Recipes

As much as I love grilling, or more accurately watching other people grill in the summer, sometimes it is nice to have something ready to go that you don’t have to think about. And the crock pot is the perfect way to do that. Throw some things in, let them cook, and then serve directly out of the crock pot. Couldn’t be any easier. If you want some more inspiration, Southern Living’s Slow Cooker Cookbook has some pretty amazing recipes that can easily be lightened up, including slow cooker ribs. Yum.

What are your favorite summertime crockpot recipes?

1. Crock Pot Cochinita Pibil, 4 P+
Want to wow people at a barbecue or cookout? Bring this Mexican pork dish that is sure to impress. It makes delicious tacos but also is delicious in between two hamburger buns for a twist on a traditional pulled pork. Part spicy, part sweet, and all for only 4 points plus. This recipe works great with chicken as well.

2. Barbecue Chipotle Beef, 5 P+
Every time I make this it gets rave reviews and literally couldn’t be any simpler. Throw barbecue sauce, chipotles, and beef in a crock pot and let it do its thing. This also works great with chicken and pork. You can adjust the heat depending on what you like. If I am making this for a crowd I usually just make sure to have some pureed chipotles on the side for folks who want more heat.

3. Slow Cooker Carolina Pulled Pork, 7 P+
If you are looking for a traditional pulled pork recipe without all the calories and fat, this one is for you. Incredibly simple to make and usually pleases a large crowd. Additionally it isn’t very expensive to make which is great when you are trying to feed lots of people. Serve it up on rolls with some low calorie cole slaw and pickles for delicious summer sandwiches.

4. Jerk Chicken, 4 P+
If you want something unique to bring to a cookout, try this jerk chicken recipe. There is some prep work to make the sauce at the start, but after that it cooks up in the crock pot and needs little attention. If you are going to be serving lots of people be careful with the habaneros and just have some spicy jerk sauce on the side for folks who want some more heat.

5. Hot Dogs For A Crowd
Personally, I have never been a huge fan of hot dogs, but when I do eat them I actually preferred them steamed. This hot dog recipe for the crockpot is pretty amazing and will keep you away from the grill and cooking hot dogs for hours. You can use veggie dogs and sausages as well.