Mouthwatering, slow-cooked sloppy Joe meat is piled high on slider buns or mini potato rolls for a great addition to any potluck spread.

Get the recipe for Valerie Bertinelli's Slow-Cooker Sloppy Joe Sliders

Believe it or not, the machine that makes a mean pot of soup is great for baking a cake, too. The trick to prevent this classic cake from getting soggy is to drape paper towels over the top. The result is the perfectly cooked cake with a caramelized pineapple bottom.

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Sure, you could spend hours slowly smoking ribs on the barbecue, or you could go the easy route and make these saucy meats in the slow cooker. Either way, you're guaranteed fall-off-the-bone ribs that are sure to impress.

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs

Corn, shrimp and sausage come together for a tasty seafood boil that you can make lakeside or seaside. Potatoes bubble away in a flavourful broth, while shrimp and corn are added at the end for a perfectly cooked pot.

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil

This lighter, slow-cooked potato salad swaps the traditional creamy dressing for an apple cider vinegar and grainy mustard-based version, but you won’t miss it thanks to the addition of smoky, crispy bacon.

Get the recipe for Slow-Cooker German Salad

These baked beans are much like a hearty chili, so feel free to serve them as a side or main.

Get the recipe for Anna Olson's Slow Cooker Chili Baked Beans.

Forget the oven, the slow cooker is the key to baking up seriously decadent and moist desserts. The moisture-filled environment ensures a cheesecake free of cracks and full of creamy texture.

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Cheesecake

Rather than heating up your whole kitchen, turn to alternative sources. Pull out your slow cooker to make juicy pulled chicken or turkey sandwiches. Colourful bowls of shredded red cabbage and pickles and piles of soft Kaiser rolls will let your guests assemble their own creations — just make sure to stock up on the napkins.

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Pulled Turkey Sandwiches

Finish your barbecued dinner with a beautiful baked berry dessert that doesn’t require turning on the oven. Top with some good quality vanilla ice cream for the ultimate sweet and creamy summer dessert.

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Berry Cobbler

Skip the oven and try your hand at this simple and satisfying peach cobbler made in the slow cooker.

Get the recipe for Alton Brown's Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler

Cooking cheesecake in a slow cooker produces wonderfully creamy and silky texture, and a mouth-watering dessert.

Get the recipe for Ricardo's Slow Cooker Cheesecake

This bright, flavour-packed main includes tender, juicy pulled pork and all your favourite taco toppings.

Get the recipe for Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos

Loaded with chocolate chips, and made moist and gooey in the slow cooker, these easy, grain-free treats are healthy enough for breakfast but satisfying enough for dessert!

Get the recipe for Crockpot Cookies with Chocolate Chips

Turn summer corn into a tasty side that cooks away while you’re outside flipping burgers. Chopped scallions and bacon give this creamy dish an added crunch!

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

Picture these perfectly spiced spuds on your table, smothered in a sweet brown sugar cinnamon sauce and crunchy chopped pecans.

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Spiced Sweet Potatoes

This healthy slow cooker quiche avoids flours by making it crustless! To make this a complete meal, toss some arugula or salad greens in a vinaigrette, and top the quiche with a generous serving.

Get the recipe for Slow-Cooker Ham, Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche

These bite-size butter chicken sliders are perfect for get-togethers — and they’re easy to make ahead.

Get the recipe for Slow-Cooker Butter Chicken Sliders

Slow cooked Italian seasoned beef is piled high on fresh French bread and topped with garlicky giardiniera (Italian-American relish) aioli.

Get the recipe for Valerie Bertinelli's Italian Slow Cooker Beef Sandwiches with Giardiniera Aioli

Rum-infused caramelized bananas are the star in this delicious flipped cake. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream to make it even more finger-licking good.

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Banana Upside Down Cake

Don't worry about burning your chocolate dip or letting it get cold — using a slow cooker will keep it warm, gooey and delicious for your guests.

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Chocolate Fondue