Grab the family, head outside and have all the 4th of July fun you want. You can still feast on festive recipes, straight from your slow cooker.
Our Best 4th of July Recipes for Your Slow Cooker
Updated on May 03, 2024
1/45
Peachy Baby Back Ribs
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's easy to get a smoky outdoor barbecue flavor from your slow cooker. Trust me, I've fooled many people on more than one occasion with these ribs. —Mary Louise Lever, Rome, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 1019 calories, 43g fat (15g saturated fat), 163mg cholesterol, 2466mg sodium, 110g carbohydrate (87g sugars, 3g fiber), 46g protein.
2/45
Pineapple RumChata Shortcakes
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This deliciously different dessert, with a soft inside and a crumbly crust, is made in the slow cooker in jars instead of in the oven. When done, add final touches to the cooled shortcake jars and serve. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 shortcake: 463 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 442mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
3/45
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos
Total Time
5 hours 40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our fun, simple recipe is perfect for taco Tuesdays or a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 291 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 674mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch.
4/45
Slow-Cooker Meatballs
Total Time
3 hours 50 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
What I love about these meatballs is that they can be served as an appetizer right out of the slow cooker, or alongside your favorite pasta. They also make a delicious sandwich. —Jason Romano, Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 54 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
5/45
Slow-Cooked Chicken Caesar Wraps
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first created this recipe for our daughter who loves Caesar salads, then later for our extended family on vacation. It's such an easy meal—perfect for vacations when you'd rather be outside than inside cooking all day. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 472 calories, 25g fat (5g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 795mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
6/45
Slow-Cooker Crab & Green Onion Dip
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy dip reminds me of my dad, who took us crabbing as kids. Our fingers were always tired after those excursions, but eating the fresh crab was worth it. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 167 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 324mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
7/45
Slow-Cooker Bananas Foster
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The flavors of caramel, rum and walnut naturally complement fresh bananas in this version of a dessert classic. It's my go-to choice for any family get-together. —Crystal Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without ice cream or pound cake): 462 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 99mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (59g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
8/45
Slow-Cooked Baked Beans
Total Time
9 hours 50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend suggested this recipe when I needed a new dish to take to a barbecue. It was an incredible success, and I've been making it ever since. —Jodi Caple, Cortez, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 463 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 1429mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 9g fiber), 15g protein.
9/45
Slow-Cooker Cheese Dip
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
32 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I brought this slightly spicy cheese dip to a gathering with friends and it was a huge hit. The spicy pork sausage gives the dip plenty of zip! —Marion Bartone, Conneaut, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 139 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 486mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
10/45
Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches
Total Time
3 hours
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids often ask for chicken sloppy joes, and this version has a bonus of sweet pineapple. It is a perfect recipe to double for a potluck. Try topping the sandwiches with smoked Gouda cheese. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 415 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 973mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein.
11/45
Slow-Cooker Strawberry Soda Cake
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you want a sweet cake without the heat of the oven, this slow-cooked strawberry spin
on cola cake comes in handy. The topping smells divinely like chocolate-covered strawberries. (Remember this one for Valentine’s Day!) Delicious served with whipped cream or powdered sugar. —Laura Herbage, Covington, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 504 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 423mg sodium, 88g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
12/45
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got the idea for these sliders from my mom and dad, who’d made a similar recipe for a family get-together. To make it special, I sometimes use several types of Buffalo sauce and let my guests mix and match their favorites. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 sliders: 396 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 873mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
13/45
Slow-Cooker Peach Cobbler
Total Time
2 hours
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Unlike conventional cobblers, the "topping" of this Crock-Pot peach cobbler is on the bottom. Placing the batter underneath the peaches helps it cook through evenly in the slow cooker. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 198 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 145mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
14/45
Barbecue Pork Cobb Salad
Total Time
4 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My lunchtime salad gets way more interesting topped with barbecue pork, cheddar cheese and creamy avocado. It's as satisfying as it is scrumptious. —Shawn Carleton, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 492 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 185mg cholesterol, 868mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 7g fiber), 35g protein.
15/45
Tropical BBQ Chicken
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here is my favorite slow-cooker recipe. The delicious, slightly spicy sauce will win you over, too! —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 301 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein.
16/45
Slow-Cooked Peach Pork Chops
Total Time
5 hours 15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
“I played around with many variations of this recipe until I came up with one that was just right,” Bonnie Morrow writes from Spencerport, New York. “The warm peaches make an excellent side dish for the pork.”
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 389 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein.
17/45
Butter Pecan Syrup
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves butter pecan anything, and this recipe is perfect over vanilla ice cream, cake or waffles. It's a special treat my family enjoys. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 251 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
18/45
Pulled Pork Taters
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is as hearty as it gets. Part barbecued pork, part potatoes, the taters are as wholesome as they are delicious. My family can't get enough of this comforting dish. —Shannon Harris, Tyler, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 795 calories, 29g fat (18g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 1677mg sodium, 89g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 7g fiber), 44g protein.
19/45
Bacon Dip
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I've tried assorted appetizers before, but this one is a surefire people-pleaser. The thick bacon cheese dip has lots of flavor and keeps my guests happily munching as long as it lasts. I serve it with tortilla chips or sliced French bread. —Suzanne Whitaker, Knoxville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 261 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
20/45
Slow-Cooked Potatoes with Spring Onions
Total Time
6 hours 5 min
Servings
12 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the simplicity of this recipe, as well as its ease of preparation with my slow cooker. Everyone always enjoys roasted potatoes, even my pickiest child! If desired, top with shredded or crumbled cheese. —Theresa Gomez, Stuart, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 157 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
21/45
Jalapeno Corn
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This comforting and creamy corn side dish is appealing to almost everyone. It gets its spicy kick from jalapeno peppers.—Judy Carty, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 251 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
22/45
Cherry Upside-Down Bread Pudding
Total Time
3 hours 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've always loved bread pudding, and I enjoy fixing this for my family on a chilly day. You could use a different flavor of pie filling and omit the chocolate chips to make a completely different dessert. It's always delicious! —Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 393 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 305mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
23/45
Coney Island Hot Dogs
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
From the youngest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves these hot dogs. Inspired by the classic Coney dog, they’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 chili dog: 371 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 992mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
24/45
Refried Bean Dip
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
4-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends and neighbors expect me to bring this irresistible dip to every gathering. When I arrive, they ask, "You brought your bean dip, didn't you?" If there are any leftovers, we use them to make bean and cheese burritos the next day. —Wendi Wavrin Law, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 55 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
25/45
Barbecue Chicken Sliders
Total Time
4 hours 55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Brining the meat overnight helps make these BBQ chicken sliders taste exceptionally good. Plus, they're so tender, they melt in your mouth. —Rachel Kunkel, Schell City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2 sliders: 424 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 993mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
26/45
Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish. I've never met anyone who didn't ask for a second helping. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 502 calories, 28g fat (18g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 638mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
27/45
Slow-Cooked Blueberry Grunt
Total Time
2 hours 50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you love blueberries, then you can't go wrong with this easy dessert. For a special treat, serve it warm with vanilla ice cream. —Cleo Gonske, Redding, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without ice cream): 360 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 494mg sodium, 73g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
28/45
Slow-Cooker Creamed Corn with Bacon
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every time I take this super rich corn to a holiday potluck or work party, I leave with an empty slow cooker. It's decadent, homey and so worth the splurge. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 259 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 433mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
29/45
Slow-Cooked Salsa
Total Time
2 hours 45 min
Servings
about 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 20 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 free food.
30/45
Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken
Total Time
5 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Of all the recipes I make in my slow cooker, this is my most treasured. If you enjoy your barbecue sweet with a little spice, this will be your new favorite too. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 179 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 392mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
31/45
Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like spice, you'll love this dip. It's super cheesy and full of rich flavor, and it really has that Buffalo wing taste! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup dip (calculated without chips): 167 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 348mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
32/45
Italian Beef Sandwiches
Total Time
8 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With only a few ingredients, this roast beef is a snap to throw together. And after cooking all day, the meat is wonderfully tender. —Lauren Adamson, Layton, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 278 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 735mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
33/45
Brenda's Baked Beans
Total Time
10 hours 35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was a kid, my mom made baked beans all the time. Sometimes we'd turn this side into a main dish by adding sliced hot dogs. —Brenda Brooks, Bowie, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 416 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 551mg sodium, 77g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 12g fiber), 20g protein.
34/45
Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Potatoes are among our favorite side dishes. This version take sa little effort, but you can save time by boiling the spuds ahead of time. The night you want them for dinner, just crisp them up with garlic and Parmesan cheese. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3 smashed potatoes: 354 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
35/45
Tangy Barbecue Wings
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
2 dozen wings (2 sections each)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 wing (2 sections): 178 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
36/45
Slow-Cooker Cherry Buckle
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I saw this recipe on a cooking show and came up with my own version. When the comforting aroma of this homey dessert drifts through the house, it’s hard not to take a quick peek inside the slow cooker —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 324 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
37/45
Southwestern Nachos
Total Time
7 hours 55 min
Servings
30 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests will go crazy when you serve this cheesy nacho casserole with tender chunks of slow-cooked pork. The recipe makes two heaping pans, and you don’t need to worry about filling the chip bowl—the tortilla chips are conveniently baked right in the dish! —Kelly Byler, Goshen, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 288 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
38/45
Black-Eyed Peas
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I find that pork is the secret to a good black-eyed peas recipe. A double dose of ham for flavor and slow, gentle cooking creates this perfect side dish. —Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 359 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 788mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 14g fiber), 20g protein.
39/45
Crazy Delicious Baby Back Ribs
Total Time
5 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband craves a good ribs recipe, so we cook them multiple ways. This low and slow method with a tangy sauce is the best we’ve found. —Jan Whitworth, Roebuck, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 420 calories, 33g fat (9g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 1082mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
40/45
Slow-Cooked Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce
Total Time
6 hours 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tart and tangy fruit sauce is excellent over pound cake or ice cream. I have served this topping many times and have gotten rave reviews from friends and family. —Judith Wasman, Harkers Island, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 111 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
41/45
Simple Vegetarian Slow-Cooked Beans
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I have a hungry family to feed, these tasty beans with spinach, tomatoes and carrots are a go-to dish. This veggie delight is frequently on our menu. —Jennifer Reid, Farmington, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 229 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 13g fiber), 12g protein.
42/45
43/45
Southwestern Pulled Pork Crostini
Total Time
6 hours 45 min
Servings
32 crostini
From the Recipe Creator:
As a different take on crostini, these apps are fantastic for tailgating and casual parties alike. —Randy Cartwright, Linden, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 121 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 362mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
44/45
Slow-Cooked Peach Salsa
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
11 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh peaches and tomatoes make my salsa a winner over store-bought versions. I give my co-workers several jars throughout the year as a special treat. —Peggi Stahnke, Cleveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 28 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 59mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
45/45
BBQ Brats
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In Wisconsin, brats are a food group! We are always looking for new ways to cook them. This recipe is easy and a hit at any tailgate party or cookout, any time of year. —Jessica Abnet, DePere, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 480 calories, 27g fat (9g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1659mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
