7 Easy Slow-Cooker Recipes to Boost Your Memorial Day Cookout

Memorial Day weekend is a popular time for barbecues and gatherings.

Many people look forward to sizzling burgers, corn on the cob, and smoky ribs as they welcome summer.

According to a recent WalletHub report, 58% of Americans plan to barbecue this Memorial Day.

The average cost for a cookout is expected to be about $31, a 4% increase from last year.

While grilling captures the holiday spirit, slow cookers can simplify meal prep.

Slow cookers allow you to make delicious dishes with minimal cleanup and no need to monitor a hot grill constantly.

Having a few set-it-and-forget-it slow-cooker dishes can free you up to focus on grilling or spending time with guests.

Here are some great slow-cooker recipes for meats, sides, and dips to try this Memorial Day weekend.

You might not realize that you can parboil potatoes right in a slow cooker.

Simply chop potatoes and cover them with water, adding salt, pepper, and butter.

Cook on low for about six hours until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Afterward, mix your preferred potato salad dressing, such as mayonnaise, dill, whole grain mustard, and a splash of red wine vinegar.

Alternatively, try a German-style potato salad with bacon, baby potatoes, and a light dressing.

Dips like spinach-and-artichoke or corn-and-jalapeño are crowd-pleasers and can be effortlessly made in a slow cooker.

Chungah Rhee of Damn Delicious recommends slow cooker dips because they free up your time during parties.

You simply combine the ingredients, set the cooker, and enjoy more time with guests.

Buffalo-chicken dip is another popular option that you can prepare ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.

Queso dip made with American and pepper jack cheeses, evaporated milk, and diced tomatoes is also a creamy crowd favorite.

Brisket is ideal for slow cooking, as the gentle braise makes it tender and flavorful.

Kim Laidlaw’s recipe features garlic, onion, red wine, carrots, and stock, served with chimichurri sauce.

Pulled-pork sandwiches are another excellent slow-cooker choice.

Use tender pork shoulder, add barbecue sauce and coleslaw, and serve on brioche buns or potato rolls for sliders.

Barbecue ribs can also be cooked in the slow cooker.

After slow cooking, broil them in the oven to achieve a crispy finish.

For an easy summer dish, slow-cooked sausages or beer brats with onions, peppers, and garlic simmered in beer work perfectly.

Top with sauerkraut and serve on buns for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Mac and cheese is a classic side that can be made in the slow cooker.

Martha Stewart’s recipe uses evaporated milk, three types of cheese, and homemade breadcrumbs for a creamy result.

Garlic-and-herb mushrooms are easy to prepare and delicious as a side or burger topping.

Shredded Buffalo chicken is a versatile dish that can top salads, sliders, or tacos.

Add chicken breasts, Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and butter to the slow cooker and cook until shreddable.

Buffalo or barbecue chicken wings are also simple to prepare in a slow cooker.

Cook the wings with your favorite sauce, then broil them briefly in the oven for crispiness.

Meatballs are a perfect appetizer for any party and can be cooked entirely in a slow cooker.

Add seasoned raw meatballs to sauce in the slow cooker and serve them with toothpicks or in sandwiches.

Slow cookers make it easy to prepare tasty dishes ahead of time.

They reduce the stress of last-minute cooking and keep your focus on enjoying your guests and the grill.

From sides to mains and dips to appetizers, a slow cooker can be your secret weapon for a successful summer cookout.

Give these recipes a try to simplify your Memorial Day celebrations this year.