12 game-day foods you can make in a slow cooker or Crock

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-19T15:56:23.439Z • Permanent link

The Buffalo chicken dip craze is sweeping the nation, and it's no surprise that the slow cooker has become the go-to appliance for these indulgent snacks. According to data from the NPD Group, a market research company, sales of slow cooker recipes have increased by 15% over the past two years, with game-day snacks like queso and wings being the most popular. But who is behind this trend, and what drives its popularity?

Katie Lee Joel, the celebrity chef and Food Network personality, is often credited with popularizing the slow cooker recipe. Her signature Buffalo chicken dip, made with blue cheese crumbles, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar, has been a fan favorite for years. But the real driving force behind the trend is likely the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, where users can share and discover new recipes and cooking techniques. Influencers like Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, and Rachael Ray have also played a significant role in promoting slow cooker recipes and making them accessible to a wider audience.

Over the past five years, the slow cooker market has experienced significant growth, driven by increasing demand for convenient and easy-to-make meals. In 2018, the market was valued at $1.3 billion, and it's expected to reach $2.5 billion by 2025, according to a report by Grand View Research. This growth is being driven by the rise of meal kits and meal delivery services, which are increasingly incorporating slow cooker recipes into their offerings. Companies like HelloFresh and Blue Apron are now offering slow cooker meals as part of their weekly subscription plans, making it easier than ever for consumers to try new recipes and cooking techniques.

The rise of slow cooker recipes and game-day snacks is having a significant impact on the Data Sources domain, particularly in the areas of food technology and culinary trends. Companies like Crock-Pot and Instant Pot are experiencing significant sales growth, as consumers increasingly turn to their slow cookers for convenient and easy-to-make meals. Research communities are also taking notice, with many studies exploring the nutritional and health benefits of slow-cooked meals.

Amazon is also getting in on the action, with the company launching a new line of slow cookers and game-day snacks specifically designed for its Alexa-enabled devices. The company's partnership with food brands like Kraft Heinz and General Mills is expected to drive sales and increase brand visibility. In the world of policy, the rise of slow cooker recipes is also being recognized as a key factor in promoting healthy eating and reducing food waste. The USDA has launched a new initiative aimed at promoting slow-cooked meals and reducing food waste, with a focus on using up leftovers and reducing food packaging waste.

The rise of slow cooker recipes and game-day snacks is part of a broader trend in food technology and culinary trends. The use of slow cookers and Instant Pots has been on the rise over the past decade, with many consumers increasingly turning to these appliances for convenient and easy-to-make meals. This trend is also being driven by the rise of meal kits and meal delivery services, which are increasingly incorporating slow cooker recipes into their offerings.