14 easy cookout foods you can make in a slow cooker this Memorial Day weekend

Erin McDowellMay 29, 2024, 05:18 IST

Pulled-pork sandwiches are an easy dish to make in a slow cooker.Joshua Resnick/Shutterstock

If you're entertaining this Memorial Day weekend, set-it-and-forget-it dishes can be a lifesaver.
From ribs to pulled pork, these slow-cooker recipes are perfect for summer gatherings.

From mouthwatering barbecue ribs to savory pulled-pork sandwiches, these slow-cooker recipes are perfect for any Memorial Day cookout.

WalletHub recently reported that 52% of Americans plan to host cookouts over Memorial Day weekend, making it one of the biggest weekends of the year for barbecuing. However, while grilling certainly captures the spirit of the holiday, slow cookers can make preparing sides and meats for all your guests a breeze.

Here are 14 easy cookout foods you can make in a slow cooker this Memorial Day weekend.

For your Memorial Day cookout this year, try making the potato salad using your slow cooker.

Potato salad.ziashusha/Shutterstock

Dips, such as this spinach-and-artichoke dip, are also easily made in a slow cooker.

Spinach-and-artichoke dip.Damn Delicious

This set-it-and-forget-it corn-and-jalapeño dip is deliciously creamy and easy to make.

Corn-and-jalapeño dip.Damn Delicious

Buffalo-chicken dip is another quick and easy favorite you can make in a slow cooker.

Slow cooker Buffalo-chicken dip.Erin McDowell/Insider

Queso gets super creamy and serves a whole party when done in a slow cooker.

Slow cooker queso with red onion, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños.Erin McDowell/Insider

Brisket is perfect for feeding a larger family and can easily be made in a slow cooker.

Beef brisket.iStock / Getty Images Plus

Pulled-pork sliders are a great way to use your slow cooker for a cookout.

Pulled pork sandwiches with barbecue sauce and coleslaw.Joshua Resnick/Shutterstock

You can also make barbecue ribs in a slow cooker.

Barbecue ribs.David P. Smith/Shutterstock

You can also make slow-cooked sausages and beer brats that pack a ton of flavor and save space on your grill.

Bratwurst with sauerkraut and Dijon mustard on a bun.Charles Brutlag/Getty Images

Mac and cheese can also easily be made in a slow cooker.

A spoonful of Martha Stewart's slow cooker mac and cheese.Erin McDowell/Insider

Garlic-and-herb mushrooms are a delicious side dish but can also be used as a burger topping.

Garlic-and-herb mushrooms.Damn Delicious

Shredded Buffalo chicken goes great on top of salads.

Shredded buffalo chicken.from my point of view/Shutterstock

You can even make Buffalo or barbecue chicken wings using a slow cooker.

Slow cooker Buffalo wings.Erin McDowell/Insider

Meatballs make a great appetizer for guests and don't require cooking over a hot stove.

Meatballs and sauce in a slow cooker.anewlifephotostudio/Getty Images

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