Lifestyle

17 Easy Holiday Appetizers You Can Make In A Slow Cooker

Pretty much the only easy part of your holiday cooking. …

If you’re in charge of the holiday party this year, chances are you’ve already scoured the internet for slow cooker holiday appetizers. Everyone knows apps can absolutely make or break a cocktail party, and that’s a lot of pressure, so you want them to be good! I’d argue that drinks are just as important, sure, but hungry guests just aren’t happy guests (Sorry to be the one to break this news to you, but you deserve to know the truth.)

Thankfully, the solution to this problem is super simple: Pick out some slow cooker holiday recipes that you can execute with ease, and make as many as you see fit. Unsurprisingly, the best easy holiday appetizers are the ones you can set-and-forget in a slow cooker. Not only are they a cinch to throw together, but they’ll also keep warm throughout your party without totally burning. No lame pinwheels or crusty crostini here—just decadent dishes that’ll stay ready to serve, no matter how long you keep them out.

The other thing about slow cookers? They’re super versatile, which means you get to pick from a variety of different recipes. Want something crunchy? Go for Chex Mix. Need something substantial and slightly sweet? Glazed meatballs to the rescue.

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STYLECASTER | Slow Cooker Holiday Appetizers

Courtesy of Hamilton Beach.

Buy: Hamilton Beach 10 Quart Slow Cooker $59.99

No matter what you’re feeling this holiday season, there’s an appetizer (or two) that’ll meet your party needs. And if you don’t have a slow cooker just yet? I’d highly suggest buying one now as an early Christmas gift to yourself. Below, our favorite slow cooker holiday appetizer recipes to get you started.

Courtesy of Naughty Nutrition.

Slow Cooker Baked Beans

This recipe takes your favorite baked bean recipe and makes it healthier so you don’t have to feel guilty about eating seconds. Fresh tomatoes and slow-cooked beans bring a major flavor to the table (no pun intended).

STYLECASTER | slow cooker sides | jalapeno chicken taquitos

Courtesy of The Chutney Life.

Jalapeño Chicken Taquitos

Taquitos are finger food which makes them appetizers in my book. This recipe is basically a take on your favorite jalapeño poppers, but without the deep fry. The taquitos themselves are baked in the oven, but you’ll get the perfectly tender, pulled chicken from your slow cooker.

STYLECASTER | slow cooker side | vegan queso dip

Courtesy of A Plantiful Path

Vegan Loaded Queso Dip

Vegan loaded queso dip may sound like an oxymoron but trust us on this one. Cheesy and creamy thanks to potatoes, cashews and nutritional yeast and loaded with beans, vegan chorizo and tomatoes, there’s nothing not to love about this delicious app.

STYLECASTER | slow cooker side | butternut squash and apple

Courtesy of Yum Goggle.

Butternut Squash and Apples

The perfect cold-weather dish, you’ll feel comforted and satisfied after noshing on this butternut squash and apple recipe, cooked low and slow in the crockpot. It pairs perfectly with any holiday meal, plus it’ll make your home smell delicious.

Courtesy of Ketchup With Linda.

Party Meatballs

They don’t call these ‘party meatballs‘ for nothing! A little sweet and a little spicy, you’ll just need four ingredients for this crowd-pleasing recipe. Plus, the slow cooker makes for easy prep and easy cleanup.

Courtesy of Mom on Timeout.

Kielbasa Bites

Everybody loves a good sausage. Make these sweet kielbasa bites, and your guests will be so content that no one will bug you about when dinner’s coming. Serve them with toothpicks during your ‘cocktail hour’ or as a side dish with the main course.

Courtesy of Tasty Nova

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Winter, spring, summer, or fall—it isn’t a party without spinach artichoke dip. This dip is so delicious your friends and family will be scooping it right out of the slow cooker. Pair with crackers or sliced baguette to feel extra fancy.

Courtesy of Dinner Then Dessert

Candied Cinnamon Pecans

TBH, you should probably keep a bowl of these spiced, sweet candied cinnamon pecans around throughout the holiday season—party or no party. They’re super easy to make and super satisfying for people of all different taste buds.

Courtesy of Rachel Cooks.

Queso Blanco

Go simple with this easy queso blanco, which you can serve with tortilla chips, pita or even sliced veggies. Queso blanco is always a crowd pleaser and you can’t go wrong spicing it up by adding in jalapeños, diced tomatoes or even some brisket.

Courtesy of The Forked Spoon.

Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Meatballs

Put out a box of toothpicks and let everybody go to town on these delicious cranberry meatballs, which your slow cooker will keep warm all night long. Don’t even both serving these on a fancy plate, they taste best right out of the crockpot.

Courtesy of Gimme Some Oven.

Chex Mix

Add a little holiday spice, like nutmeg or clove, to this simple slow cooker Chex Mix for classic, delicious fun. This recipe is so low lift and such a crowd-pleaser, you’ll definitely be making it year after year.

Courtesy of Girl vs. Dough.

Italian Meatballs

Slice up a baguette and let guests dip into these saucy Italian meatballs or serve them on top of your favorite pasta for the main course. There are so many ways to eat these meatballs, you can make the same recipe over and over and serve in a fresh new way every time.

Courtesy of Fifteen Spatulas.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

It’s always the season for Buffalo chicken dip. A crowd favorite, everyone will surely be asking for the recipe once the party is over. Plus, you’ll be able to keep it warm all night in the slow cooker, no microwave required.

Courtesy of Recipes That Crock.

Bacon Brown Sugar Sausages

What better way to get a party started than the combination of bacon, brown sugar and teeny tiny sausages? This passed app is like a level up on your favorite pigs in a blanket recipe and the meat lovers in your party are sure to love it.

Courtesy of The Frugal Girls.

Garlic-Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread

Be the hostess with the mostest with this cute, fun, carby, garlic-Parmesan pull-apart bread. Doughy, cheesy and full of flavor, we have a feeling this recipe will replace the boring old dinner rolls on the table for years to come.

Courtesy of Sweet CS Designs.

Honey-Soy Chicken Wings

Who says you can’t serve honey-soy chicken wings at a holiday party? Nobody who’s ever tasted them, that’s for sure. Wings are always a great party snack, whether you serve them with drinks before dinner or with the main course.

Courtesy of Cookies and Cups.

Garlic Ranch Mushrooms

These cute garlic ranch mushrooms taste great on bread—or straight off a toothpick. This recipe is sure to give all your guests the warm and fuzzies and they’re the perfect side dish for carnivores and vegetarians alike.

A previous version of this article appeared in 2018.

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Artist Spotlight

Shawn Mendes Gets Real About Mental Health in Eye Opening New Documentary

Shawn Mendes opens up about his mental health in his recent documentary, he takes that honesty to a whole new level. From the time he was a teenager becoming famous, to dealing with the huge pressures of being a global star, Mendes has talked openly about how it affects his mental well-being. Through his personal stories, fans get an even closer look at his journey, which is filled with ups and downs as he searches for genuine happiness. In his 2020 Netflix documentary, *Shawn Mendes: In Wonder*, the singer of hits like “Stitches” shares a touching portrait of his life at the height of his career.

Despite all his success, he expresses a desire for simpler times. “I’m so grateful. I love these performances and I’ve never had more fun,” he shares. “But at the same time, I just want to spend time with my parents, watch movies, drive around, lie on a soccer field, and hang out with my friends. I miss that right now. It’s pretty intense.” Even when he was at the top, Mendes craved the little joys that many people take for granted. The pressure to keep performing, creating, and looking perfect weighed on him, and he continued to discuss this in the years following the documentary.

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Flash forward to 2022, Mendes opened up again in a heartfelt social media post. At just 23 years old, with millions of fans and chart-topping songs, he shared that he was still battling feelings of self-doubt and anxiety. “Right now, I feel like a 23-year-old who’s either soaring high or sinking low,” he wrote. “Maybe that’s just what it’s like to be in your 20s, or maybe that’s just me.” His honesty struck a chord with fans who saw him as highly successful. Mendes admitted that despite his accomplishments, he often felt like he wasn’t doing enough. “The truth is, even with so much success, I still feel like I’m failing. I focus too much on what I don’t have and forget to appreciate what I do. I feel overwhelmed.”

Mendes’ willingness to talk about his mental health emphasizes that being famous doesn’t protect anyone from the stress of both personal and public expectations. His experience is not only a reflection of his own struggles but also offers hope to many fans who might feel the same way. In an industry that often emphasizes perfection, Mendes is changing the conversation by embracing being real and true to himself. What makes his story so inspiring is that it’s not just about his challenges but also his growth. Mendes is learning to handle his feelings, stay true to who he is, and understand that success doesn’t always lead to happiness.

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His readiness to share his story, no matter how complicated it may be, makes him relatable to his supporters. Through his documentary and candidness, Mendes encourages an important discussion about mental health in music. He’s showing that being vulnerable isn’t a weakness but a strength, a message that will likely inspire many others to be kinder to themselves. Though Shawn Mendes is a global superstar, at the end of the day, he’s just a young man trying to figure things out, just like everyone else. In his honesty, he’s discovered a connection with people.

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Lifestyle

Bobbi Althoff Claps Back, Shuts Down Rumors of Sleeping with Interview Guests

Bobbi Althoff is currently one of the biggest names in the podcast and media space. Her rapid rise to fame has been a bit polarizing, with some people not appreciating how quickly she has ascended the ranks. Despite this, Althoff remains a heavily discussed figure on social media, especially for her interviews with rappers. However, her success has unfortunately come with a wave of misogynistic accusations.

A common criticism Althoff faces is the baseless claim that she “slept her way to the top,” particularly after her interview with Drake. Even Ryan Garcia perpetuated this erroneous rumor. Previously, Althoff had not addressed these trolls, but on Wednesday, she decided to put a hater in their place. According to TMZ, Althoff took to her Instagram to call out the false accusations.

In her Instagram story, Althoff made it clear that she does not sleep around and has never slept with any of her interview guests. She expressed frustration over the constant accusations whenever she posts about interviewing a man. Additionally, she addressed rumors about her personal life, stating that social media only shows what she allows it to. With this, Althoff aimed to silence the rumors once and for all.

What do you think of Bobbi Althoff’s response? Do you believe this will put an end to such comments, or will the ignorance persist? Share your thoughts in the comments below. For more updates on your favorite artists and their upcoming projects, stay tuned to Honk Magazine.