Christmas is my favorite time of the year, the Christmas movies, decorating, baking, the smells, I just love this time of the year. However it can also be a stressful season with people dropping by (unannounced) and planning holiday parties.
Appetizers are a great way to get the party started, and they’re also an easy go–to choice when you’re short on time. This holiday season, try making appetizers in your crockpot. From traditional dips like spinach artichoke dip or cheese fondue to more adventurous choices like bacon sausages, or peppermint hot chocolate, there’s something for everyone.
In this post we’ll go over some of our favorite crockpot appetizers for Christmas. These easy recipes are perfect for holiday parties or for potluck at the campground. Many of them can be made ahead of time so you don’t have any added stress over the holidays. If somebody pops in unexpectedly – you’re already prepared.
Easy Crockpot Appetizers for Christmas
Check out these delicious recipes below so you too can spend time enjoying yourself rather than slaving away in the kitchen.
#1 Slow Cooker Meatballs with Grape Jelly & Chili Sauce
I made this appetizer (on the husband’s recommendation) for a thanksgiving party we had years ago. I had never tried this recipe and wasn’t sure of it at all, so I made some other dishes in case these didn’t work out. We had some different appetizers like mini quiches, a creamy artichoke dip, chex mix snacks and even some shrimp wrapped in bacon.
Everybody went crazy about this dish, to where we ran out quite quickly even though I had made large crock pot of this appetizer and refilled it!!!!
OH MY GOSH, our guests could not get enough of this dish. I honestly could have made this recipe x 100 and every meatball would have been eaten! I used beef meatballs from Sams Club and they worked great!
#2 Slow Cooker Glazed Bacon Sausage Bites
Even the title of this recipe has me drooling! Slow cooked bacon wrapped sausage bites are the perfect appetizer for any occasion.
They’re easy to make, and taste absolutely delicious. The hardest part of this recipe is waiting for them to bake so you can dig in and enjoy!
#3 Crockpot Spinach & Bacon Queso Dip
Crockpot spinach and bacon queso dip is a delicious appetizer that you can prepare in just a few minutes before throwing it in the crockpot.
Serve with tortilla chips and watch guests gobble it down. Once you make this tasty recipe for guests, prepare for requests at future parties.
#4 Crockpot Hot Apple Cider Recipe
I always like to include a hot drink at a holiday party, particularly if you live somewhere cold. This recipe is one of my favorites and it’s very easy to make. Throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do it’s thing and serve it up.
#5 Warm Chicken Nacho Dip
This slow cooker warm chicken nacho dip is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a party or just want to have some delicious snacks on hand, this recipe will satisfy your needs.
The best part about it is that clean up is minimal because most of the ingredients are canned!
#6 Slow Cooker Reuben Dip
Looking for another type of dip that will wow your guests? Try this delicious slow cooker reuben dip! The flavors of corned beef and sauerkraut are combined with swiss cheese and thousand island dressing to create a party-favorite.
It’s easy to make and it stays warm in your slow cooker. Serve it with rye bread or crackers for an appetizer that will be the star of any gathering
#7 BBQ Bacon Chicken Dip
Slow cooker bbq bacon chicken dip is the perfect way to win over your guests. The slow cooking process allows of the flavors to mix together perfectly creating one tasty dish! The best part is that you only have one pot co clean and if you use slow cooker liners, there is little to no clean up.
You’re Welcome!
#8 Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
This recipe for crockpot buffalo chicken dip is a great one to make in your slow cooker. It’s perfect for when you’re having people over and want something easy, flavorful, and delicious. This buffalo chicken dip is sure to be a hit with all your friends and family. Again, minimal clean up is involved.
#9 Slow Cooker Chex Mex
My only issue with this slow cooker chex mix recipe is having any leftover after packages are opened. I admit I am a chex mix fiend. I am unable to open a chex mix bag without at least munching through 1/2 the bag!
This easy appetizer can be put together in 5 minutes and then thrown into the slow cooker, perfect for guests to munch on at holiday parties.
#10 Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
For my last recipe, I went with the uber popular spinach artichoke dip that everyone loves and expects to see at a holiday party. As with all the other recipes, everything is dumped into the slow cooker and left to cook.
#11 Crock Of Lil Smokies
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These yummy bite-sized sausages, have an irresistible charm that captures the hearts (and taste buds) of all who eat them. Little Smokies have earned their reputation as a truly delectable treat that brings people together and adds a touch of flavor-packed joy to any gathering.
#12 Slow Cooker Falafel
This is a great recipe to add to your list of vegetarian appetizers. Simple to make in the slow cooker, but they add such an international flare to any gathering.
Make these easy falafel sliders at your next gathering. They make a wonderful party meal, or you can make them for your own family dinner.
#13 Crawfish Dip
How about a bit of Creole for your Christmas get together. This yummy dish celebrates crawfish in a way that will wow your family and friends.
A nice creamy sauce makes this a perfect stick to your ribs treat.
#14 Slow Cooker Corn Dip
“Slow Cooker Corn Dip is warm, creamy, cheesy, and rich. It’s the perfect combination of salty, sweet, and spicy flavors. Serve it with tortilla chips and it makes a fabulously easy game day appetizer.” -Spicy Southers Kitchen
#15 Easy Cranberry Orange Meatballs
Another great take on simple meat balls. What could be more festive than the flavors of cranberries and orange.
Sweet, savory and zesty- these little beauties will be an instant hit!
#16 Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Dip
Super comfort food that will please every crowd. Smooth silky chicken alfredo with a bit of crusty bread. YUM!
#17 Bacon Ranch Crockpot Stuffed Mushrooms
This is a really nice twist on the traditional bready stuffing we usually put into mushroom caps. This filling is cream cheese, bacon and spices!
That’s it, and it delivers a decadent creamy bite. We love these!
#18 Crockpot PF Changs Lettuce Wraps
PF Change lettuce wraps are to die for. We will stop by JUST to get the lettuce wraps. This recipe has quite a few ingredients, from garlic to hoisin sauce, to brown sugar. But it is so worth the result!
Being able to approximate the wonderful filling mix feels like knowing a secret. Plus…yum!
#19 Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas
Tasty shredded pork shoulder and homemade salsa. A great taste combo. Serve it with romaine lettuce leaves or traditional tortillas.
#20 Slow Cooker Queso Verde
This warm cheesy dip is made with just 5 ingredients. A true “dump and heat” dish and it will seem like it took you hours to make. Great for ball games, parties, or anywhere folks meet up!
#21 Slow Cooker Warm Chili Cheese Dip
This is another super simple dip to make. 6 ingredient Chili Cheese Dip. Watch as people gather around the slow cooker trying to get in to have some more.
#22 Slow Cooker Chicken Wings
This recipe simplifies Buffalo wings by a great deal. By cooking the wings on low in the slow cooker, you can just put everything in there and go about your day.
The only extra step with these is a quick broil in the oven at the end to crisp them up a bit. Loads of variations for the sauce.
#23 Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken Meatballs
These homemade chicken meatballs are really easy to make. They just have a few ingredients but deliver a tasty treat.
The buffalo based firecracker sauce adds a touch of heat and sweet. These will quickly become a favorite!
#24 Slow Cooker Pizza Dip
This is a pizza based dipping sauce that is great served with garlic bread. Serve with some extra pizza toppings to finish off the effect.
#25 Crockpot Sausage and Potatoes
This one is more like a hearty main course than an appetizer. Cheesy hash browns with kielbasa sausage.
This is a wonderfully easy dish to just “dump and go” and your whole family will love it.
Bonus Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate
This Christmas, have a go at making this delicious and easy slow cooker peppermint hot chocolate. It is absolutely delicious and perfect for those cooler nights. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also quick and easy to make. Both adults and kids will love this recipe, so you might want to make a double batch!
Easy Prep Tips For Holiday Parties
#1 Always make sure that you know of any allergies, and make sure you know how many guests are coming so you can be sure to have enough food. There’s nothing worse than running out of food mid party!
#2 I like to spread the food out so everyone isn’t stuck in a line trying to get to the food – that’s not fun. I love using these cute Christmas bowls, they can be used for ice cream or nuts and chips. This is another space saver dish that is super cute. I would spread 3 or 4 of these around for snacks and just keep refilling them. If you can, store the leftover nuts and chips under the table (hidden of course) so you access them easy for refilling purposes.
#3 Cut your veggies up ahead of time and store them in bags or containers in your refrigerator so they are ready when you need them (make extra). This way all you have to do is pull out a bag of carrots or celery out of the fridge, instead of having to chop it up on the spot.
#4 Always use fancy paper plates so there is less washing up to do
#5 Set up a drink station with water, soda, juice and garnishes like lime/lemon, or mint leaves (fancy schmancy). Set out small dishes for serving crackers and cheese near the drinks area.
#6 Cook any food prior to the party and heat it up just before guests arrive.
Always remember that your guests are excited to see you and catch up, so as long as you have lots of crowd pleasing appetizers, and a warm welcome, everyone will have fun at your party.
Don’t forget to enjoy yourself.
What Size Slow Cooker Do I Need?
This 3 Quart crock pot is good for smaller dishes, dips, etc.
The 4 Quart size is good for smaller groups- 2-4 people.
This 8 Quart slow cooker is ideal for large groups.
Always remember to purchase the slow cooker liners, doing so will save you a ton of clean up.
I like to use this set of 3 crock pot food warmers for gatherings, it keeps the food nice and warm and allows me to serve several different appetizers without taking up too much space.
3 Crock Slow Cooker
- Each crock has its own heating element with three settings, high, low, and warm.
- Perfect for game night/super bowl party/reunions/house warming parties.
- The food warmers functions makes it the perfect buffet server station allowing your guests to help themselves.
Have the Best Holiday Party EVER!
Have I mentioned how much I love Christmas and everything that comes with it, I have right?
It’s just such a great time of the year to hang out with friends and family and catch up. That’s why I love hosting a Christmas party, it’s the perfect time to get everyone together. I think one of the most important things to host a successful party is to have everything planned out ahead of time, so you can hang out with guests and not spend all your time cooking!
I’m not sure about you, but I always seem to be scrambling at the last minute before a holiday party. There are so many things to do – shopping for food, cooking for hours on end, making decorations, wrapping gifts – that it can feel overwhelming. Let’s take some of the stress out of your day by giving you some quick tips on how to prep ahead of time.
Crockpot appetizers are a great way to make your Christmas party easy and stress-free this year. Keep the cooking simple by making these delicious crockpot appetizers this Christmas and watch your guests go crazy over these dishes! These delicious recipes are perfect for potluck at the campground too!
Please share your favorite crockpot Christmas appetizer with a comment below.
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