32 Barbecue Sides - Slow Cooker Recipes

Never suffer in a hot summer kitchen again! These 32 barbecue sides are the answer to a great cookout - without the sweat!

32 slow cooker side dish banner with creamed corn and mushrooms in the background

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There is something so natural and wonderful about cooking outside. Whether you are using charcoal, gas or just rubbing two sticks together (good luck if that's you!) - it's just magical. Well - except in the rain!

Some side dishes are great right off the grill (grilled corn is amazing!). But others, such as potato salad and crispy coleslaw require prep time that keeps the chef stuck in the kitchen.

No one wants to be inside on a gorgeous summer day. Especially if it means missing all the amazing aromas of your main dish on the grill!

Your crock pot is the answer! These family favorite slow cooker recipes are the perfect sides to keep next to your grill all summer long. There is no better way to get yourself outside than to toss a few ingredients into your slow cooker.

Your slow cooker is perfect in the summer because It can cook away without emitting any extra heat. If you have a power source, you can even let these dishes fully cook outside.

Veggies

Whole Roasted Cauliflower

A full cooked head of cauliflower dijon parmesan on a black plate with a chunk cut out of it.

It doesn't get any easier than this! Just toss a whole cauliflower into your slow cooker. Top with the yummy dijon mustard sauce and walk away!

close up of two pieces of toast covered with slow cooked tomatoes and garlic some fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese

Summer tomatoes are the best. Slow roasting them makes them even better. Slow roasting them alongside some fresh garlic makes for the BEST spread toast (or crackers) has ever known!

slow cooked maple carrots with chive topping

Sweet glazed carrots made in your slow cooker are perfect with everything from pork sandwiches to baby back ribs. The best slow cooker veggie around.

This equally easy dish is one of those healthy recipes you will want to make on repeat. Just toss some cauliflower florets in your trusty crockpot and let it works its magic. You will have one of the best bbq side dishes around.

top view close up of three bowls of zucchini squash parmesan

Straight from the garden (or farmer's market) veggies are one of those easy side dishes all will love. This healthy side is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner but also special enough to share anytime!

slow cooker eggplant and mushroom slow cooker side or main coursewith cheese and sauce on a white plate

Plenty of summer sides use eggplant, but this one really stands out. Made with just a few simple ingredients, It's a wonderful party side dishes we make all summer long.

Starches

Corn On The Cob

half an ear of slow cooked corn held with tongs

We love to cook our corn right on the grill. But when the main event takes up all the space, this easy recipe saves the day. Delicious corn made sweet and wonderful by your crock pot!

Bowl of creamed slow cooker cheddar corn ready to serve

Cheesy creamy goodness is what goes into the this crunchy, sweet corn side dish. This simple creation is a snap to toss together and goes with anything you can grill!

Slow cooker corn spoon bread in a blue bowl with a spoon behind it

This delicious summer side dish is an easy way to include all the flavors of cornbread without opening an oven. Just add in a few favorite ingredients and let your slow cooker work its magic!

an open potato on a white plate with a pat of butter in the middle

Another side from the category: super easy crockpot recipes! Slow cooker baked potatoes are just like those you get at a fancy steak house. Fluffy and wonderful!

Some potato on a fork with more potatoes blurred in the background a great side dish

These potatoes are the kind of thing most of us can't get enough of. Made with two different kinds of cheese and Worcestershire sauce, this tasty dish will pair well with any main course.

Large spoonful of cheese macaroni held over a full crockpot of the same

Who doesn't love creamy macaroni and cheese? This flavorful rendition is perfect with grilled fish and seafood but is always a good option no matter what you cook. It is one of the best crockpot side dishes and it can be made without standing over a boiling cooktop.

mashed potatoes in a bowl topped with chopped green onions and butter with a pumpkin in the background

One of the best barbeque sides of all time can be made right in your slow cooker. When you are ready to serve, just plug it in near your grill and set it to warm. Your backyard barbecue guests will have the perfect homemade side to soak up all that yummy bbq sauce!

finished corn cobs on a tray with lime wedges a great barbecue side

This Mexican side dish takes a little bit more effort since the toppings are applied after cooking. However, it is a magical slow cooker recipe that will have your diners begging for more!

This Tasty Bites copycat recipe will have you craving lentils. It is full of flavor and can be a great side dish or stand along meal. You will want to keep a slow cooker full of it right next to your grill all season long!

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Grains

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Quinoa

There is nothing you can grill that won't be made better by a delicious and healthy pot full of quinoa. Perfect for serving a crowd!

looking down on a black bowl filled with slow cooker mexican quinoa

This south-of-the-border flavored dish will quickly become a fan favorite. It is full of flavor and protein. The ultimate side dish!

looking down on a bowl of slow cooker polenta with mushrooms and spinach

This delicious grain and veggie filled side dish is creamy heaven. It makes the perfect bed everything from grilled beef to grilled chicken to grilled ribs.

Toppings

Hot Dog Chili

Elevate those bbq'd hot dogs up a notch by topping them with this delicious side dish recipe. This chili-without-beans is a real crowd pleaser!

Three bowls filled with crockpot mushrooms

This delicious and earthy dish is a great recipe to serve with all the beef you will be grilling. Just a few simple ingredients and you have a great side dish that will disappear quickly.

a slow cooker full of caramelized onions

This perfect side dish is a great way to take almost anything you grill to the next level. The deep, rich and sweet flavor of these slowly caramelized onions can top off anything from steak to chicken to hotdogs!

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Dips

Carmelized Onion Dip

a hand using a cracker to scoop cheesy caramelized onion dip out of a small slow cooker

Delicious, cheesy, oniony and wonderful, this warm cheesy onion dip is a fan favorite. It is full of flavor and gooey goodness. The perfect way to keep the troops happy while they wait for their grilled masterpieces to be ready.

Slow cooker cheese and beer dip in a bowl surrounded by soft pretzels

Soft pretzels are the ultimate summer treat. Of course, they should have a mouthwatering dip to go with them. This cheesy, flavorful dish will wow your guests!

finished dish with a hand holding a cracker with a big scoop of melted brie

This amazing recipe is the perfect appetizer to keep your diners happy while you work your magic at the grill. The bright colors and gooey consistency don't take much time to assemble but will calm the hangry beast!

gooey cheesy dip being held up on a tortilla chip

The slow cooker version of this delicious side recipe is my summer cookout go-to. A big batch of this will instantly make you the most popular person at any gathering.

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Warm Drinks

Mulled Wine

Often, there is just so much food at a great bbq that you need to take an eating break. It is wonderful to slow down (and warm up a cooler night) with some slowly warmed mulled wine.

This warm and wonderful drink is great for cooler nights. You can serve it with or without alcohol, but the adult version is heavenly. Bring out a slow cooker full of this and extend bbq season right into fall!

Desserts

Peach Cobbler

Easy slow cooker savory side dishes are amazing. But dessert is even better. This amazing recipe using fresh, seasonal peaches is the perfect way to end an amazing cookout.

strawberry-chocolate-brownie-05-819x1024

Pure nirvana in a slow cooker! I can't say anything more about this amazingly easy strawberry and chocolate creation. To try it is to love it! Don't expect leftovers!

A white bowl filled with slow cooked caramel apple pie filling with a spoon on a yellow napkin

Where are my apple pie lovers? This one's for you! It is super easy to make. Out-of-this-world amazing! AND - it can be eaten with or without a pie crust. Serving it warm right out of the crockpot with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream is heaven on earth!

blueberry cobbler finished cooking in the slow cooker

There is nothing quite as delicious as fresh seasonal blueberries. Well, except for a warm, freshly baked fresh blueberry dessert. This recipe takes your amazing summer berries to higher heights!

slow cooker spoon brownies on a black plate perfect bbs dessert

AND... I saved the best for last. This decadent brownie recipe is a warm and wonderful way to end any grilled gathering. Don't forget to top with ice cream for the ultimate summer treat!!!

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