Crockpot side dishes for a cookout make hosting easier by handling the cooking while you focus on the grill.
While the grill often steals the show, delicious side dishes are just as important at your summer barbecue.
Whether you’re looking for something creamy, savory, or packed with summer flavors, slow cooker sides bring convenience and bold taste to any gathering.
Plus, they keep the food warm throughout the event, making them perfect for a stress-free gathering that lets you enjoy your time with family and friends.
Tips and Tricks for Making Side Dishes in the Crockpot:
Use Slow Cooker Liners to make cleanup easier, use slow cooker liners.
Prep your ingredients the night before. Chop veggies, shred cheese, or measure out spices, so everything is ready to throw in the crockpot in the morning.
Layer Ingredients Properly: When cooking, add denser vegetables or meats at the bottom and lighter ingredients on top. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
Avoid filling the crockpot more than two-thirds full to ensure even heat distribution and prevent overcooking or undercooking. If you’re serving a BBQ for an extended time, use the “keep warm” setting on your crockpot to maintain the temperature without overcooking.
Can you make crockpot side dishes in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them a day or two in advance. Just store the prepared ingredients in the fridge and pop them into the crockpot when you’re ready to cook.
How do you prevent crockpot dishes from getting too watery?
To avoid watery sides, try to reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe, or use a thickening agent like cornstarch or flour toward the end of cooking. You can also drain any excess liquid before serving.
Can you double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and increase the crockpot size if necessary. Double-check the capacity of your slow cooker to make sure there’s enough room for everything.
How do you keep crockpot dishes warm during a BBQ?
Use the “keep warm” setting on your crockpot to maintain the temperature without overcooking the food.
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These slow cooker green beans with bacon are a savory, smoky side dish that’s full of flavor! Perfect for holiday meals or weeknight dinners, they’re a delicious way to enjoy green beans.
This Crock Pot cornbread is soft, moist, and packed with buttery flavor! Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy a warm, homemade side dish that pairs perfectly with chili, BBQ, or a cozy family dinner.
Creamy, cheesy, and ridiculously easy, this Crockpot Velveeta mac and cheese is comfort food at its best! The slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
These slow cooker collard greens are tender, flavorful, and simmered to perfection with smoky seasoning. A classic Southern side dish that’s easy to make and packed with comfort!
No boiling water needed—this slow cooker corn on the cob is buttery, tender, and full of flavor! Perfect for summer cookouts, BBQs, or an easy side dish anytime.
This rich and creamy slow cooker creamed corn is the ultimate side dish! Made with butter, cream, and a touch of sweetness, it’s a must-have for holidays and family dinners.
These slow cooker zesty baked beans are packed with bold flavor and a hint of spice! The perfect balance of sweet and savory, they’re an easy side dish for BBQs and gatherings.
Homemade slow cooker applesauce is incredibly easy and tastes so much better than store-bought! Just toss in fresh apples, cinnamon, and a little sweetness for a cozy, delicious treat.
These Crock Pot creamy dill potatoes are rich, buttery, and packed with fresh herb flavor! The slow cooker makes them perfectly tender and ready to serve with any meal.
This slow cooker hot dog chili is thick, meaty, and packed with bold flavor! The perfect topping for chili dogs, burgers, or even fries—easy to make and always a hit!
These slow cooker green beans with bacon are a savory, smoky side dish that’s full of flavor! Perfect for holiday meals or weeknight dinners, they’re a delicious way to enjoy green beans.
This Crock Pot cornbread is soft, moist, and packed with buttery flavor! Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy a warm, homemade side dish that pairs perfectly with chili, BBQ, or a cozy family dinner.
Creamy, cheesy, and ridiculously easy, this Crockpot Velveeta mac and cheese is comfort food at its best! The slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
These slow cooker collard greens are tender, flavorful, and simmered to perfection with smoky seasoning. A classic Southern side dish that’s easy to make and packed with comfort!
No boiling water needed—this slow cooker corn on the cob is buttery, tender, and full of flavor! Perfect for summer cookouts, BBQs, or an easy side dish anytime.
This rich and creamy slow cooker creamed corn is the ultimate side dish! Made with butter, cream, and a touch of sweetness, it’s a must-have for holidays and family dinners.
These slow cooker zesty baked beans are packed with bold flavor and a hint of spice! The perfect balance of sweet and savory, they’re an easy side dish for BBQs and gatherings.
Homemade slow cooker applesauce is incredibly easy and tastes so much better than store-bought! Just toss in fresh apples, cinnamon, and a little sweetness for a cozy, delicious treat.
These Crock Pot creamy dill potatoes are rich, buttery, and packed with fresh herb flavor! The slow cooker makes them perfectly tender and ready to serve with any meal.
This slow cooker hot dog chili is thick, meaty, and packed with bold flavor! The perfect topping for chili dogs, burgers, or even fries—easy to make and always a hit!
These slow cooker green beans with bacon are a savory, smoky side dish that’s full of flavor! Perfect for holiday meals or weeknight dinners, they’re a delicious way to enjoy green beans.
Reesa Lewandowski is the creator of Momma Lew, a New Jersey-based food blog where she shares easy, family-friendly recipes inspired by everyday life. A mom of two teenagers and a self-taught cook and baker, Reesa has spent over a decade developing simple, approachable meals—from quick weeknight dinners to festive desserts—all tested in her own kitchen. Her recipes focus on comfort food with a modern twist, seasonal favorites, and stress-free baking. Drawing inspiration from her Jersey roots, Reesa’s goal is to help busy families enjoy delicious meals without the fuss.