All Hail The Crockpot: Winter's Best Cooking Device
Here are ten outstanding, easy-to-execute recipes that are so good that you might just forget the grill next summer and keep the crockpot plugged in year round.
A few Pro Tips before we begin…
1. Meats with a bit of fat (pork shoulder, chicken thighs, beef chuck) work best in the pot because they cook for such a long period of time and they remain extremely juicy and tender.
2. Always use the “low” setting if your crockpot has multiple temperatures.
3. You always want some liquid in the pot but you don’t need to completely cover the meat.
4. You’ll probably need more salt than you think so make sure to keep tasting and don’t be shy.
5. Since the pot is covered and sealed, the liquid and sauces won’t reduce and boil away. So, if you want a delicious and flavorful sauce, reserve the cooking liquid and reduce on the stove by ⅓ to ½, about 15-20 minutes. Just make sure to adjust seasoning AFTER you reduce because the flavors and salt will become concentrated as you reduce the sauce.
Crockpot Pineapple-Ginger Glazed Ham
Ham is a great meat to mix with a little something sweet, and pineapple is the perfect sweet compliment to some honey-baked ham. Add to that some ginger, maple syrup, and cloves and you’ve got yourself a recipe for...what’s the opposite of disaster? I don’t think it’s technically “deliciousness,” but let’s just go with that.
Crockpot Cheeseburgers
Most men know how to grill up a burger in no time, but for an alternative take on the classic man-made meat sandwich, try to crockpot a burger. Somewhere between a Philly cheese steak and a sloppy joe, it might just be the juiciest burger you’ll ever taste.
Crockpot Shredded Beef
Crockpots were made for cooking delicious meat low and slow to keep all the juices and flavors in. Is there anything better than making the perfect juicy and flavorful shredded beef? The best part about this recipe is the results are infinitely versatile, sandwiches, tacos, salads, or on its own smothered in its own juices, it all works.
Pulled Pork Tacos
Speaking of tacos, shredded beef ain’t the only way to go for some south of the border food action. You can always create some pulled pork amazingness in your crockpot with this recipe. For some alternative flavors, try adding Chinese or Korean seasonings like soy, garlic, ginger, and siracha for a whole new vibe.
Crockpot Ravioli
Maybe you’re more an Italian food man instead of a taco guy. No problem, there are plenty of Italian recipes for the crockpot. Start with this basic cheese ravioli. It’s so simple and easy, you won’t even remember making it. You’ll...uh oh bad joke coming...fuhgeddaboudit...
Pizza Chicken
Do you want pizza tonight? Or do you want chicken? I dunno...how about some pizza chicken? Yes, please. Bring the pizza flavor to your chicken casserole!
Spicy Chicken Wings
Let nothing come between a man and his wings...except maybe a crockpot. Because if you slow cook your chicken wings, we promise they’ll be the most deliciously tender wings you’ve ever tasted.
Crispy Orange Chicken
Is it cold outside? Is a run to Panda Express not possible in this snow? If so, try slow cooking your way to the Chinese New Year with this kickass recipe.
Chicken and Dumplings
If you had a Southern mother, she probably made you some chicken and dumplings. And if she did it right, she probably slow cooked them. Here’s a perfect recipe to bring back all those delicious childhood memories.
Crockpot French Toast Casserole
If I have to say anything but “Crockpot French Toast Casserole,” then you don’t deserve to taste this beautiful buffet of breakfasty taste sensations.
For more great recipes check out this site: A Year Of Slow Cooking