Let Your Slow Cooker Do The Work While You Enjoy Your Guests: 25 Hands-Off Recipes Slideshow

Slow cooker recipes are effortless to prepare, and they are great make-ahead dishes perfect for the lazy or busy host. Cooking party staples like dips, appetizers, proteins, and even desserts in your slow cooker frees up your oven for more involved dishes to truly craft the most perfect party menu possible. Plus, the ever-handy slow cooker saves you time to focus on décor, drinks, and you know, actually mingling with your guests.

Warm, comforting, and the perfect end to any party, the flavors of banana, rum, and walnuts blend perfectly together in this easy dessert recipe.

For the Crock Pot Bananas Foster recipe, click here.

It may seem weird to have a citrus cheesecake made in a slow cooker, but trust us on this one. The flavors blend together so wonderfully, you'll never make your desserts any other way.

For the Crock Pot Pink Grapefruit Cheesecake recipe, click here.

Shepherd's pie is the ultimate comforting casserole. Warm up any cold weather potluck or party by preparing this dish in the slow cooker.

For the Crock Pot Shepherd's Pie recipe, click here.

Creamy, spicy, and cheesy, this queso packs tons of flavor. When paired with some homemade, punched-up breadsticks, this is a party-winning appetizer.

For the Green Chile Slow Cooker Queso recipe, click here.

Easy, warm, spicy, comforting... and healthy? You almost can't get this dish on your party menu fast enough.

For the Healthy Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe, click here.

Essentially burgers wrapped in phyllo dough, these savory hand pies are perfect for game day or any backyard barbecue.

For the Mini Cheeseburger Pies recipe, click here.

This nontraditional lasagna recipe swaps traditional Italian flavors for classic Mexican ones. Queso blanco, avocado, cilantro, and salsa breathe new life in to your noodles.

For the Slow Cooker 5-Cheese Taco Lasagna recipe, click here.

Everyone knows the secret to perfect ribs is cooking them low and slow. Save your oven for other dishes and use your slow cooker to get your ribs fall-off-the-bone tender.

For the Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs recipe, click here.

Who doesn't want a side dish that basically cooks itself? These smoky, savory baked beans are honestly easier to make than buying a can.

For the Slow Cooker Barbecued Beans recipe, click here.

Chicken wings are a party classic. When prepared in a slow cooker, not only are these wings a breeze to make, but they're also tender beyond imagination.

For the Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings recipe, click here.

This tender, succulent chicken will melt in your mouth. The jerk seasoning adds so much bold, spicy flavor, you'll discover a new layer of deliciousness in every bite.

For the Slow Cooker Caribbean Chicken Drumsticks recipe, click here.

Take your savory snacking to the next level with this crunchy, delicious snack mix. Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder are the secret to an easy, crave-worthy treat.

For the Slow Cooker Chex Mix recipe, click here.

Who said a homemade cake had to be a complicated affair? With a slow cooker, this favorite chocolate dessert has never been easier to pull off.

For the Slow Cooker Chocolate Cake recipe, click here.

Cocktail meatballs are so easy to prepare ahead of time, throw in the slow cooker, and serve with a homemade sauce. This tangy recipe proves just that.

For the Slow Cooker Cranberry Citrus Meatballs recipe, click here.

Yes, you can bake a cake in your slow cooker. Don't believe us? Check out this tart recipe and see for yourself.

For the Slow Cooker Cranberry-Orange Cake recipe, click here.

A melt-in-your-mouth sandwich is the ultimate savory party dish. After stewing away in your slow cooker all day, this beef sandwich will have all your guests reaching for seconds.

For the Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich recipe, click here.

Caramelize your onions to perfection in your slow cooker. When added to the creamy components of this classic dip, you'll have a homemade appetizer that is out of this world.

For the Slow Cooker French Onion Dip recipe, click here.

Macaroni and cheese is a classic side dish that will please your guests of all ages. And it's never been easier to make, thanks to this slow cooker recipe.

For the Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese recipe, click here.

Seven layer dip is already a breeze to prepare. Make it even easier (and more delicious) by warming it up in your slow cooker.

For the Slow Cooker Mexican Seven Layer Dip recipe, click here.

Whether you decide to serve this as a dessert or pack it up and give it to your friends as party favors, this fudge is fantastic.

For the Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Fudge recipe, click here.

Pulled pork makes pretty much everything better; we can all agree on that. So why would party favorite appetizers like potato skins be any different?

For the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Potato Skins recipe, click here.

Name a more iconic party food than the nacho; we'll wait. Create this much-loved snack with ease by cooking tender, perfect chicken in your slow cooker.

For the Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Nachos recipe, click here.

Classic, creamy spinach and artichoke dip gets a bit of a Mexican makeover in this easy, satisfying recipe. Keep your pots, pans, and serving dishes clean by making this in a slow cooker.

For the Slow Cooker Southwest Spinach and Artichoke Dip recipe, click here.

Simple, tender, and delicious for every palate, these stuffed artichokes are perfect for a hearty party appetizer or light vegetarian option at dinner.

For the Slow Cooker Stuffed Artichokes recipe, click here.

Tender, slow-cooked chicken, sweet teriyaki glaze, and a creamy macaroni salad. What more could you want? This recipe is a classic Hawaiian plate lunch packed into bite-sized sandwiches.

For the Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken and Mac Salad Sliders recipe, click here.