are also terrific for things like:
- All sorts of chicken sandwiches
- Shredded tacos
- Juicy pulled pork sammies
And here’s a fun option for picnics and potlucks: Your slow cooker is a handy way to cook summer-y party dips.
Yep! Lots of ooey-gooey, cheesy baked dips can be made in your crockpot instead of the oven, and then your trusty little slow cooker will keep the dip piping hot for you throughout the picnic! (Just remember that most recommendations suggest you shouldn’t leave food in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting for more than a couple hours.)
I guess this means you have to go trooping down to your basement to search for your crockpot, doesn’t it?
Sorry.
But don’t worry! It’ll all seem worth it, once you see how easy-peasy summer can be after you dust off that slow cooker.
Although, your grill may start feeling pretty lonely …
Make one of our tried-and-true EASY summer crockpot recipes! They're family favorites that we know you'll love, too! And, they're guaranteed to keep your kitchen cool ... and get you out of the kitchen FAST! A lip-smacking (protein-packed!) homemade dressing gives these simple sandwiches BIG flavor! A truly unique take on "tacos"! All the Mediterranean flavors you love, layered any way you like ... piled high on a base of tender, seasoned chicken. Great for a fun family dinner, or as a memorable taco bar for summer parties! Need a super-easy appetizer for a summer party or potluck? This is ALWAYS a crowd-pleaser! Plus, we've got lots of tips, shortcuts and make-ahead ideas. And, our version is lower in fat and calories, too (but nobody will suspect a thing)! Pulled pork goes tropical! Loaded with flavorful island spices, these sandwiches have a terrific summer vibe! Another way to channel your personal island happy place? Try the summer-y Hawaiian Pulled Pork from Mom Fit Lyndsey. (Either way, be sure to follow each recipe's tips on trimming fat and keeping your pulled pork on the healthier side.) One of the most popular recipes we've ever published! These ridiculously easy chicken tacos leverage slow cooker magic for a delicious spin on taco night. Just 5 minutes of prep time ... and your family can top 'em any way they like! Inspired by our family's summer beach vacations along North Carolina's Outer Banks, these sandwiches have won rave reviews from readers! Crazy-easy, with just a few simple ingredients ... and so, sooooo good! Hey, Chipotle fans – here's a fun DIY idea for ya! Chicken Burrito Bowls – yum! Pssssst ... this recipe is so scrumptious, it had us skipping the rice and the fork, and just digging straight in with tortilla chips (so yeah – you can even use it as a Mexican party dip)! Another idea: if you love layering up those Mexican flavors, try the Mexican Crockpot Summer Salad from the terrific blog Super Healthy Kids. Perfect for a hot day! Love buffalo chicken wings, but not all the extra fat and calories? We've gotcha covered with this super-easy, super-yummy sandwich! Bold buffalo chicken flavor but so much healthier, too! A healthier version of the ever-popular Reuben party dip (but no one can ever taste the difference)! Take it along to summer parties and potlucks – really easy!Our Favorite Crockpot Recipes for Summer
And speaking of summer produce, if you need a side dish for a summertime dinner or potluck, check out the recipe for Slow Cooker Summer Vegetables over at Fit Slow Cooker Queen. Change up your veggies depending on what you’ve got on hand. Super easy!
Sooooooo … looks like you and your crockpot are gonna have a lot of fun together this summer, huh?!?
And don’t you worry … when fall rolls around, you can just hop right on back here for plenty of slow cooker soup and chili and stew recipes, too!
I came looking for some great recipes and you delivered. Thanks.
Oh, Katie, you’re so very welcome! My family loves these recipes, and I sure do love that I don’t have to heat up my kitchen in the summer just to get an easy meal on the table! I’ll be excited to hear which recipes you try and what you like best. Enjoy, and happy summer! 😀 ~Shelley