Using your crockpot in summer might seem counterintuitive, but hear me out – it’s actually genius. While everyone else is sweating over hot stoves, you can have dinner cooking itself without heating up your kitchen. Plus, there’s something magical about coming home to a house that smells amazing and a meal that’s completely ready to eat. These 12 WW summer crockpot recipes will keep your menu lively while keeping you cool.
They are lighter than typical crockpot fare, focusing on fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and bright flavors that actually make sense when it’s hot outside. From refreshing soups that taste great cold to tender proteins that are perfect for salads and wraps, your slow cooker is about to become your summer secret weapon. The real beauty of these recipes is the convenience factor – most can be prepped the night before, started in the morning, and ready when you walk in the door. No more scrambling to figure out dinner when you’re hot, tired, and definitely not in the mood to cook. Your future self will thank you for discovering these summer crockpot game-changers.
1. WW Summer Crockpot Recipes: Ranch Chicken
I love meal prep protein options, especially for summer. This recipe requires no cooking skills – just dump the ingredients in and let the crockpot do its work. You’re left with flavorful, juicy chicken that will give you plenty of protein to eat on throughout the week. Add it to salads, wraps, or bowls and you’re set!
2. Sweet Hawaiian Chicken
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a perfect example of a winning sweet-and-savory combination. This hands-off, 2-Point crockpot recipe allows you to set it and forget it, leveraging the slow cooker for ease. It effortlessly blends the typical smoky, salty, and sweet flavors of Hawaiian-inspired dishes, with pineapple and soy sauce shining through. It’s bright and flavorful for summer!
3. WW Summer Crockpot Recipes: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Summer needs to include easy family family-friendly meals, and this buffalo chicken mac and cheese will quickly make it to the top of your list. Even if you’re serving kids, you can tone down the heat as needed. Mac and cheese is a winner no matter what, and this version keeps it in line with your WW goals.
4. Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken is a must in the summer. Keep it stocked in the fridge, and you’ll have protein at the ready rather than having to cook every night. But with this recipe, you don’t have to buy any from the store because its so easy to make right at home.
5. WW Summer Crockpot Recipes: Slow Cooker Brisket
Brisket with a homemade BBQ sauce in the summer should be a given. But if you don’t have access to a smoker, a crockpot will do! It works great for sandwiches or for a dinner paired with fresh summer veggies. It’s going to be a weekly favorite, that’s for sure.
6. Pulled BBQ Chicken
Pulled BBQ chicken is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a summer barbecue or meal prepping for the week, this tender, smoky chicken works perfectly on buns, over salads, or even stuffed into sweet potatoes. The best part is you can make a huge batch and use it in different ways throughout the week – from quick lunch wraps to hearty dinner bowls.
7. WW Summer Crockpot Recipes: Cabbage Roll Soup
All the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without any of the tedious rolling and stuffing work. This hearty soup captures that same satisfying combination of ground beef, rice, and tender cabbage in a warming broth that’s perfect for cooler summer evenings. It’s incredibly filling and freezes beautifully, so you can make a big batch and have homemade soup ready whenever you need it.
8. Chicken and Dumplings
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings to make any day feel special, and the crockpot version makes this comfort food classic completely achievable on busy weeknights. The fluffy biscuit dumplings cook perfectly in the slow cooker while you go about your day, and you’ll come home to a house that smells absolutely amazing. It’s the kind of meal that brings the whole family to the table without any complaints.
9. WW Summer Crockpot Recipes: Mississippi Chicken
Mississippi chicken has become a viral sensation for good reason – it’s incredibly flavorful, requires just a few simple ingredients, and practically cooks itself. The combination of ranch seasoning, au jus mix, and pepperoncini creates a tangy, savory sauce that makes the chicken fall-apart tender. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even in a sandwich for an easy dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
10. Vegetable Soup
A good vegetable soup recipe is like having a secret weapon in your meal planning arsenal – it’s nutritious, budget-friendly, and uses up whatever summer vegetables you have on hand. This version is packed with fiber and nutrients while being incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for those days when you want something light but filling. Plus, it tastes even better the next day and freezes perfectly for future quick meals.
11. WW Summer Crockpot Recipes: Pork and Saurkraut
This traditional combination of pork and sauerkraut is comfort food at its finest, especially when it’s been slow-cooking all day and filling your house with incredible aromas. The tangy sauerkraut perfectly complements the tender pork, creating a meal that’s both hearty and surprisingly light. It’s particularly perfect for those cooler summer evenings when you want something warming but don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
12. Tropical Dump Cake
Dump cakes are the dessert world’s best-kept secret for when you want something impressive with almost zero effort. This tropical version brings together pineapple, coconut, and other sunny flavors that scream summer vacation in every bite. Just dump the ingredients together in the crockpot and you’ll have a warm, fruity dessert that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or whenever you need a sweet treat without all the fuss.
Go ahead and get out that crockpot because with this list, you’ll be able to keep your summer menu fun while also keeping the kitchen cool!
