Best Slow Cooker Recipes for Summer BBQ Sides: Effortless & Delicious
https://www.cookwithcooker.com/best-slow-cooker-recipes-summer-bbq-sides/
Summer BBQs are all about enjoying great food and good company, and when it comes to side dishes, the slow cooker is your secret weapon. Imagine preparing sides like creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or tangy BBQ corn on the cob without hovering over a hot stove all day. Slow cookers do the heavy lifting, allowing you to enjoy the sunshine and your guests without stress. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best slow cooker recipes for summer BBQ sides that will elevate your next cookout.
If you’re new to slow cooking or need inspiration for other meal ideas, be sure to check out easy slow cooker recipes for beginners, perfect for any occasion.
1. Creamy Slow Cooker Coleslaw
A BBQ isn’t complete without coleslaw. It’s the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess, and it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like pulled pork or ribs. The beauty of making coleslaw in a slow cooker is that the flavors meld together beautifully over time. You won’t have to worry about it wilting or getting soggy.
Ingredients:
1 medium green cabbage, shredded
1 medium purple cabbage, shredded
2 large carrots, shredded
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Combine the shredded cabbage and carrots in the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly.
Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring halfway through.
This creamy coleslaw is sure to be a hit at your BBQ. If you’re in the mood for more fresh and healthy side dishes, be sure to try paleo slow cooker soups.
2. Slow Cooker Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic BBQ side, and when made in the slow cooker, they’re even better. Slow cooking allows the beans to absorb the smoky flavors and spices, creating a rich, comforting dish.
Ingredients:
2 cups dried navy beans (soaked overnight)
1/2 lb bacon, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the onion until softened.
Transfer the beans, bacon, onions, and all remaining ingredients into the slow cooker. Add enough water to cover the beans.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beans are tender.
These savory, smoky baked beans will have your guests coming back for seconds! For other hearty, satisfying meals, consider browsing keto pressure cooker dinners.
3. BBQ Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob
Nothing screams summer like juicy corn on the cob, and making it in the slow cooker is the easiest way to get perfectly cooked corn without firing up the grill. You can add BBQ seasoning for a smoky twist.
Ingredients:
6 ears of corn, husked and cleaned
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Arrange the corn in the slow cooker, stacking it vertically if necessary.
Dot the corn with butter and sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the corn is tender.
Serve this BBQ corn as a delicious side dish alongside your grilled meats. For more easy and fun recipes, check out instant pot meal prep for weight loss.
4. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Mash
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes are a great choice. This slow cooker recipe creates a creamy, slightly sweet dish that pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken, ribs, or burgers.
Ingredients:
4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
2 tbsp maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Place the diced sweet potatoes in the slow cooker and add just enough water to cover them.
Cook on low for 4-6 hours, until tender.
Drain the water and mash the sweet potatoes with butter, milk, and maple syrup.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This sweet potato mash is the perfect side for any BBQ spread. Looking for more healthy recipes? Visit dairy-free Instant Pot desserts for a tasty treat.
5. Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a BBQ staple that everyone loves. While it’s traditionally made on the stovetop, a slow cooker version is just as delicious and much easier to prepare, especially when you have a crowd to feed.
Ingredients:
1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions and drain.
In the slow cooker, combine the macaroni with all other ingredients.
Stir everything together, cover, and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
This creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. If you’re looking for more kid-friendly recipes, check out healthy Instant Pot meals.
6. Slow Cooker Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a fantastic addition to any BBQ, and while you may traditionally grill them, you can also use your slow cooker for a more hands-off approach. The result is perfectly tender veggies with all the smoky flavors you love.
Ingredients:
2 zucchini, sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 red onion, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Toss the vegetables with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Place them in the slow cooker and cover.
Cook on low for 4-5 hours, stirring halfway through.
These veggies are a great way to add some color and nutrition to your BBQ spread. Looking for more healthy meal ideas? Don’t miss gluten-free slow cooker soups and stews for cozy comfort food.
Conclusion: Slow Cooker Recipes for Effortless BBQ Side Dishes
Slow cookers truly shine when it comes to preparing delicious, hands-off side dishes for your summer BBQ. Whether you’re serving creamy coleslaw, smoky baked beans, or tender corn on the cob, these recipes are sure to make your BBQ spread even more memorable.
For more slow cooker tips and recipes, check out our guide on how to cook perfect rice in a rice cooker, or browse other one-pot slow cooker meals for large families. With these recipes in your arsenal, your next BBQ will be a delicious success!
Outbound Links:
The Kitchn—BBQ and Grilling Recipes: A site with tons of ideas and tips for BBQ, including slow-cooked sides that go perfectly with grilled meats.
https://www.thekitchn.com/slow-cooker-bbq-recipes-229412 #Cooking #Recipe #Food #Outdoors #Ideas #SocialMedia #Style #MothersDay #LifeLessons #Sports
Leave a Comment
Comment
Best Slow Cooker Recipes for Summer BBQ Sides: Effortless & Delicious
https://www.cookwithcooker.com/best-slow-cooker-recipes-summer-bbq-sides/
Summer BBQs are all about enjoying great food and good company, and when it comes to side dishes, the slow cooker is your secret weapon. Imagine preparing sides like creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or tangy BBQ corn on the cob without hovering over a hot stove all day. Slow cookers do the heavy lifting, allowing you to enjoy the sunshine and your guests without stress. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best slow cooker recipes for summer BBQ sides that will elevate your next cookout.
If you’re new to slow cooking or need inspiration for other meal ideas, be sure to check out easy slow cooker recipes for beginners, perfect for any occasion.
1. Creamy Slow Cooker Coleslaw
A BBQ isn’t complete without coleslaw. It’s the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess, and it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like pulled pork or ribs. The beauty of making coleslaw in a slow cooker is that the flavors meld together beautifully over time. You won’t have to worry about it wilting or getting soggy.
Ingredients:
1 medium green cabbage, shredded
1 medium purple cabbage, shredded
2 large carrots, shredded
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Combine the shredded cabbage and carrots in the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly.
Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring halfway through.
This creamy coleslaw is sure to be a hit at your BBQ. If you’re in the mood for more fresh and healthy side dishes, be sure to try paleo slow cooker soups.
2. Slow Cooker Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic BBQ side, and when made in the slow cooker, they’re even better. Slow cooking allows the beans to absorb the smoky flavors and spices, creating a rich, comforting dish.
Ingredients:
2 cups dried navy beans (soaked overnight)
1/2 lb bacon, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the onion until softened.
Transfer the beans, bacon, onions, and all remaining ingredients into the slow cooker. Add enough water to cover the beans.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beans are tender.
These savory, smoky baked beans will have your guests coming back for seconds! For other hearty, satisfying meals, consider browsing keto pressure cooker dinners.
3. BBQ Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob
Nothing screams summer like juicy corn on the cob, and making it in the slow cooker is the easiest way to get perfectly cooked corn without firing up the grill. You can add BBQ seasoning for a smoky twist.
Ingredients:
6 ears of corn, husked and cleaned
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Arrange the corn in the slow cooker, stacking it vertically if necessary.
Dot the corn with butter and sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the corn is tender.
Serve this BBQ corn as a delicious side dish alongside your grilled meats. For more easy and fun recipes, check out instant pot meal prep for weight loss.
4. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Mash
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes are a great choice. This slow cooker recipe creates a creamy, slightly sweet dish that pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken, ribs, or burgers.
Ingredients:
4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
2 tbsp maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Place the diced sweet potatoes in the slow cooker and add just enough water to cover them.
Cook on low for 4-6 hours, until tender.
Drain the water and mash the sweet potatoes with butter, milk, and maple syrup.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This sweet potato mash is the perfect side for any BBQ spread. Looking for more healthy recipes? Visit dairy-free Instant Pot desserts for a tasty treat.
5. Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a BBQ staple that everyone loves. While it’s traditionally made on the stovetop, a slow cooker version is just as delicious and much easier to prepare, especially when you have a crowd to feed.
Ingredients:
1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions and drain.
In the slow cooker, combine the macaroni with all other ingredients.
Stir everything together, cover, and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
This creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. If you’re looking for more kid-friendly recipes, check out healthy Instant Pot meals.
6. Slow Cooker Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a fantastic addition to any BBQ, and while you may traditionally grill them, you can also use your slow cooker for a more hands-off approach. The result is perfectly tender veggies with all the smoky flavors you love.
Ingredients:
2 zucchini, sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 red onion, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Toss the vegetables with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Place them in the slow cooker and cover.
Cook on low for 4-5 hours, stirring halfway through.
These veggies are a great way to add some color and nutrition to your BBQ spread. Looking for more healthy meal ideas? Don’t miss gluten-free slow cooker soups and stews for cozy comfort food.
Conclusion: Slow Cooker Recipes for Effortless BBQ Side Dishes
Slow cookers truly shine when it comes to preparing delicious, hands-off side dishes for your summer BBQ. Whether you’re serving creamy coleslaw, smoky baked beans, or tender corn on the cob, these recipes are sure to make your BBQ spread even more memorable.
For more slow cooker tips and recipes, check out our guide on how to cook perfect rice in a rice cooker, or browse other one-pot slow cooker meals for large families. With these recipes in your arsenal, your next BBQ will be a delicious success!
Outbound Links:
The Kitchn—BBQ and Grilling Recipes: A site with tons of ideas and tips for BBQ, including slow-cooked sides that go perfectly with grilled meats.
https://www.thekitchn.com/slow-cooker-bbq-recipes-229412
#Cooking
#Recipe
#Food
#Outdoors
#Ideas
#SocialMedia
#Style
#MothersDay
#LifeLessons
#Sports
Leave a Comment
Comment
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