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10 of the Best Crockpot Side Dishes Perfect for a Summer Cookout

Crockpot Side Dishes for a Cookout are perfect for enjoying great food with friends and family. 

While the grill often steals the show, delicious side dishes are just as important at your summer barbecue. 

Save time and effort by using your crockpot for easy, flavorful sides that keep your kitchen cool and your hands free. 

From classic baked beans to creamy mac and cheese and crock pot potatoes, these crockpot side dishes will elevate your BBQ game. 

Here are some easy slow cooker side dishes that are sure to impress your guests and make your BBQ a hit.

Can you cook summer side dishes in a crockpot?

Absolutely! 

Using a slow cooker for side dish recipes not only saves time and effort, but as it allows you to prepare large quantities with minimal hands-on time. Slow cooking is particularly useful for occasions like cookouts, where you can keep sides warm and ready to serve while focusing on grilling or entertaining your guests.

without heating up your kitchen. Plus, crockpot cooking enhances flavors and ensures tender, moist results that are perfect for outdoor gatherings and picnics.

4th of july crock pot recipes

The Best Crockpot Sides for a BBQ

Baked Potatoes Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy crock pot recipe for your summer cookout, baked potatoes are just the thing! Simply wrap russet potatoes in foil, place them in your crockpot, and let them cook to perfection. Perfectly tender and fluffy baked potatoes are a customizable side dish that pairs well with all your grilled favorites. Top them with butter, sour cream, cheese, or your favorite toppings for a crowd-pleasing addition to your BBQ spread.

Cheesy Potatoes

Indulge in creamy, cheesy goodness with slow cooker cheesy potatoes. Made with layers of thinly sliced potatoes, rich cheese sauce, and savory seasonings, this dish is a hit at any BBQ. Let your crockpot do the work while you enjoy the party, and serve up this comforting side that’s sure to satisfy. Perfectly melty and delicious, these cheesy potatoes complement any grilled meat or vegetable dish.

Potato Salad

Reinvent a BBQ classic with slow cooker potato salad. This simple side dish uses the crockpot to cook the potatoes to tender perfection, then combines them with a tangy, creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables. The result is a deliciously rich and satisfying potato salad that pairs beautifully with grilled meats. Make this timeless favorite with ease, and enjoy a side dish that’s sure to impress at your next cookout.

Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Add a touch of classic comfort to your BBQ with slow cooker green bean casserole. This easy recipe combines tender green beans with cream of mushroom soup, topped with crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch. The crockpot ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a side dish that’s both nostalgic and delicious. It’s an easy way to bring a homestyle favorite to your cookout without the fuss.

Slow Cooker Beans

Cooking beans in the crockpot for a cookout is an effortless way to create flavorful side dishes like refried beans, BBQ beans, and black beans. The slow cooker ensures rich and tender beans, perfect for complementing grilled meats and other BBQ favorites.

Slow Cooker Corn

Add a sweet and savory touch to your BBQ with slow cooker corn. This easy and delicious side dish features tender fresh corn kernels cooked to perfection in your crockpot, allowing the natural sweetness to shine through.

For an extra kick, try making slow-cooked Cajun corn by adding a blend of Cajun spices, butter, and garlic for a flavorful twist. Whether you stick with the classic or spice things up, slow cooker corn is a crowd-pleasing addition to your BBQ spread.

Pasta Salad

Keep your BBQ cool and refreshing with a slow cooker pasta salad. Cook your pasta in the crockpot, then mix it with fresh vegetables, tangy dressing, and flavorful herbs. This delicious summer side dish offers a light and satisfying complement to your cookout. Customize it with your favorite ingredients for a unique twist, and enjoy a pasta salad that’s easy to prepare and delicious to eat.

The Best Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe

Mac and Cheese

Crock Pot mac and cheese is a creamy and indulgent side dish that requires minimal effort. Cooked pasta is combined with a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, evaporated milk, sour cream, and spices, then left to simmer in the slow cooker until perfectly creamy. This comforting dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and makes for a crowd-pleasing addition to any outdoor gathering.

Slow Cooker Cornbread

Slow cooker cornbread is a moist and flavorful twist on the classic Southern dish. Prepared with cornmeal, flour, sugar, buttermilk, and eggs, it’s cooked slowly in the crockpot until tender and moist. Serve warm with butter for a comforting addition to any BBQ or gathering, offering convenience and delicious flavor in every bite.

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Crockpot SCV700-CH-BR Slow Cooker, 7 quarts, Charcoal
  • 7-Quart capacity serves 8 plus people
  • High/low cook settings with convenient Warm setting

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