15 Crockpot Potluck Ideas That Will Have Everyone Asking for the Recipe

Fast or Slow Jalapeño Popper Chili

Just spicy enough and featuring a mash-up of flavors from jalapeño poppers, tacos, and chili, this crockpot potluck main dish tastes incredible with ground turkey or ground beef. Snag a big bag of tortilla chips at the store for scooping, and this entrée will win the day.

Gluten-Free Tex-Mex Cheese Dip

Think of this crockpot potluck side or appetizer as queso's grown-up sibling. This creamy dip is spiked with black beans, corn, and peppers and packs a lot of flavor in each bite with plenty of hearty texture. Try it over fries or chips or as a sauce for grilled steak or chicken.

Sweet and Spicy Bourbon Pulled Pork

Choose your own soda adventure with this crockpot potluck recipe. That's right: Along with a bottle of spicy barbecue sauce and a few splashes of bourbon, the simmering blend for this succulent pork sandwich filling includes a cup of cola, Dr. Pepper, or root beer. We promise it's not too sweet and is not as crazy as it sounds. Each bite is well-balanced and dripping in saucy, caramelized onion goodness.

S'more Cake

Potluck desserts can go beyond cookies and bars. This mouthwatering s'more cake is super-rich and a bit messy, yet shockingly easy, thanks to boxed cake mix and a jar of marshmallow creme. Be sure to pack extra napkins to pair with this, one of our best crockpot potluck recipes for kids—and kids at heart!

Sweet-and-Hot Nuts

Set out little cups of these for snacking or add them to a charcuterie board or salad; this crockpot potluck idea is a remarkably versatile recipe. The zesty mix owes its flavor to a blend of sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and cayenne pepper. These next-level nuts are easier to eat when they're crispy and cool, so allow them to stand for at least an hour before the gathering begins.

Low-Country Shrimp Boil

Don't fuss with a big pot on the stove. Instead, try this low-stress (and low-mess) crockpot recipe for a crowd next time you're craving a shrimp boil! Andouille sausage, shrimp, corn, and potatoes stew together in chicken broth for 4 to 9 hours—depending on a high or low temp—as you polish off party prep. To serve, offer it up with extra hot sauce and cocktail sauce on the side, and don't forget a big spoon to dish the delectable cooking liquid atop each serving.

Sweet-Sour Meatballs

Mini meatballs are a potluck classic. But this isn't your usual furniture store cafeteria recipe; our sweet and sour version gets its flavor from apple jelly, spicy brown mustard, whiskey, and Worcestershire sauce. The slow cooker recipe for a crowd yields 36 meatballs, which is plenty for a small- to medium-size gathering, but you may want to double it if you're expecting a large crew.

Dark Chocolate Fondue with Fruit Kabobs

Why buy a bakery treat when you can use our easy crockpot potluck idea? It's a DIY crockpot sweet for a crowd with just 20 minutes of hands-on time. This easy fondue sauce calls for only three ingredients: whipped dessert topping, dark chocolate pieces, and strong, hot coffee. Simply pair with fruit for dunking and prepare for rave reviews.

Italian Beef Sandwiches

Transport everyone's taste buds to Chicago for the entrée course with this crockpot potluck main dish. It's remarkably easy since prep for these tomato-and-beef crockpot sandwiches takes only 20 minutes. Of course, the best part of Italian beef sandwiches is the juice, so bring a ladle for diners to pour on extra tomatoey goodness before diving into their subs.

Buy It: KitchenAid Ladle ($7, Target)

Buy It: KitchenAid Ladle ($7, Target)

Hazelnut Haystacks

No crockpot potluck meal is complete without dessert, and this six-ingredient treat works beautifully as a kid-friendly sweet ending or as food gift for the host. The "hay" in these delectable haystacks is made with chow mein noodles, chopped hazelnuts, and pretzel sticks. The "mud," if you will, is an irresistible mixture of crockpot melted chocolate and Nutella. Even though this makes a whopping 54 bites, we recommend mixing up a double batch—they'll go fast!

Meatball Sliders

When you want to impress—but are pressed for time—this is one of the best crockpot potluck recipes to bring to any gathering. The satisfying sandwiches start with purchased meatballs, so prep time is only 10 minutes. Assemble them in advance or set out the sliced Roma tomatoes and provolone cheese so guests can construct their own.

Rustic Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Spuds are one of the most crowd-pleasing and customizable crockpot potluck ideas around. Thanks to your crockpot, these creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes are a cinch to whip up. Pack them with a serving spoon and a "toppings bar" for a tasty and interactive experience. Think chopped cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, shredded cheese, sour cream, basil pesto, diced green onions, and chopped chives—get creative!

Crunchy Ranch Party Mix

Party mix is easy to make, easy to tote, and even easier to eat! If you ask us, few crockpot potluck recipes can top this one's crowd-pleasing qualities. This crockpot party mix has cereal, chow mein noodles, and nuts—all coated in ranch dressing mix and Worcestershire sauce.

Zesty Fajita Bites

Fajita seasoning and brown mustard add some kick to the potluck menu. Simply simmer the chicken thigh filling in the slow cooker, then shred the meat and roll it and crisp bell peppers and green onions inside flour tortillas. Pair this slow cooker potluck recipe with a few kinds of salsa for potluck goers to choose from.

Pizza Fondue

This easy fondue brings pizza to the potluck in a whole new way. Plus, turkey sausage and tons of vegetables make this one of the best crockpot potluck recipes if you're looking for something low in fat and calories yet heavy in flavor. Just add a side of veggie dippers and bread cubes (plus fondue forks) for dipping!

Buy It: Roshco Fondue Forks ($7, Bed Bath & Beyond)