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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers & Dips

    48 Game Day Recipes for the Instant Pot and Slow Cooker

    Published: Aug 31, 2021 by Kelsey Smith

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    Score a touchdown with these Instant Pot and slow cooker game day recipes. The best part about game day is the food. Really, any excuse to bust out chicken wings and queso is my kind of event.

    I've rounded up a variety of game-day-winning recipes, from slow cooker corn dip and Hawaiian meatballs to beefy bacon chili and pulled pork sandwiches. You'll find low-carb, keto, vegan, gluten-free options, and more.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Four images in a grid, buffalo chicken dip in a bowl, bbq meatball on a fork, bbq chicken drumsticks, and hard boiled eggs.
    Jump to:
    • What is a slow cooker?
    • What is an Instant Pot?
    • Dips and Spreads
    • Meatballs and Little Smokies
    • Finger Foods
    • Chili
    • Chicken Wings, Ribs, and Drumsticks
    • Shredded Meat Recipes
    • 💬 Comments

    What is a slow cooker?

    Slow cookers are cooking appliances that cook food for a long period of time using relatively low temperatures.

    You'll often see recipes labeled "Crock-Pot" rather than slow cooker. Crock-Pot is one specific brand of slow cooker, but all slow cookers have two basic settings: high and low. You can cook any "Crock Pot" recipe in any brand slow cooker.

    Why use a slow cooker?

    Slow cooker recipes are a great option for events and parties because you can make a large quantity of food (I use a 6-quart cook and carry Crock Pot) and keep it warm. Dump-and-go slow cooker recipe will keep you out of the kitchen so you can sit down, relax, and enjoy the game.

    What is an Instant Pot?

    An Instant Pot is a specific brand and type of pressure cooker. As it sounds, pressure cookers cook food under high steam pressure insight a tightly sealed pot.

    There are very basic pressure cookers (the old school large pots with locking lids), and then there are smart, multi-functional, programmable slow cookers like the Instant Pot. Other multi-functional brands of pressure cookers include Comfee and Ninja.

    Why use an Instant Pot?

    The Instant Pot is great because it pressure cooks, sautés, slow cooks, and more. Plus, like a slow cooker, it will keep your food warm. I use a 6-quart Instant Pot Duo.

    More advanced pressure cookers (e.g., Ninja Foodi and Instant Pot Duo Crisp) now have crisping lids to air fry your food.

    Many recipes can be made both in a pressure cooker and a slow cooker, but the pressure cooker has one obvious advantage: speed. When you're under a time crunch, pressure cooking in the Instant Pot is often the way to go.

    Dips and Spreads

    Wings and dip are my essential game-day dishes. Bring on the cream cheese.

    Try a classic queso or buffalo chicken dip, or go for a more unique dip recipe like slow cooker corn and pepper cheese dip.

    Instant Pot White Queso Dip
    Creamy and cheesy Instant Pot White Queso Sausage Dip made with jalapenos, mild sausage, and White American cheese. This cheese dip is perfect with tortilla chips and pretzels!
    Get the recipe
    Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
    The flavor of buffalo wings in an easy, no mess dip. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip is a great game day or party appetizer made with real chicken.
    Get the recipe
    Easy Slow Cooker Corn Dip
    This mouthwatering corn dip is a creamy and cheesy dip made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Instructions for oven baking provided.
    Get the recipe
    Slow Cooker Reuben Dip
    Rich and creamy, this appetizer recipe is just loaded with the ever-popular flavors of a Reuben sandwich. It’s so much healthier than typical Reuben dips, but no one can ever taste the difference.
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    Slow Cooker Corn and Pepper Cheese Dip
    Sweet, creamy and cheesy with a delicious bite from fres corn and peppers is what you will find in this Slow Cooker Corn & Pepper Cheese dip.
    Get the recipe
    2-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chili Cheese Dip
    This two ingredient Chili Cheese Dip recipe is made in the slow cooker and is not only easy, but also delicious! After all, don’t you have enough to do when preparing for guests?
    Get the recipe
    Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wing Dip
    Easy Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wing Dip appetizer for your next party or game day. Great chicken dip for the non-spicy crowd.
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    Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
    Creamy and cheesy Instant Pot Buffalo chicken dip made in just half an hour! Perfect for game day, potlucks, movie nights, and any party!
    Get the recipe
    Instant Pot BBQ Queso Dip
    Instant Pot Queso Dip is delicious but add a little leftover pulled pork and you have heaven! This is perfect for that next potluck or game day party.
    Get the recipe
    Slow Cooker Queso Blanco Dip
    Queso Blanco Dip is always a hit! With only 4 ingredients, white cheese dip is easy to make. Directions for slow cooker, stove-top, and microwave included.
    Get the recipe
    Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip
    Spinach and artichoke cheese dip is a popular appetizer easy to make at home. Keto friendly, gluten-free creamy dip can be made in Instant Pot or oven.
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    Crock Pot Corn Dip
    Crock Pot Corn Dip is a creamy delicious dip with sweet corn and just the right kick of spices.
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    Easy Slow Cooker Bacon Jam
    Slow cooker bacon jam is salty and sweet. It makes a great appetizer and is the perfect condiment. Makes a great gift packed in a jar.
    Get the recipe

    Meatballs and Little Smokies

    Frozen meatballs and cocktail weenies lend themselves well to dump-and-go recipes. They're pre-cooked, so really the goal here is to warm them through with a tasty sauce. Just fix it and forget it.

    Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs
    Slow cooker meatballs in a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce made with frozen meatballs, sloppy joe sauce, and pineapple chunks.
    Get the recipe
    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs
    Slow Cooker Little Smokies in Honey Garlic BBQ Sauce
    Slow Cooker Little Smokies in Honey Garlic BBQ Sauce are one of the easiest, tastiest party foods ever and perfect for your next Game Day event!
    Get the recipe
    Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Cocktail Wienies
    Cocktail Wienies with Grape Jelly-Chili Sauce from The Southern Slow Cooker a tasty snack perfect for game day or family gatherings!
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    Instant Pot BBQ Meatballs
    These Instant Pot BBQ Meatballs are easy and fast to make with only three ingredients: frozen meatballs, BBQ sauce, and honey.
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    BBQ meatballs in an Instant Pot.
    Slow Cooker Bourbon Hot Dogs
    These Slow Cooker Bourbon Hot Dogs are exactly what you need to enjoy your BBQ without heating up the whole house.
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    Hot dogs cut in small bite size pieces covered in BBQ sauce in a slow cooker.

    Finger Foods

    Finger foods are the first to disappear because they're easy to eat. When you're at a party or a potluck and you've gone through multiple plates, finger foods are the MVP.

    Slow Cooker Loaded Sriracha Chicken Kettle Chips
    Slow cooked, pulled Sriracha chicken piled on to crispy kettle chips with bacon, jalapeno, tomato, and tons of cheese. This spectacular party recipe will absolutely WIN any gameday gathering.
    Get the recipe
    Instant Pot Deviled Eggs
    Instant Pot Deviled Eggs are a quick and reliable way to make this classic appetizer! Use the 5-5-5 method to hard boil the eggs that peel like a dream for the easiest way to make deviled eggs ever.
    Get the recipe
    Slow Cooker Hot Dog Pull Apart
    This easy crockpot hot dog pull-apart is a fun and deliciously different way to use your slow cooker. The perfect appetizer to share anytime!
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    Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Nachos
    An EASY and delicious nacho recipe using pulled pork! Use your slow cooker or crock pot and you can forget about it until right before the big game!
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    Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts
    Boiled peanuts are a classic Southern snack mostly found at road side stands and local convenient stores where they are boiled in a pot for hours in salty water.
    Get the recipe
    Instant Pot Southern Deviled Eggs
    These low carb Instant Pot Southern Deviled Eggs make a perfect appetizer and are super easy to make because they start with Instant Pot hard boiled eggs.
    Get the recipe
    Instant Pot Popcorn
    Instant Pot Popcorn is an easy, affordable, and healthy way to make popcorn at home. And you can flavor it with your favorite seasoning.
    Get the recipe
    Instant Pot Cassava Fries
    Cassava fries are pure, delectable comfort food! Perfect for Paleo and AIP diets, these savory treats are made in the Instant Pot and on the stove top and need only sea salt as an embellishment.
    Get the recipe
    Instant Pot Sous Vide Egg Bites
    This 4-ingredient, easy Instant Pot sous vide egg bites recipe is just like Starbucks. See how to make sous vide egg bites in the Instant Pot, including bacon gruyere and other flavors.
    Get the recipe

    Chili

    There are millions of ways to make chili. You can go big and beefy, big and beany, or bean-free.

    Slow Cooker Beefy Bacon Chili
    Slow Cooker Beefy Bacon Chili is a hearty, meaty chili with a little kick of spice, and lots of flavor! The best crock pot chili recipe. Game Day or anytime
    Get the recipe
    Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
    White Chicken Chili is a deliciously easy dish. Ready in under 40 minutes! Hatch chilies bring extra heat to this dish.
    Get the recipe
    Slow Cooker Vegan Chili
    If you want an simple, satisfying meal, try this easy vegan chili. It’s so nice to toss ingredients into the slow cooker and not need to worry about them until you’re ready to eat.
    Get the recipe
    Slow Cooker Beef and Bacon Chili (no beans)
    Slow cooker ground beef chili simmers in rich tomatoes and spices. Add crispy bacon plus fun and delicious toppings for the ideal low-carb keto chili.
    Get the recipe

    Chicken Wings, Ribs, and Drumsticks

    Wings are a game-day classic for a reason. They're easy to make (especially in the Instant Pot), and they're always a crowd favorite. I like to make a classic buffalo wing and then something a little different like a spicy jalapeño sauce.

    Instant Pot Coca Cola Chicken Wings
    Make deliciously sticky Instant Pot Chicken Wings with just 6 ingredients. Instant Pot Coca Cola Wings are a great appetizer or easy dinner.
    Get the recipe
    Instant Pot Jalapeño Barbecue Chicken Wings
    If you love chicken wings, but think it is too hard to make them at home, you are going to love this Instant Pot Chicken Wings Recipe.
    Get the recipe
    Jalapeño BBQ Wings
    Slow Cooker Ribs
    These slow cooker ribs are pork baby back ribs coated in homemade spice blend and barbecue sauce, then cooked in the crock pot until tender.
    Get the recipe
    Instant Pot Chicken Wings
    This low carb piri piri chicken recipe is FULL of incredible flavor without the heat. This easy chicken wings recipe is naturally gluten free, grain free, soy free, and dairy free. It follows the SCD, paleo, whole30, and keto diets.
    Get the recipe
    Easy Instant Pot Teriyaki Wings
    This easy Instant Pot teriyaki chicken wings recipe has delicious Asian flavors that will delight your guests and become a favorite.
    Get the recipe
    Instant Pot Chili Lime Chicken Wings
    Perfectly seasoned and juicy Chili Lime Chicken Wings. Make these Instant Pot Chicken Wings for an easy game day dish or simply enjoy as an appetizer anytime.
    Get the recipe
    Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks
    These slow cooker chicken drumsticks are coated in a spice rub and barbecue sauce, then cooked to tender perfection in the crock pot.
    Get the recipe

    Shredded Meat Recipes

    If you want a more open-ended option, I recommend shredded chicken, pork, or brisket. They're great for sliders, sandwiches, quesadillas, and more. Plus, these recipes will make for leftovers you'll want to keep around.

    Instant Pot Beef Brisket
    This easy recipe for brisket in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker results in a tender & juicy BBQ beef brisket everyone is sure to love!
    Get the recipe
    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Loaded Tater Tots
    Crispy golden tater tots topped with slow cooker BBQ pork, corn, beans, and tons of melty cheese makes the perfect appetizer.
    Get the recipe
    Instant Pot Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
    Instant Pot Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are made with tender juicy pulled BBQ chicken that is also great for meal prep, salads, potlucks & lunch boxes.
    Get the recipe
    Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
    The most amazing chicken taco meat you will ever make using flavorful chicken thighs. This easy crockpot chicken tacos recipe is only 6 ingredients!
    Get the recipe
    Instant Pot Dr Pepper BBQ Pulled Pork
    This Instant Pot Pulled Pork with a Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce is sweet and tangy and makes awesome pulled pork sandwiches or tacos for game day or a barbecue.
    Get the recipe
    Loaded Instant Pot Chicken Enchiladas
    These Instant Pot enchiladas are positively loaded with seared corn, pico de gallo, 2 sauces and creamy, melty cheese!
    Get the recipe
    Slow Cooker Korean Pulled Pork Sliders
    Sweet, salty and slightly spicy Slow Cooker Korean Pulled Pork Sliders with quick pickle vegetables.
    Get the recipe
    Zesty Italian BBQ Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe
    Shredded slow cooker chicken with BBQ sauce and zesty Italian dressing, perfect for BBQ chicken sandwiches and sliders.
    Get the recipe
    Shredded zesty Italian BBQ chicken.
    Instant Pot Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches
    Shredded pork, thinly sliced ham, Swiss cheese, and dill pickle chips. Layer on loaves of airy ciabatta slathered with Dijon mustard. Crisp up in a panini press. Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches.
    Get the recipe
    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
    Perfect meal to make when you are short on time, but till want to live that healthy lifestyle. Serve on whole wheat buns.
    Get the recipe

    Did you see your favorite game day recipes? Comment below and share your go-to crowd-pleasing dishes.

    Instant Pot and Slow Cooker Game Day Recipes

    More Appetizers & Dips

    • Tofu Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
    • Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
    • Buffalo Turkey Meatballs
    • Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing

    About Kelsey Smith

    I am a freelance content writer for college-level textbooks by day, mommy by night, and a blogger in between. I live in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband, Xavier. When I'm not working on college textbooks, you might find me here, sharing recipes, social media tutorials, and more.

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    1. Shelley says

      September 01, 2021 at 8:22 am

      I looooove these types of recipes! Game day nibbles, made easier! Thanks bunches for including my Reuben Dip - and for all the other terrific inspiration!

      Reply
      • Kelsey Smith says

        September 01, 2021 at 12:24 pm

        You’re so welcome. I was done making my list until I saw that one and then I was like no I have to include this. So fun.

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kelsey! I am a freelance content writer for college-level textbooks by day, mommy by night, and a blogger in between. I live in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband, Xavier. When I'm not working, you might find me here, sharing easy comfort food recipes.

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