Foods You Didn’t Know You Could Make in a Slow Cooker

Whether you’re an amateur home cook or you like to whip up delicious meals for your friends and family members, you’re probably aware of slow cookers. In fact, you’re probably using one, but you may not be using it to its full potential.

Slow cookers are usually associated with soups, stews, and chilis, but they can do much more than that.

Whether you’re looking for an easier way to prepare some of your favorite foods, or you just want to step out of your cooking comfort zone and shake up how you’re making some of your favorite dishes, check out our list of recipes for your slow cooker. You may be surprised to see some (or all) of these foods on the list.

Bread

One of the most surprising slow cooker foods is bread. If you’ve ever made your own bread before, you may have assumed that you need to use the oven, or perhaps you’ve invested in one of the bread machines that you’ve seen on TV. While those are certainly fine options, you can also use your slow cooker for making bread.

Mix your dough and line the inside of your slow cooker with parchment paper. Put the cooker on high and leave your dough in place for two or three hours. The heat and moisture provided by a slow cooker provide the perfect environment for bread to rise. It’s also a great option if you don’t want to heat up your entire kitchen.

Lasagna

Making lasagna in the slow cooker is another great option, and it’s not all that different than making it in the oven. Much like bread, you can make this popular dish without having to heat up the kitchen, and it’s much easier to monitor the progress.

Layer your cooked noodles, cheese, sauce, and fillings in the slow cooker just like you would usually do in a pan. Set your slow cooker to low heat and leave the lasagna in for four or five hours.

It may take a bit longer than a traditional oven-basked lasagna, but if you start early, that’s not a problem. If you want to elevate the dish, consider adding some different fillings like ground turkey, spinach, or mushrooms. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld perfectly.

Cheesecake

Few people think of slow cookers as a great way to make a famous dessert, but you can make a delicious cheesecake with nothing but your slow cooker. You’ll need to start with a springform pan, which is a staple for cheesecakes.

Place this pan into your slow cooker with your cheesecake batter already mixed in. Also, add some water to help the cooker build up some steam. Leave the slow cooker on low and let it cook for two or three hours before chilling the dessert in the fridge.

The consistent, even heat of your slow cooker will prevent the cheesecake from cracking, which is one of the most common issues that people deal with when making a cheesecake at home. Add in whatever flavors you want to incorporate into the batter when you put the springform pan in your cooker and the results will be virtually limitless.

Oatmeal

If you’re looking for ways to meal-prep your breakfast, slow cooker oatmeal is an excellent option. You can cook steel-cut oats in your slow cooker along with some water or milk before sprinkling in your favorite toppings. Let the dish cook overnight on low, and when you wake up, you’ll have a hot breakfast that will leave you feeling full for hours.

This method is ideal for busy mornings or for those who want to get ahead of their breakfast for the week. The slow cooker makes sure that all the oats cook evenly, while also allowing you to add in other elements like flaxseeds, veggies, fruit, or even eggs.

Cinnamon Rolls

You may be surprised to see another sweet treat on our list of surprising slow cooker recipes, but cinnamon rolls in the slow cooker are guaranteed to be a hit. Whether you want something warm as an after-dinner snack, or you want something sweet with your morning coffee, these gooey rolls are sure to be a hit. Put your rolls in the slow cooker and let them rise before cooking them on low for 2-3 hours.

Once they’re done, you can top them with your favorite icing, fruit, or syrup. The possibilities are endless. Slow cooker cinnamon rolls might not be as quick as putting them in the oven, but the even heat ensures that every part of your cinnamon rolls is soft and gooey.

Yogurt

Making yogurt in your slow cooker is easier than you might think, and it allows you to make a bigger batch than you’ll be able to grab in those tiny cups from the grocery store. Heat some milk in your slow cooker and then slowly cool it before mixing in a bit of yogurt as a starter. Let it sit in the slow cooker for a few hours and then you’ll have as much yogurt as your slow cooker can hold.

You don’t have to invest in specialized equipment to make yogurt at home. This slow cooker recipe is also a great way to customize your yogurt since you can mix in honey, vanilla, fruits, and virtually anything else to make it taste how you want it to.

Speed Up With Your Slow Cooker

You’re not limited to making soup and chili in your slow cooker. With these recipes, you can turn your slow cooker into the most versatile option in your kitchen. Happy cooking!