13 Best Summer Crock Pot Recipes
When the weather outside warms up, the kitchen can be a terrible place to be. There are many things you can do however, when it comes to cooking a nice home made meal that doesn’t require traditional stove top or oven cooking. By using the crock pot, you can beat the summer heat and keep your cool while preparing a nice hot meal for friends and family.
So, how does crock pot cooking really help beat the heat?
Why You Should Use a Crockpot During the Summer Months
They Keep Your Kitchen Cool
One of the main benefits of using a crockpot during the summer months is that it allows you to cook meals without heating up your kitchen. This is especially important if you don’t have air conditioning or if you’re trying to keep your energy bills low. With a crockpot, you can cook delicious meals without turning on your oven or stove, which can help keep your home cool and comfortable.
They’re Convenient for Meal Prep
Summer is often a busy time, with vacations, outdoor activities, and social events taking up a lot of our time. This is where crockpots can be incredibly helpful for meal prep. You can easily prepare a meal in the morning and let it cook all day while you’re out and about.
When you come home in the evening, you’ll have a delicious, hot meal waiting for you. This can be especially helpful if you have kids who are involved in summer activities and don’t have a lot of time for meal prep.
They’re Great for BBQs and Picnics
Summer is also a time for outdoor entertaining, and crockpots can be a great addition to your BBQ or picnic spread. You can use your crockpot to keep dips and appetizers warm, or you can make a big batch of pulled pork or BBQ chicken to feed a crowd.
Crockpots are also great for potlucks, as they allow you to transport a hot, homemade dish without having to worry about it spilling or getting cold.
They’re Versatile
Another benefit of crockpots is their versatility. You can use them to make a wide variety of meals, from soups and stews to casseroles and desserts. They’re also great for cooking tough cuts of meat, which can be difficult to cook on the stove or grill. With a crockpot, you can easily make fall-off-the-bone ribs, tender pulled pork, or flavorful beef stew.
They’re Energy Efficient
Finally, crockpots are a great way to save energy during the summer months. Because they cook food slowly and at a low temperature, they use much less energy than a traditional oven or stove. This can help keep your energy bills low and reduce your carbon footprint. Additionally, crockpots are great for using up leftovers or ingredients that you already have on hand, which can help reduce food waste.
Easy Cleanup
Don’t forget, when you use the crock pot you have an easy clean up after dinner! Unlike pots and pans, most crock pot meals are made in one dish. This means that there will not be mountains of dishes to be either hand washed or loaded into the dishwasher (or if you are like me-both) afterwards.
You can spend less time cleaning just as you spent less time slaving over a hot stove. Once clean up is complete you can get back to enjoying the sun set, chasing the lightening bugs with your little ones, or waiting for the first star.
13 Best Summer Crock Pot Recipes
When the weather outside warms up, the kitchen can be a terrible place to be. There are many things you can do however, when it comes to cooking a nice home made meal that doesn't require traditional stove top or oven cooking.
Summer Corn Chowder
This Summer Corn Chowder is creamy, comforting and full of flavor. Made with bacon, garlic and cheese it’s pretty hard to resist and can be enjoyed all summer long! Serve in big bowls with a side of crusty bread.
Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter
This will rival any grilled corn and is the perfect side to beat your summer food cravings!
Crock Pot Chicken Fajitas
This Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Recipe is as easy as adding all your ingredients to your slow cooker while you take a nap and let the citrus tenderize your chicken and the spices permeate every crevice so when you’re rested, you have fall apart, fall in love Crockpot Chicken Fajitas!
Slow Cooker Frittata with Courgettes (Zucchini), Tomato and Feta
Keep your kitchen cool with this super easy frittata made in the slow cooker. Courgettes (zucchini), cherry tomatoes and feta cheese join our eggs to make a delicious, light and summery dish.
CrockPot Thai Steak Salad with Peanut-Hoisin Sauce
Thai Beef Salad is tangy, spicy, amazingly delicious yet deceptively easy to make.
Crockpot Salsa Chicken
This Crockpot Salsa Chicken with cheese requires only 3 ingredients. It’s embarrassingly easy to make, full of flavor and so delicious!
Crock Pot Chicken and Black Bean Taco Salad
This simple slow cooker chicken taco salad is so delicious and it’s packed with fiber and protein which means it’s very satisfying, all for under 300 calories. Trust me, you won’t miss the tortillas!
Sweet Chili Coconut-Lime Grilled Chicken with Coconut-Lime Cauliflower Rice
Sweet Chili Coconut-Lime Grilled Chicken with Coconut-Lime Cauliflower Rice is a light and refreshing gluten-free grilled dinner. Simple and scrumptious!
Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches (Slow Cooker Recipe) - Cooking Classy
Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches – This should be called “The Sandwich of Summer.”
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Meatballs
These 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Meatballs are incredibly easy, with just 3 ingredients thrown into a slow cooker! Perfect for a quick ‘n scrumptious appetizer or make it a meal by serving it over your favorite starch.
Slow Cooker Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Simmer these delicious, low-carb Asian chicken lettuce wraps in your slow cooker for a fresh & healthy home-cooked meal!
Slow Cooker Mini BBQ Pork Sliders
These Mini BBQ Pork Sliders are SO easy to make: all you need is three ingredients and a crockpot! Perfect for any game day party!