Slow Cooker Tailgate Recipes: Game Day Grub Made Easy

Tailgating is an art form. It’s about the camaraderie, the excitement of the game, and, of course, the food! But let’s face it, spending hours grilling and prepping food outdoors can be challenging, especially when you want to enjoy the pre-game festivities. That’s where the slow cooker comes in as your MVP. Slow cookers are perfect for tailgating because they allow you to prepare delicious, crowd-pleasing meals ahead of time, leaving you free to mingle, cheer, and soak in the atmosphere. This article will explore some fantastic slow cooker tailgate recipes that are easy to make, transport, and most importantly, delicious.

Why Use a Slow Cooker for Tailgating?

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why a slow cooker is a tailgating essential:

* **Convenience:** Prep your ingredients, toss them in the slow cooker, and let it do its magic. You can prepare everything the night before or early in the morning.
* **Portability:** Many slow cookers come with locking lids and carrying handles, making them easy to transport to the tailgate. Invest in a car inverter to keep your slow cooker plugged in and your food warm throughout the pre-game festivities.
* **Keeps Food Warm:** A slow cooker is designed to keep food at a safe serving temperature for extended periods, so you don’t have to worry about your dishes getting cold.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Slow cookers are ideal for making large batches of food, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
* **Versatility:** You can make everything from dips and appetizers to main courses and desserts in a slow cooker.

Essential Tailgating Slow Cooker Equipment

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the right equipment:

* **Slow Cooker:** Choose a slow cooker with a locking lid and carrying handles for easy transport. A 6-quart or larger model is ideal for tailgating.
* **Car Inverter:** This allows you to plug your slow cooker into your car’s cigarette lighter and keep your food warm.
* **Extension Cord:** You might need an extension cord to reach a power outlet.
* **Serving Utensils:** Don’t forget spoons, tongs, and ladles for serving.
* **Bowls and Plates:** Disposable or reusable bowls and plates for your guests.
* **Napkins and Wet Wipes:** Essential for keeping things clean.
* **Cooler:** For drinks and any cold items you’re bringing.
* **Trash Bags:** To clean up after the tailgate.

Slow Cooker Tailgate Recipes

Now, let’s get to the good stuff – the recipes! These recipes are easy to make, transport, and will be a hit with your tailgating crew.

1. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Pulled pork is a tailgating classic, and the slow cooker makes it incredibly easy.

**Ingredients:**

* 4-5 pound pork shoulder (Boston butt)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
* 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Hamburger buns
* Coleslaw (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Sear the Pork:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides until browned.
2. **Prepare the Slow Cooker:** Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. **Add the Pork:** Place the seared pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic.
4. **Make the Sauce:** In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
5. **Pour the Sauce:** Pour the sauce over the pork shoulder, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
6. **Slow Cook:** Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the pork is easily shredded with a fork.
7. **Shred the Pork:** Remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard any excess fat.
8. **Return to Sauce:** Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce.
9. **Serve:** Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns. Top with coleslaw, if desired.

**Tips for Tailgating:**

* Keep the pulled pork warm in the slow cooker during the tailgate.
* Bring pre-made coleslaw in a separate container.
* Provide a variety of BBQ sauces for your guests to choose from.

2. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for game day.

**Ingredients:**

* 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
* 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup ranch dressing
* 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice)
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
* Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
* Tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks for serving

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Chicken:** Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add about 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth to the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. **Slow Cook:** Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded.
3. **Shred the Chicken:** Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
4. **Add Ingredients:** Add the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo wing sauce, cheddar cheese, and blue cheese crumbles (if using) to the slow cooker.
5. **Combine:** Stir everything together until well combined and the cheese is melted.
6. **Keep Warm:** Keep the dip warm in the slow cooker on the warm setting until ready to serve.
7. **Serve:** Garnish with chopped green onions (if using) and serve with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks.

**Tips for Tailgating:**

* Bring a bag of tortilla chips or pre-cut vegetables in a separate container.
* Keep the dip warm in the slow cooker during the tailgate.
* Offer a variety of dipping options to cater to different preferences.

3. Slow Cooker Chili

Chili is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a chilly game day.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel)
* 1 packet chili seasoning
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for toppings (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Brown the Meat:** In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or ground turkey over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. **Add Vegetables:** Add the chopped onion, garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. **Transfer to Slow Cooker:** Transfer the browned meat and vegetables to the slow cooker.
4. **Add Remaining Ingredients:** Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chili seasoning, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
5. **Stir:** Stir everything together until well combined.
6. **Slow Cook:** Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
7. **Serve:** Serve the chili hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions, if desired.

**Tips for Tailgating:**

* Bring toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions in separate containers.
* Provide bowls, spoons, and napkins for your guests.
* Keep the chili warm in the slow cooker during the tailgate.

4. Slow Cooker Little Smokies

These are a simple but always popular tailgate treat. The combination of savory and sweet is irresistible.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 (14 ounce) packages little smokies sausages
* 1 cup BBQ sauce
* 1/2 cup grape jelly
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In the slow cooker, combine the little smokies sausages, BBQ sauce, grape jelly, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. **Stir:** Stir everything together until well combined.
3. **Slow Cook:** Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or on high for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. **Serve:** Serve the little smokies hot, directly from the slow cooker. Provide toothpicks or small forks for easy serving.

**Tips for Tailgating:**

* This recipe is incredibly easy to transport and keep warm.
* The sweet and savory combination is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
* Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

5. Slow Cooker Queso Dip

Queso dip is a cheesy, flavorful dip that’s perfect for dipping tortilla chips or vegetables.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
* 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
* 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
* 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half (optional, for a thinner consistency)
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
* Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
* Tortilla chips for serving

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In the slow cooker, combine the Velveeta cheese, diced tomatoes and green chilies, diced green chilies, milk or half-and-half (if using), cumin, and chili powder.
2. **Slow Cook:** Cover and cook on low for 1-2 hours, or on high for 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cheese is melted and the dip is smooth.
3. **Keep Warm:** Keep the queso dip warm in the slow cooker on the warm setting until ready to serve.
4. **Serve:** Garnish with chopped cilantro (if using) and serve with tortilla chips.

**Tips for Tailgating:**

* Keep the queso warm in the slow cooker during the tailgate.
* Bring a bag of tortilla chips in a separate container.
* Consider adding cooked chorizo or ground beef for a heartier dip.

6. Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs

While grilling ribs is traditional, slow cooking them beforehand ensures they are fall-off-the-bone tender and full of flavor. You can finish them on the grill for that perfect char, or simply serve them directly from the slow cooker.

**Ingredients:**

* 3-4 pounds pork ribs (spare ribs or baby back ribs)
* 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
* 1 tablespoon garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand), plus extra for serving
* 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Ribs:** Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
2. **Make the Rub:** In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
3. **Rub the Ribs:** Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. **Arrange in Slow Cooker:** Cut the ribs into sections that will fit in your slow cooker. Place them in the slow cooker, standing them on their side if necessary to fit. You can layer them if needed.
5. **Add Liquids:** Pour the BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar over the ribs.
6. **Slow Cook:** Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the ribs are very tender.
7. **Optional: Grill the Ribs:** If desired, preheat a grill to medium heat. Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on the grill. Grill for 5-10 minutes per side, basting with extra BBQ sauce, until they are slightly charred and caramelized.
8. **Serve:** Serve the ribs with extra BBQ sauce.

**Tips for Tailgating:**

* If grilling, make sure to bring a grill, charcoal, and grilling utensils.
* Transport the ribs carefully to avoid them falling apart.
* Provide plenty of napkins, as ribs can be messy.

7. Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob

This is a super easy and delicious side dish that requires minimal effort. Perfect for large crowds!

**Ingredients:**

* 8-10 ears of corn, shucked
* 1/2 cup butter, melted
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Garlic powder, paprika, or other seasonings

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Corn:** Shuck the corn and remove the silk.
2. **Arrange in Slow Cooker:** Place the corn in the slow cooker, standing them upright if necessary to fit. You can break them in half if needed.
3. **Add Butter:** Pour the melted butter over the corn. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
4. **Slow Cook:** Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or on high for 1-1.5 hours, or until the corn is tender.
5. **Serve:** Serve the corn hot, with extra butter and seasonings on the side.

**Tips for Tailgating:**

* This is a great side dish that requires minimal attention.
* Provide extra butter, salt, and pepper for your guests.
* Use tongs to remove the corn from the slow cooker.

8. Slow Cooker Beer Cheese Dip

A creamy, cheesy dip with a hint of beer flavor – a perfect complement to pretzels, vegetables, or even sausages.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 (12 ounce) bottle of beer (lager or ale work well)
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeños (optional, for heat)
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Pretzels, vegetables, or sausages for dipping

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In the slow cooker, combine the Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, beer, milk, pickled jalapeños (if using), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. **Slow Cook:** Cover and cook on low for 1-2 hours, or until the cheeses are melted and the dip is smooth, stirring occasionally.
3. **Keep Warm:** Keep the beer cheese dip warm in the slow cooker on the warm setting until ready to serve.
4. **Serve:** Serve the dip with pretzels, vegetables, or sausages.

**Tips for Tailgating:**

* Keep the dip warm in the slow cooker during the tailgate.
* Offer a variety of dipping options.
* Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the heat level.

9. Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

Who says you can’t have dessert at a tailgate? This apple crisp is easy to make and a delicious way to end your pre-game meal.

**Ingredients:**

* 6-8 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
* 1/2 cup rolled oats
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
* Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Apples:** In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss to coat.
2. **Prepare the Topping:** In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, 1/4 cup flour, and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. **Layer in Slow Cooker:** Place the apple mixture in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
4. **Slow Cook:** Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
5. **Serve:** Serve the apple crisp warm, with vanilla ice cream if desired.

**Tips for Tailgating:**

* Transport the apple crisp carefully to avoid it becoming mushy.
* Bring vanilla ice cream in a cooler for serving (optional).
* Provide bowls and spoons for your guests.

10. Slow Cooker Hot Wings

Skip the fryer and make these crowd-pleasing wings in your slow cooker. The slow cooking makes them extra tender and juicy, and they’re easy to finish on the grill or in the oven for a crispy skin.

**Ingredients:**

* 3-4 pounds chicken wings, separated at the joints
* 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice)
* 1/2 cup butter, melted
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Blue cheese or ranch dressing for serving
* Celery sticks and carrot sticks for serving

**Instructions:**

1. **Season the Wings:** In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. **Arrange in Slow Cooker:** Place the wings in the slow cooker in a single layer, if possible. You may need to layer them.
3. **Make the Sauce:** In a separate bowl, combine the buffalo wing sauce, melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper (if using).
4. **Pour Sauce Over Wings:** Pour the sauce over the wings, ensuring they are evenly coated.
5. **Slow Cook:** Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The wings should be cooked through and very tender.
6. **Optional: Broil or Grill for Crispy Skin:** If desired, preheat your broiler or grill to high. Remove the wings from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet or grill grates. Broil or grill for 5-10 minutes, turning once, until the skin is crispy and slightly charred.
7. **Serve:** Serve the hot wings with blue cheese or ranch dressing, celery sticks, and carrot sticks.

**Tips for Tailgating:**

* If broiling or grilling, make sure to bring a grill, charcoal, and grilling utensils, or a way to plug in a portable broiler.
* Provide plenty of napkins, as wings can be messy.
* Bring blue cheese or ranch dressing, celery sticks, and carrot sticks in separate containers.

Tips for Successful Tailgating with a Slow Cooker

* **Plan Ahead:** Choose your recipes in advance and make a shopping list. Prep as much as possible the day before, such as chopping vegetables and browning meat.
* **Test Your Setup:** Before game day, test your car inverter and make sure it can power your slow cooker without any issues.
* **Pack Smart:** Use airtight containers for any side dishes, toppings, or condiments. Label everything clearly.
* **Keep Food Safety in Mind:** Always use a food thermometer to ensure that your food is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Keep hot food hot (above 140°F) and cold food cold (below 40°F).
* **Bring Cleaning Supplies:** Don’t forget paper towels, wet wipes, and trash bags for easy cleanup.
* **Enjoy Yourself!** Tailgating is about having fun with friends and family. Relax, enjoy the food, and cheer on your team!

Conclusion

With a little planning and the help of your trusty slow cooker, you can create a tailgate feast that’s both delicious and stress-free. These recipes are just a starting point – feel free to get creative and adapt them to your own tastes. So, gather your friends, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready for some game day fun! Remember to be responsible, have fun, and cheer on your favorite team!