25 Recipes You Didn’t Know You Could Make In a Slow Cooker

Updated May 11, 2024

We all know how convenient the slow cooker is for making soup, chili, pulled pork or dip. But did you know that you can also make cheesecake, lasagna, oatmeal, chocolate candy and more unexpected dishes in your slow cooker? Try these surprising recipes for breakfast, dinner or dessert.

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Pink Grapefruit Cheesecake

Cheesecake in a slow cooker? It's true! I experimented a few times to turn this iconic dessert into a slow-cooker classic. Give it a try. I promise you'll be absolutely amazed by the results! —Krista Lanphier Milwaukee, WI
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Slow-Cooker Enchiladas

As a busy wife and mother of two young sons, I rely on this handy recipe for slow-cooker enchiladas. I layer enchilada ingredients in the slow cooker, turn it on and forget about it. With a bit of spice, these hearty enchiladas are especially nice during the colder months. —Mary Luebbert, Benton, Kansas
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Apple Butter

Homemade apple butter could not be easier to make—it just takes a little patience! The result is a sweet, aromatic and versatile condiment you will want to spread on everything this fall.
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Slow-Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Every year my Mom made cream cheese mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving. I tailored the recipe to my family's taste and carried on the tradition. I make them a day ahead and use my slow cooker to free up oven space for other dishes. —Ann Nolte, Tampa, Florida
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Slow-Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Make dinner a breeze with slow-cooker stuffed peppers. These flavorful peppers are filled with a delicious combination of South American inspired ingredients, making them a hit with the whole family.
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Easy Slow-Cooker Mac & Cheese

My sons always say I'm the best mom in the world when I make this creamy mac-and-cheese perfection. Does it get any better than that? —Heidi Fleek, Hamburg, Pennsylvania
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Chocolaty Peanut Clusters

I turn to my slow cooker to prepare these convenient chocolate treats. Making candies couldn't be any easier! —Pam Posey, Waterloo, South Carolina
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Black and Blue Cobbler

It never occurred to me that I could bake a cobbler in my slow cooker until I saw some recipes and decided to try to make my favorite fruity dessert. It took a bit of experimenting, but the tasty results are "berry" well worth it. —Martha Creveling, Orlando, Florida
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Slow-Cooked Salsa

I love the fresh taste of homemade salsa, but as a working mother, I don't have much time to make it. So I came up with this slow-cooked version that practically makes itself! —Toni Menard, Lompoc, California
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Tangy Barbecue Wings

I took these slow-cooked wings to work, and they vanished before I even got a bite! The tangy sauce is lip-smacking good. —Sherry Pitzer, Troy, Missouri
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Fabulous Fajitas

I've enjoyed cooking since I was a girl growing up in the Southwest. When friends call to ask me for new recipes to try, I suggest these flavorful fajitas. It's wonderful to put the beef in the slow cooker before church and come home to a hot delicious main dish. —Janie Reitz, Rochester, Minnesota
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Raisin Nut Oatmeal

There’s no better feeling than waking up to a hot, ready-to-eat breakfast. The oats, fruit and spices in this homey meal cook together while you sleep! —Valerie Sauber, Adelanto, California
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Slow-Cooker Cinnamon Roll Pudding

Perfect for dessert or breakfast, this sinfully sweet cinnamon roll bread pudding recipe is made with day-old cinnamon rolls, eggs, milk and raisins for a satisfying treat that practically makes itself in the slow cooker.
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Hash Brown Egg Brunch

Slow cookers aren't just for making dinner. I make this often if we're having company overnight. With just a little planning and not much work, I can prep it the night before and have a lovely breakfast waiting in the morning. —Barb Keith, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
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Butterscotch Apple Crisp

This sweet treat is a cozy way to warm up winter nights. Sliced apples are sprinkled with a tasty topping made with oats, brown sugar and butterscotch pudding mix. Served with ice cream, the dessert is always well received. —Jolanthe Erb, Harrisonburg, Virginia
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Meat Loaf with Chili Sauce

I used to serve this meat loaf in my cafe, where so many of my customers asked for it. I adapted the recipe for my slow cooker at home, where it's quite popular, too. —Robert Cox, Las Cruces, New Mexico
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Sweet & Spicy Peanuts

With a caramel-like coating and a touch of heat from the hot sauce, these crunchy peanuts make a tasty anytime snack. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Slow-Simmering Pasta Sauce

Spaghetti with sauce is my kids' favorite dinner, so through trial and error, I came up with my own recipe. This is the winning result. I love that it's made in a slow cooker.—Samantha Vicars, Kenosha, Wisconsin
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Sweet Potato Stuffing

Mom likes to make sure there will be enough stuffing to satisfy our large family. For our holiday gatherings, she slow-cooks this tasty sweet potato dressing in addition to the traditional stuffing cooked inside the turkey. —Kelly Pollock, London, Ontario
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Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

This recipe was inspired by my daughter’s favorite food—Buffalo wings! It tastes as if it came from a restaurant. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina
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Kentucky Spoon Bread

This is a traditional Kentucky recipe. It’s a popular side dish served all year long. If you’ve never tried spoon bread before, I think you’ll find it’s tasty and comforting. —Caroline Brown, Lexington, Kentucky
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Slow-Cooker Mushroom Rice Pilaf

A few modifications to our dear Great-Aunt Bernice's easy mushroom rice pilaf recipe have made this an always-requested dish for potlucks, barbecues and family get-togethers. It'll become a slow cooker favorite in your household too! —Amy Williams, Rialto, California
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Apple-Cranberry Grains

I made some changes to my diet in order to lose weight. My kids are skeptical when it comes to healthy food, but they adore these wholesome grains. —Sherisse Dawe, Black Diamond, Alberta
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Slow Cooker Spiced Poached Pears

Some of the many reasons I love this dessert recipe are: it's on the healthy side; it's easy to make; the recipe can be mostly prepared in advance of company arriving; and the presentation is lovely.—Jill Mant, Denver, Colorado