8 Cozy Fall Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker
Fall is a great time to put your slow cooker to work. While soups and stews may be the first things that come to mind, this handy appliance can also handle breakfast, side dishes, desserts, and warm drinks. These eight fall-inspired ideas make it easier to prepare comforting food while keeping the oven and stovetop free.
Maple-Cinnamon Oatmeal
Wake up to a warm breakfast with very little morning prep. Combine oats with apples, cinnamon, maple syrup, and your preferred milk or water, then let the slow cooker gently cook everything together. It’s an easy option for busy mornings and can be customized with nuts, dried fruit, or a spoonful of nut butter.
Pumpkin Chili
Give a classic pot of chili a seasonal twist with pumpkin puree, beans, ground meat, and your favorite chili spices. Pumpkin adds body and a subtle earthy flavor without making the chili taste like dessert. Sweet potatoes, corn, or diced peppers can add even more texture and flavor.
Slow-Cooked Applesauce
Homemade applesauce is one of the simplest ways to put a fall apple haul to good use. Add peeled or unpeeled apples to the slow cooker with cinnamon and a small amount of water, then let them soften until they can be easily mashed or blended. Depending on the apples you use, you may not need much—or any—added sugar.
Fall Vegetable Ratatouille
Slow cooking gives seasonal vegetables plenty of time to soften and develop flavor. Combine vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, and squash with herbs and seasonings for a colorful meatless meal or hearty side dish. Serve it over rice, pasta, polenta, or crusty bread.
Mulled Cider
Turn a jug of apple cider into a warm, aromatic drink that’s perfect for chilly evenings and fall gatherings. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange slices or peel, then let the slow cooker gently heat and infuse the cider. Keep the cooker on its warm setting when serving so guests can help themselves.
Slow-Cooked Pear Crisp
You don’t need to turn on the oven to enjoy a warm fruit dessert. Combine sliced pears with cinnamon and a simple oat-and-brown-sugar topping, then let the slow cooker soften the fruit while the topping cooks. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream.
Chicken and Butternut Squash Curry
Chicken and sweet butternut squash make a natural pairing for a cozy slow-cooker dinner. Simmer them with coconut milk, curry spices, garlic, and other aromatics until the chicken is tender and the squash is soft. Serve the curry over rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Hot Chocolate with a Twist
A slow cooker is especially useful when you’re making hot chocolate for a group. Combine milk, chocolate, and your favorite sweetener, then add cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, or a pinch of pumpkin spice for a seasonal variation. The slow cooker keeps the drink warm for serving, making it a convenient choice for fall parties, movie nights, or family gatherings.
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