Top 10 best slow cooker recipes for your Super Bowl party

Feb 1, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general view of the Super Bowl logo on the George R. Brown Convention Center in preparation for Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Your guests will think you slaved over a hot stove all day with these easy and delicious Super Bowl 51 slow cooker recipes.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, not Christmas, Super Bowl 51! And, that can only mean one thing; it’s party time!

Whether you’re a diehard football fan or someone who watches the Super Bowl for the commercials or halftime performance, one thing’s for sure. You’re going to eat a lot, maybe have some drinks and be surrounded by family and friends.

Entertaining a crowd can not only be costly but, it can be very time-consuming. I hate nothing more than getting stuck in the kitchen while guests are at my house enjoying themselves.

This year I decided to have a theme when it comes to Super Bowl recipes; the slow cooker! Although some of these recipes have to be started hours in advance, it will allow you to have fun and entertain your guests without being stuck in the kitchen all night.

Slow cookers also allow for easy serving as the pots are usually portable and can be easily displayed on a table or buffet line. Slow cookers also make for an easy cleanup; disposable crockpot liners can also be purchased if you want to cut down on the dish washing.

So what are you going to do this Super Bowl Sunday? You’re going to enjoy yourself! Take advantage of these top 10 easy and delicious slow cooker recipes that are sure to please your crowd.

Next: 10. The bunless burger

Sep 8, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; From left, football fans Kerlix Louisjeam , Ken Cooper Ayana Louisjeam , Gerald Cajuste , and Gemyse Cajuste tailgate before the start of the game between the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

10. Bacon Cheeseburger Dip

Who doesn’t love a delicious juicy bacon cheeseburger? But, they can become messy and time-consuming if you’re feeding a crowd.

This bacon cheeseburger dip has all the flavors of your burger in every bite. Your guests will think they’re eating a burger with one dip. It’s definitely a crowd pleaser.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Ingredients:

1 package bacon

½ pound ground beef

1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, cut into cubes

1 (8 ounce) package shredded cheese (I use Monterey Jack or Cheddar)

¼ cup chopped pickles

Step 1:

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium to high heat. Be sure to turn the bacon half way through. Once both sides are browned and crisp, transfer the bacon to a paper towel for the excess grease to drip off.

Step 2:

In the same skillet, cook the ground beef until it’s lightly browned; this will take about five minutes. Next drain your beef in a colander to remove any extra fat, oil or liquid. Add the beef back to the pan and turn your stove to low. Add tomatoes, shredded cheese, and cream cheese into your meat mixture. Cook until cheese softens; don’t allow cheese to fully melt.

Step 3:

Transfer the beef into your crockpot. Cook on low for one hour. Mix the dip, and crumble the bacon into the cheese and beef. Cook on low for another hour until the cheese is bubbly. Garnish with pickles before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this dip with pretzel thins, tortilla chips or pita bread. Diced onions on the side are also a great addition to this classic.

Next: 9. The untraditional buffalo wing

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9. Buffalo Wings

Let’s face it, you can’t have a Super Bowl party without buffalo wings. But, if you’ve ever fried wings for a crowd, you’re dreading the process.

Marinating the wings, dredging them and frying them is an all-day process. Not to mention, the mess you will have after your done frying multiple batches of wings.

I have found a delicious and easy alternative. Buffalo wings in a crockpot are one of the best things I’ve tried. The chicken is not only tender and juicy but, a few minutes in the oven after, offer a crispy golden finish.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours and 30 minutes

Ingredients:

½ cup butter

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons onion powder

2 teaspoons garlic powder

4 pounds chicken wing sections (if using frozen, defrost for best results)

½ cup butter

1 (12 ounce) bottle hot pepper sauce (I use Frank’s, but any brand will do)

Step 1:

In a sauce pan, combined hot sauce, butter, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder in a saucepan over medium to high heat. Bring sauce to a boil, and then reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional five minutes.

Step 2:

Put chicken wings into your crockpot and pour sauce over chicken; reserve some sauce for the finishing touch. Cook on high for two hours, and then reduce heat to low and cook for an additional two hours.

Step 3:

Transfer wings to a baking sheet and cook wings at 400 degrees until brown and crispy; this should take 20-30 minutes. Reheat the remaining sauce and brush over wings before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. Don’t forget the veggies and cold beer!

Next: 8. The classic creamy spinach dip

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8. Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Spinach artichoke dip has become a classic menu item at restaurant chains across the country. Not only is this cheesy gooey dip a crowd favorite, but it’s also one of the easiest spinach artichoke dips I’ve made.

Everything goes into the slow cooker and before you know it, it’s done! This is also a great dip if you have any vegetarians attending your Super Bowl party.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Ingredients:

1 (10 oz.) bag fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped

1 can quartered artichoke hearts, chopped and drained

1 (8 ounce) cream cheese, cut into cubes

1 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 finely chopped white

4 cloves garlic (minced)

Salt and pepper to taste

Step 1:

In a large bowl, combined all the ingredients except for the salt and pepper. This can also be done in the crockpot, however, I prefer a large bowl to nicely mix all the ingredients.

Step 2:

Spray the inside of the crockpot with your favorite non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the spinach and artichoke mixture to the crockpot. Cook on high for about two hours. Mix the dip and add salt and pepper as needed.

Spray the inside of the crockpot with your favorite non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the spinach and artichoke mixture to the crockpot. Cook on high for about two hours. Mix the dip and add salt and pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions:

Traditionally, this dip is served with tortilla chips or warm pita bread. Try using pumpernickel bread or bagel chips for a twist. Veggies such as peppers and cauliflower make for good dippers as well.

Next: 7. Finger lickin' good ribs

Aug 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Mike Alvarado prepares food prior to the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

7. Honey Chipotle Ribs

Honey chipotle ribs, need I say more? Sweet, sticky ribs with a touch of heat. Slow cooking ribs take this classic recipe to another level.

Fall off the bone is an understatement. Finger licking good will be your guest’s motto as they attempt to stay clean while eating these saucy tender ribs.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 7 hours and 30 minutes

Ingredients:

4-pound rack pork spare ribs, halved (can substitute beef)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar

1 tablespoon chile powder

1 tablespoon cumin powder

1 cup chipotle barbecue sauce

¼ cup honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Step 1:

Sprinkle the ribs generously with salt and pepper, and then drizzle with oil. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, chile powder and cumin powder. Rub mixture into the ribs; be sure to cover the entire rib, front, and back.

Step 2:

Place ribs in your crock pot and cook on low for seven and a half hours. While that is cooking, combine honey and barbecue sauce in a bowl and set aside until ribs are done. Once the ribs are done, transfer them to a baking sheet, meat side up.

Step 3:

Brush ribs with barbecue sauce mixture, reserving half of the mixture. Broil ribs in the oven for five minutes or until the sauce is brown and bubbly. Slice ribs and top with the remaining barbecue sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

These ribs are finger licking good, be sure to have extra napkins; wet naps are also a great option.

Next: 6. The crustless pizza

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6. Pepperoni Pizza Dip

Pizza is always a great crowd option. But, have you ever tried to order a pizza on Super Bowl Sunday? It could take up to two hours for delivery.

This dip has all the classic flavors of a hot and fresh pepperoni pizza. Not only is it a party in your mouth but, it’s also a kid’s favorite. Close your eyes and dig in, you’ll never know the difference.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

1 pound cream cheese (softened)

8 ounces shredded Italian-blend cheese

1 package pepperoni slices (can use turkey as a substitute)

1 (15-oz) can pizza sauce

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon basil

2 teaspoons garlic powder

Red pepper flakes (optional)

Step 1:

In your crockpot, add cream cheese, pizza sauce, oregano, basil, and garlic. Once the ingredients are mixed thoroughly, add the shredded cheese and pepperoni; reserve a handful of each for garnish. Cook on high for about an hour; cheese should be melted and bubbly.

Step 2:

Once the dip has cooked for an hour, turn heat to low to prevent dip from hardening. Place the remaining pepperoni on top; create a border around the dip on a circular shape. Then top with the remaining cheese and sprinkle crushed red pepper if desired.

Serving Options:

This dip is great with garlic bread sticks or knots. For an easy option, these can be found in your groceries freezer or cracker aisle.

Next: 5. Three ingredient meatballs

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5. Barbecue Meatballs

This is one of the easiest Super Bowl recipes you will find. With only three ingredients and 10 minutes of prep, you’ll finally be able to enjoy your time with your guests.

Delicious has never been so simple. Be sure to keep the recipe on deck because everyone will ask for it!

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Ingredients:

1 (32-ounce) bag frozen fully cooked meatballs (turkey meatballs are just as delicious)

1 (18-ounce) jar grape jelly

1 (18-ounce) BBQ sauce

Step 1:

In a bowl, combined the grape jelly and barbecue sauce. Wisk the mixture vigorously to remove all chunks from the jelly. Once the sauce is smooth and velvety, place half of the mixture in the bottom of the crockpot.

Step 2:

Place frozen meatballs in your slow cooker. Top the meatballs with the remaining sauce and cook on high for two hours. Be sure to mix the meatballs half way through cooking.

Serving Suggestions:

Offer guests toothpicks or skewers for a fun and easy way to eat. Ranch dressing is also a great dipping option for a zesty kick with the sweet savory meatballs. This can also be done with marinara, alfredo or any of your favorite sauces.

Next: 4. Even the men will eat these veggies

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4. The Veggie Explosion

This vegetarian dip pleases everyone. The best part is, your guests won’t know they’re eating a ton of vegetables.

The veggie explosion is a great way to lighten up your menu, especially if your serving tradition Super Bowl fried or greasy foods. Eat more and leave satisfied without tipping the scale on Monday morning.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Ingredients:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese (try a herb flavored cream cheese for extra flavor)

½ cup parmesan cheese

4 large red onions (cut into wedges)

3 red bell peppers (cut into wedges)

1 pound asparagus (cut into bite size pieces)

10-ounce bag frozen corn

3 cloves garlic (minced)

2 tablespoons chives (finely chopped)

Olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Step 1

Place the cut vegetables into your slow cooker. Drizzle with olive oil, ensuring all vegetables are coated. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic. Cook on high for two hours, or until the vegetables are soft and tender.

Step 2

Next, mix the vegetables with the cream cheese and parmesan cheese. Place the lid back on, and cook for another hour. Once the cheese has fully melted and the dip appears golden brown and bubbly, turn the heat to low. Garnish dip with the chopped chives.

Serving Suggestions:

This dip can be served with just about anything; raw veggies, bread, crackers or even chips. I’ve even eaten it with a spoon!

Next: 3. The bowl-less French onion soup

3. French Onion Soup Dip

When I first made this dip, I was amazingly surprised. All the flavors of a hot crock of French onion soup in a dip!

Tender caramelized onions, a hint of sherry wine and gooey cheese, how can you say no? This will leave your Super Bowl crowd asking for more, and wondering why they’ve never of this!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours

Ingredients:

6 tablespoons butter

6 large yellow onions (sliced and separated into rings)

1 tablespoon white sugar

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup cooking sherry

2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth

Salt to taste

¼ teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

¼ cup shredded Gruyere cheese

1/3 cup shredded Swiss cheese

¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons shredded Mozzarella cheese

Step 1:

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until they’re translucent; 10-15 minutes. Lower heat to medium-low and sprinkle onions with sugar. Cook onions for another 30 minutes, stirring often to prevent onions from burning. Once onions are brown and soft, add garlic and cook for another minute or two.

Step 2:

Add sherry to the onion mixture and mix; scrape the bottom of the pan to get all the delicious flavoring from the bottom of the pan. Transfer mixture to your crockpot. Add thyme, bay leaf and half of the beef broth. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper and cover. Cook on high for about four hours. On occasion, check your dip. If it looks as though the liquid has cooked out, add some more beef stock to your dip.

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, mix all your cheeses; be sure to mix thoroughly. Sprinkle the cheese on the top and cover. Continue cooking for an additional hour or until the cheese has melted and browned slighted.

Serving Suggestions:

Slice and toast your favorite bread; I usually use French bread. After slicing into disc-like shapes, I brush with a little butter and broil in the oven until golden brown.

Next: 2. The upgraded slider

Oct 9, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Joe Palei of Green Bay grills some burgers before the game between the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY Sports

2. Pulled Pork Sliders

Super Bowl parties need to have some traditional staple foods. Buffalo wings, dips, sliders. But, don’t choose a traditional burger slider!

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Give your slider an upgrade with pulled pork. The pork will cook low and slow; it’ll be so tender it’ll practically pull itself. My guests from last year’s Super Bowl party are still talking about this easy and delicious crockpot favorite.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 7 hours

Ingredients:

2-pound pork tenderloin

12-ounce root beer

1 (18 ounce) bottle your favorite barbecue sauce

Slider buns (I use King’s Hawaiian)

Step 1:

Place the pork in your slow cooker. Pour the root beer over the pork tenderloin and cook on low for seven hours. Cooking times may vary but, pork should be tender and shred easily with a fork.

Step 2:

Drain the liquid; be sure to drain pork well enough to prevent soggy sandwiches. Next, add the barbecue sauce and mix well. Be sure to change temperature to low, after adding the barbecue sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

Let your guests make their own sandwich. Pickles, red onions and coleslaw all make great toppings for your guests to make their ultimate pork slider.

Next: 1. This New York deli dip will be the hit of your party

Jul 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; General view of food for guests for the MLS celebration at Mile High Station in advance of the All-Star game. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

1. The New York Deli Dip

This is by far my favorite dip this year. I wanted to wow my guests with some traditional flavors while being creative and innovative.

This New York Deli dip is the way to go. All the flavors of a hot, juicy Reuben in a dip! You don’t have to go to a New York deli this weekend. Skip the sandwich trays and try this out of the world dip.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Ingredients:

1 (16 ounce) jar sauerkraut (drained)

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese (softened and cubed)

2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

2 cups shredded cooked corned beef

½ cup thousand island dressing

Step 1:

In your crockpot, combined all the ingredients. Be sure to reserve half of your thousand island dressing for garnish. Cook on low for an hour, and then give the dip a good mix. Cover and let cook for another hour or until the cheese is fully melted and distributed throughout.

MUST READ: Top 5 Best Themed Drinking Games For Super Bowl

Serving Suggestions:

For a traditional Reuben, serve with toasted rye bread. Just cut your bread into small pieces and broil in the oven until light brown and crispy. Serve with the remaining thousand island on the side for extra dipping.