Save time in the kitchen this Independence Day and make these incredible 4th of July Slow Cooker Recipes. We’ve got easy main dishes and tasty side dish recipes to feed a crowd.
Great recipes for Memorial Day, too!
While grilling is a popular choice for Independence Day (cue the hot dogs), I use my slow cooker as my secret weapon in creating mouthwatering dishes without the hassle or time in front of a hot stove or grill.
I can’t wait to share some tantalizing summer slow cooker recipes that are perfect for your 4th of July gathering (or Memorial Day, for that matter). From pulled pork sliders to barbecue chicken, these recipes will delight guests while allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities and chatting with friends.
From American classics like BBQ Ribs to sweet treats like Peach Cobbler and Apple Cake with granny smith apples, you’ll find something for your whole family with these great recipes. One of my favorites is slow-cooked baked beans. With a hint of brown sugar, they're an excellent side dish that never disappoints party guests.
Trust me! Utilize your crock pot! You can get delicious mains, side dishes, and desserts without spending time in a hot kitchen.
Make one of these incredible Patriotic No-Bake Desserts to serve alongside your crock pot favorites! If you need cookies or cake, check out my collection of Red, White, and Blue Dessert Recipes!
Why You’ll Love These July 4th Slow Cooker Recipes
- BIG BATCH COOKING. These delicious recipes feed a crowd so well. Plenty of flavor and food to go around!
- VARIETY. From 4th of July appetizers to your main course, these recipes have you covered.
- BUDGET-FRIENDLY. Crock Pots are not only economical to use but also great for using budget ingredients like cheaper cuts of meat. They cook low and slow, so the meat comes out tender and flavorful.
Why Use Your Slow Cooker for 4th of July Cooking
- TO SAVE TIME. Since your crock pot is a set-it-and-forget-it kitchen appliance, you can use your time to enjoy your guests at your backyard barbecue.
- LESS MESS. You'll use fewer pots and pans and serving dishes when cooking with your crock pot.
- THE WARM SETTING. Slow cookers can keep food at the correct temperature, so food safety isn’t an issue while enjoying a fun day.
These incredible slow cooker recipes will make your 4th of July celebration easier and more delicious. Happy Fourth of July!
Main Dish Ideas
Here are some of the best main dish Fourth of July recipes (or Memorial Day recipes) you can make in your slow cooker. They're hearty and perfect for making sliders to serve right from your crock!
4th of July Slow Cooker Main Dish Recipes
Prepare to be amazed as your guests savor these irresistible slow cooker recipes at your 4th of July party. These slow-cooked favorites are tender and juicy and go well with summer celebrations!
Celebrate the 4th of July with tender and succulent slow cooker barbecue ribs. The ribs are marinated in a flavorful barbecue sauce and slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in meat that falls right off the bone. Serve them with additional barbecue sauce for a finger-licking feast that will impress your guests. These are the perfect recipe for July 4th!
Add a delicious twist to your Independence Day celebration with slow cooker pulled pork sliders. Tender and juicy pork shoulder is slow-cooked with a blend of spices and a tangy barbecue sauce until it's melt-in-your-mouth tender. Serve the pulled pork on soft slider buns and top them with pickles or your favorite coleslaw for a crowd-pleasing main dish. It's a crowd pleaser for sure!
For a lighter yet equally flavorful option, try slow cooker BBQ chicken. Chicken thighs slow-cook in a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce, producing juicy and flavorful meat. The slow cooker allows the flavors to develop and the chicken to become incredibly tender. Serve alone or on buns.
Get ready to savor the zesty flavors of slow cooker salsa verde chicken tacos on the fourth of July. This vibrant and delicious dish combines tender chicken, tangy salsa verde, and aromatic spices for a mouthwatering taco filling. Serve with corn or flour tortillas. Top the tacos with your favorite garnishes, such as diced onions, chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Spice up your 4th of July with a hearty slow-cooker chili. Packed with ground beef or turkey, beans, tomatoes, and an array of spices, this dish is perfect for summer. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and comforting chili that can be customized with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions. Serve it with cornbread or tortilla chips.
Prepare to delight your taste buds with slow-cooker grape jelly meatballs' savory and sweet flavors. Slow cooker meatballs are versatile and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course at your 4th of July gathering. Serve them alongside toothpicks as a crowd-pleasing party snack.
Get ready for BBQ guests to rave about the mouthwatering goodness of slow cooker French dip sandwiches. This classic comfort food combines tender, flavorful beef with crusty bread topped with cheese and a savory au jus for dipping.
Don't spend the 4th in front of the grill; cook Slow Cooker Hot Dogs! They feed a crowd wonderfully and taste just as good as hot dogs from a food cart!
Get ready to enjoy tender and flavorful Crock-Pot BBQ pork chops. This simple and easy recipe combines juicy pork chops with a tangy and smoky barbecue sauce that will leave your taste buds craving more—only 3 ingredients to make this hassle-free 4th of July recipe.
Get ready to savor the spicy and tangy flavors of slow-cooker buffalo chicken. This super simple recipe features tender and juicy chicken cooked in a zesty buffalo sauce, making it perfect for sandwiches, wraps, salads, or even as a standalone main dish at your summer BBQ.
Crock Pot chicken wings eliminate the mess and oil of deep-fried chicken wings while creating the perfect 4th of July snack! Using a slow cooker means these Buffalo wings come out perfectly tender, fall off the bone soft and are loaded with flavor!
To-die-for Beef Brisket that makes the most out of this cut of beef! This Slow Cooker brisket is cooked in a simple homemade BBQ sauce until it’s deliciously tender and infused with incredible flavor. Serve piled high onto rolls or make sliders at your summer celebration.
4th of July Slow Cooker Side Dish Ideas
These slow cooker side dishes are not only delicious but also convenient for your 4th of July BBQ. The slow cooker allows you to prep in advance and frees up your time to enjoy the festivities while still delivering flavorful and crowd-pleasing dishes. Also, see my amazing Creamed Corn Recipe below!
4th of July Slow Cooker Side Dish Recipes
These incredible slow cooker dishes are delicious and convenient for 4th of July celebrations. Guests will enjoy these delightful side dishes made effortlessly in your slow cooker. These BBQ sides may even outshine the mains!
Add a classic and comforting side dish to your 4th of July spread with slow cooker baked beans. This recipe combines tender beans, smoky bacon, onions, and a rich barbecue sauce. The slow cooker melds the flavors, making a thick, hearty dish that pairs perfectly with your grilled meats.
Elevate your 4th of July feast with the delicious aroma of slow cooker cornbread. This side dish combines the sweetness of cornmeal with a moist and fluffy texture. Slow cooking ensures even cooking and prevents the cornbread from drying out. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or as a complement to your favorite barbecue dishes.
No summer shin-dig is complete without the cheesy goodness of Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese. This easy recipe creates a creamy sauce for perfectly cooked pasta. The bonus is the slow cooker keeps it warm while everyone eats! It pairs perfectly with ribs or hotdogs!
Crock Pot Baked Potatoes is an easy method to cook "baked" potatoes when it's hot out, or you don't have space in the oven! Once you try it, you'll wonder why you haven't done it before. This effortless recipe delivers perfectly cooked, fluffy potatoes with minimal effort. A great side for ribs or brisket!
Crock Pot Corn on the Cob is the perfect summer side dish for all your meals! It takes the fresh deliciousness of corn on the cob and makes preparation effortless! With only a few minutes of prep, you will have a fantastic fresh side for your backyard BBQ.
4th of July Slow Cooker Appetizers
4th of July celebrations call for tasty and convenient appetizers, and using a slow cooker can make the preparation a breeze. Here are some delicious slow cooker appetizer ideas to elevate your Independence Day gathering.
4th of July Slow Cooker Appetizer Recipes
These slow cooker appetizers are convenient and packed with flavor, allowing you to enjoy your 4th of July festivities while still serving delicious bites to your guests. Slow cooking ensures your appetizers stay warm throughout the gathering, making them perfect for snacking and sharing.
Serve a creamy and cheesy spinach and artichoke dip that will keep your 4th of July guests coming back for more. Mix chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and spices in a slow cooker. Let the dip cook on low heat until the cheese is melted and the flavors are well combined. Grab some tortilla chips or fresh veggies like bell peppers and bread cubes, and make everyone happy with this classic party dip.
This Cheesy And Delicious Crock Pot Bean Dip Is made with barely any effort! So easy, convenient, and perfect for holiday celebrations! Grab those corn chips and get dippin’!
Whip up a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your BBQ with tangy and saucy slow cooker BBQ meatballs. Combine frozen or homemade meatballs with a mixture of your favorite barbecue sauce and spices. Let the meatballs simmer in the slow cooker for a few hours until they are infused with the delicious flavors of the barbecue sauce. Yum!
Dessert Ideas
Here are some of the best sweet 4th of July recipes because they cook while you enjoy the festivities. Once it's time for dessert, they're ready to go!
4th of July Slow Cooker Dessert Recipes
These slow cooker dessert recipes offer convenience and deliciousness, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your 4th of July celebrations while still impressing your guests with delectable sweet treats.
This slow cooker dessert has it all. An Incredible peach flavor from fresh or frozen peaches and an excellent cookie-like topping. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and it's pure heaven on a spoon.
Celebrate the 4th of July with a delightful slow-cooked Apple Cake. Soft cinnamony apples with a golden brown topping are an American classic that cooks in a reasonably quick time. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you'll be in heaven!
Prepare to delight in the heavenly combination of moist cake and molten chocolate. This is one of the best recipes for most holidays. You'll love the rich and decadent flavors of slow cooker chocolate lava cake. This dessert is a true delight for chocolate lovers, with a warm and gooey center that oozes with melted chocolate. A great addition to starry summer nights.
Embrace the summertime nostalgia with a slow cooker s'mores dip that will delight your taste buds on the 4th of July. Serve the dip with graham crackers for dipping, and let everyone enjoy the gooey, chocolaty, campfire-inspired treat.
The 4th of July is the perfect time to serve brownies! Ultra-rich n’ fudgy Slow Cooker Brownies are a snap when made in your crockpot! Set out a plate of these chocolaty goodies at your Fourth of July get-together and watch them disappear.
A slow Cooker Cherry Cobbler is a delicious and fruity dessert that showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh or canned cherries (or homemade if you like). It consists of a sweet cherry filling topped with a buttery and crispy cobbler topping. Yum!
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Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
Equipment
- 6-quart Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen corn
- 8 ounces cream cheese (one block cut into 1-inch cubes)
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup butter (½ stick) (cut into small pieces)
- 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or more to your liking)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (be careful not to over salt)
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine frozen corn, cubed cream cheese, heavy cream, butter pieces, and sugar in a slow cooker—season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover with the lids and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2 to 4 hours. Stir and then let the corn stand for a few minutes, either with the heat off or on the "warm" setting, to give the sauce time to set.
Notes
- You can double the recipe to feed a large crowd.
- If you're around while this cooks, stir the corn once during the second half of cooking to prevent a crust from forming around the edge, and fold the partially melted cream cheese and butter into the corn.
- STORAGE: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Melissa says
I love using the slow cooker for just about everything! Great recipes - I've used them multiple times. Thanks!
Erin Henry says
So great, Melissa! Glad you found these easy recipes!
Olivia says
This is just what I was looking for, thank you! They all look so delicious and perfect for celebrating the 4th of July!
Kristyn says
These all look wonderful & so tasty!! I am excited to try some of these for the holiday!! I'm sure they will be a hit!
Erin Henry says
Yes! Your slow cooker can make some amazing no-fuss recipes so you can enjoy the holidays!