This Southern breakfast favorite is perfect for holiday celebrations and potlucks. Made in the Crock-Pot and cooked overnight, these creamy, buttery grits feed a crowd with just a few ingredients. 

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Overnight Creamy Crock-Pot Grits

Makes 10-12 servings

Ingredients

• Ingredients:
• 2 cups stoneground old-fashioned grits not instant
• 7 cups water
• 1 tbsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter cubed
• ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions

• Directions:
• Add grits, water, and salt to a large slowcooker.
• Stir well then add the lid.
• Cook for 7 hours on low. Stir once or twice if possible so it doesn't stick to the sides.
• After 7 hours, remove the lid and add the heavy cream and butter. Stir until completely melted and creamy.
• Ladle into bowls and serve warm.

It is important to use “old fashioned” or stone ground grits for this recipe.

Do not use quick grits which is finer ground and cook much faster. 

All you need to start these grits in the slowcooker are 2 cups of stone ground grits, salt, and water.

Do not use milk- we will add cream later.

Add grits, water, and salt to a large slowcooker.

Stir well then add the lid.

Cook for 7 hours on low. Stir once or twice if possible so it doesn’t stick to the sides.

After 7 hours, remove the lid and add the heavy cream and stir.

Now slice up a stick of unsalted butter. 

Add the butter to the creamy cooked grits. 

Stir until completely melted.

Now you have a big crock full of the creamiest buttery grits you have ever had!

 Ladle into bowls and serve warm.

Makes plenty of servings, around 10-12 bowls. 

The post Overnight Creamy Crock-Pot Grits appeared first on For the Love of Food.

Looking for a hearty, kid friendly winter meal idea for dinner this week?

Make the ultimate Italian comfort food dinner: Cheesy Homestyle Lasagna, in the Crock-Pot!

This recipe makes enough for the whole family plus you’ll have leftovers!

It’s so easy to prepare in advance and let cook on low in the Crock-Pot all afternoon. 

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Crock-Pot Homestyle Lasagna

Makes 9-12 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 large yellow onion diced
• 3 cloved garlic diced
• 2 jars marinara sauce
• 1 box lasagna noodles
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 1 16 oz tub ricotta
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• olive oil for sauté

Instructions

• In a large skillet cook onions and garlic in olive oil until softened.
• Remove from pan then add in beef. Crumble and cook over medium heat until browned.
• Drain then add in cooked onion mixture, 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, and one jar of marinara sauce. Stir.
• In a bowl add ricotta, 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth. Set aside.
• Spray the bottom of a crockpot with non stick spray.
• Cover the bottom with a thin layer of the meat sauce.
• Add a row of lasagna noodles, 3 or 4 depending on the size of your Crock-Pot.
• Top with a few spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture. Spread to cover the noodles.
• Add the meat sauce on top, spreading to cover.
• Repeat for about 3 more layers ending with the meat sauce.
• Pour the other jar of marinara sauce all down the sides and top of the lasagna.
• Top with the remaining Mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
• Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
• To serve cut into squares and scoop onto plates.

In a large skillet cook onions and garlic in olive oil until softened.

Remove from pan then add in beef. Crumble and cook over medium heat until browned.

Drain then add in cooked onion mixture.

Stir in 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning and one jar of marinara sauce. Stir.

In a bowl add ricotta, 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth. Set aside. 

Spray the bottom of a crockpot with non stick spray.

Cover the bottom with a thin layer of the meat sauce.

Add a row of lasagna noodles, 3 or 4 depending on the size of your Crock-Pot.

Top with a few spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture. Spread to cover the noodles.

Add the meat sauce on top, spreading to cover.

Repeat for about 3 more layers.

End with the meat sauce on top. 

Pour the other jar of marinara sauce all down the sides and top of the lasagna.

I have found using 2 whole jars of sauce keeps the lasagna from getting dry or too crispy on the edges. 

Top with the remaining Mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.

Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours.

How amazing does this look?!

Cut into squares right in the Crock-Pot. Depending on how big your servings are you can do 9-12 squares. 

Each square is a big, hearty meal! 

To serve: cut into squares and scoop onto plates. 

Dinner’s ready! 

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As a lifelong hot chocolate fan, I have long been on a search for the perfect cup of hot cocoa.

After many, many delicious recipes and countless taste tests I am happy to share that I have finally created the BEST Decadent Hot Chocolate inspired

by our Christmas favorite, Polar Express! 

“We drank hot cocoa as thick and rich as melted chocolate bars.” — Chris in Polar Express

I make my recipe in a slowcooker but you can also make on the stove top.

This extra rich holiday drink makes enough for a crowd so it’s perfect for parties, move nights, potlucks, and snow days!

Scroll down for the recipe and our favorite Polar Express memories!

Even our elf Jingle likes Polar Express! Check out the Elf on the Shelf Hot Chocolate Station we set up last year!

Polar Express night at school was so fun! We wore PJs, watched the movie, and played themed games!

Love making Christmas memories with my girls every year. 

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Polar Express Hot Chocolate

This recipe makes approx 8 large mugs full of hot chocolate!

Ingredients

• 6 cups milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 12 oz bag semi sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp vanilla

Instructions

• Start by adding 2 cups of milk and 1/2 cup cocoa powder to a slowcooker.
• Whisk to combine.
• Add the remaining 4 cups milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, chocolate chips, and vanilla.
• Stir well and cook over low for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally so the chocolate doesn't clump on the bottom.
• It's ready when it is completely melted, smooth, and hot.
• Ladle into mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Notes

The recipe can also be made on the stovetop. Add all ingredients to a large pan over med low. Whisk continuously until smooth and melted, about 20 minutes.

Polar Express is a classic we read and watch every year!

This recipe makes the ultimate decadent and delicious hot cocoa! 

Start by adding 2 cups of milk to a slowcooker.

Add in 1/2 cup cocoa powder.

Whisk to combine.

Add the remaining 4 cups milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, chocolate chips, and vanilla.

Stir well and cook over low for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

It’s ready when it is completely melted, smooth, and hot.

Ladle into mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows.

This recipe makes approx. 8 large mugs full of hot chocolate!

Enjoy a warm mug of chocolate while you cuddle up for Polar Express movie night!

“Just remember, the true Spirit Of Christmas lies in your heart.” — Santa in Polar Express

The post Polar Express Hot Chocolate appeared first on For the Love of Food.

Winner, winner chicken dinner!

Here’s an easy weeknight meal idea: Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy.

This hearty slow cooked dinner is a family favorite and only requires 5 simple ingredients.

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Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy

Makes 6+ servings

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 chicken gravy packets I used low sodium
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 bag frozen mixed veggies optional
• 3 cups of cooked white rice or mashed potatoes for serving

Instructions

• Add chicken to the Crock-Pot.
• Pour next three ingredients- gravy, chicken broth, and soup on top and stir to combine.
• Stir in the bag of frozen mixed veggies.
• Cover and cook on low 5-6 hours.
• Using two forks shred chicken and mix well.
• Serve warm over buttered rice or mashed potatoes.

This simple dump and go slowcooker recipe only requires a few basic

ingredients that you may already have in your pantry!

Start by adding chicken breasts to your Crock-pot. 

Add two packets of chicken gravy to the Crock-Pot.

I used low sodium to cut down on the salt in the recipe. 

Now add I can of cream of chicken soup and a bag of frozen mixed veggies on top.

Pour in one cup chicken broth and give it a stir. 

Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours.

I like to serve this dish with white rice mixed right in!

It is also really tasty on top of creamy mashed potatoes.

Using two forks shred the chicken in the Crock-Pot.

Stir well to combine. 

This hearty recipe makes at least six servings.

Serve warm with rice mixed right in or scoop and serve over rice or mashed potatoes. 

Dinner’s served!

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This holiday season save oven space by cooking in your slow cooker!

This recipe roundup features over 80 Thanksgiving recipes including appetizers, entrees, side dishes, desserts and even drinks to cook in your Crockpot!

Appetizers:

1. Macaroni Grill Copycat Crock-Pot Rosemary Bread and Roasted Garlic – For the Love of Food

2. Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip – Build Your Bite

3. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup – The Lazy Slow Cooker

4. Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Little Smokies – Life with the Crust Cut Off

5. Cheesy Slow Cooker Sausage Balls – Simply Recipes

6. Easy Slow Cooker Corn Dip – Lemon Blossoms

7. Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs – The Travel Palate

8. Crock-Pot Fire Crackers – For the Love of Food

9. Easy Crockpot Cranberry Butter – The View from Great Island

10. Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup – Flour on My Face

11. Slow Cooker Tuscan Pumpkin Soup – Real Food Whole Life

12. Slow Cooker Turkey Appetizer Jelly Meatballs – Noshing with the Nolands

13. Crock-Pot Blueberry Barbecue Chicken Wings – For the Love of Food

14. Crock-Pot Cranberry Orange Meatballs – Meatloaf and Melodrama

Entrees: 

1. 3-Ingredient Crock-Pot Roasted Turkey – For the Love of Food

2. Slow Cooker Whole Turkey – The Little Kitchen

3. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast – Thrifty Jinxy

4. Slow Cooker Turkey Crown – Baking Queen 74

5. Crockpot Stuffed Apple Bacon Cornish Hens – Your Everyday Family

6. Crock-Pot Blackberry Glazed Ham – For the Love of Food

7. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Quinoa Cranberry Dressing – Food Meanderings

8. Slow Cooker Ham – The Little Kitchen

9. Crock-Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham – For the Love of Food

10. Slow Cooker Herbed Turkey Breast – Renee’s Kitchen Adventures

11. Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast – Xoxo Bella

12. Slow Cooker Honey Turkey Thighs – Eat Well 101

13. Crockpot Cranberry Turkey Breast – Together as Family

Drinks:

1. Easy Crockpot Apple Cider – Crayons and Cravings

2. Crock-Pot Mulled Apple Cider – For the Love of Food

3. Slow Cooker Orange Pomegranate Cider – FInding Zest

4. Slow Cooker Hot Holiday Punch – Champagne and Coconuts

5. Warm Caramel Apple Pie Ice Cream Thanksgiving Punch – Arts Crackers

6.Crock-Pot Pumpkin Spice Latte Coffee – For the Love of Food

7. Crock Pot Cranberry Cider – Kleinworth & Co

8. Crockpot Vanilla Latte – Simplistically Living

Side Dishes:

1. Crock-Pot Creamed Corn – For the Love of Food

2. 5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce – Running to the Kitchen

3. Healthy Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole – Kristine’s Kitchen Blog

4. Slow Cooker Stuffing – The Food Hussy

5. Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Acorn Squash – The Short Order Cook

6. Coconut-Pecan Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes – Simple Bites

7. Crock-Pot Loaded Mashed Potatoes – For the Love of Food

8. Slow Cooker Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes – Flavor the Moments

9. Crockpot Cornbread Dressing with Bacon – Upstate Ramblings

10. Cranberry Pumpkin Seed Stuffing/Dressing – The Lazy Slow Cooker

11. Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes – Thrifty Jinxy

12. Crock-Pot Bavarian Cabbage and Apples – For the Love of Food

13. Crock Pot Candied Sweet Potatoes – Flour on My Face

14. Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Casserole – The Gunny Sack

15. Crock-Pot Creamy Green Bean Casserole – For the Love of Food

16. Vegetarian Slow Cooker Stuffing – Killing Thyme

17. Slow Cooker Mushroom Stuffing – Kara Lydon

18. Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries, Pecans and Butternut – Sweet Peas and Saffron

19. Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots – Dinner at the Zoo

20. Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans and Marshmallows – Salty Side Dish

21. 5-Ingredient Corn Casserole – Tastes of Lizzy T

22. Southern Slow Cooked Green Beans with Bacon – For the Love of Food

22. Slow Cooker Green Beans – Add a Pinch

23. Crockpot Buttery Bacon Green Beans – Spicy Southern Kitchen

24. Crockpot Corn and Macaroni and Cheese – Moms Cravings

25. Crockpot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing – The Creative Bite

26. Best Ever Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes – Wholefully

27. Easy Crockpot Apple Cranberry Compote – Flour on My Face

Desserts:

1. Pecan and Cranberry Stuffed Apples – For the Love of Food

2. Thanksgiving Crockpot Candy – The Simple Parent

3. Crockpot Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce – Savory Nothings

4. Low Calorie Slow Cooker Pumpkin Cheesecake – Simple Nourished Living

5. Slow Cooker Sticky Caramel Pumpkin Cake – Platter Talk

6. Slow Cooker Chocolate Cheesecake – Good Cheap Eats

7. Crockpot Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars – The Lazy Slow Cooker 

8. Crockpot Bread Pudding – Platter Talk

9. Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples – Crayons and Cravings

10. Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Dump Cake – More or Less Cooking

11. Crock Pot Cranberry Cake – Flour on My Face

12. Crockpot Caramel Apple Crumble – How Sweet Eats

13. Crockpot Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler – Moms with Crockpots

14. Crock-Pot Overnight Breakfast Apple Crisp – For the Love of Food

15. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Apple Crisp – Kristine’s Kitchen Blog

16. Crockpot Chocolate Cobbler – Dance Around the Kitchen

17. Crockpot Candied Walnuts – Tammilee Tips

18. Crockpot Pecan Pie – The Country Cook

19. Crockpot Easy Cherry Cobbler – Recipes that Crock

20. Crockpot Seven Layer Bars – These Old Cookbooks

21. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Dump Cake – Simply Stacie

22. Slow Cooker Cinnamon Fried Apples – For the Love of Food

22. Slow Cooker White Chocolate Pumpkin Cake – Who Needs A Cape

23. Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans – Dinner then Dessert

The post 80+ Crockpot Thanksgiving Recipes appeared first on For the Love of Food.

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Southern Slow Cooked Hot Boiled Peanuts

Makes 10-12 servings

Ingredients

• 2-3 lbs raw peanuts in shell
• 1/4-1/2 cup salt
• 1/4 cup Creole seasoning {I like Tony Chachere's}
• 8 cups of water {to start}

Instructions

• Rinse peanuts well to remove any dirt and debris.
• Pour into slow cooker.
• Cover with water {about 6-8 cups}.
• Add salt and seasoning. Stir.
• Cook on low for 12hrs {minimum} to 24hrs. Or you can let soak in the warm brine for an additional 12 hrs.
• Be sure to check and add more water to cover the peanuts as they cook.
• To serve: using a slotted spoon, scoop peanuts into bowls and serve warm.

 These are great for tailgating, picnics, road trips, you name it!
This amount feeds a crowd.

These peanuts are not too salty or spicy, just right in my opinion.
Adjust the seasonings as you like.

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Slow Cooked, Chicago Style Italian Beef Sandwiches

Makes 6 large sandwiches

Ingredients

• 2.5 lb-3.5lb chuck roast trimmed of fat
• 32 oz box beef broth
• 1 cup Italian dressing
• 1 cup Mezzetta Giardiniera Chicago-Style Italian relish drained, plus extra for topping
• 1 cup Mezzetta pepperoncini pepper rings plus extra for topping
• 1/4 cup pepperoncini juice
• 12 provolone cheese slices
• 6 hoagie rolls toasted

Instructions

• Place chuck roast into the bottom of a large slow cooker. Optional, you can chop into smaller chunks.
• Pour beef broth over roast then add 1 cup of Italian dressing.
• Add pepperoncini pepper rings plus 1/4 cup of juice from the jar, along with 1 cup of Giardiniera relish.
• Cover and cook on low for 7 hours.
• Shred meat with a fork in the slow cooker then cook on low for one more hour.
• To serve: split toasted buns in half then scoop the shredded, juicy meat mixture on top and add provolone cheese slices.
• Top with extra pepperoncini pepper rings and diced Giardiniera.
• Serve these sandwiches open faced and warm. Dig in!

Notes

Adapted from The Pioneer Woman.

Now enter this giveaway from Mezzetta to win a Weber Gas Grill and other summer grilling essentials.

The post Slow Cooked, Chicago Style Italian Beef Sandwiches appeared first on For the Love of Food.

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Crock-Pot Rotisserie Style Chicken

Ingredients

• 5 lb whole chicken
• seasonings of choice I used paprika for color and a Chicago style seasoning blend (I also add some extra salt and cracked black pepper)

Instructions

• Rinse the chicken, discarding insides, and pat dry.
• Season heavily inside and out.
• Crush 4 sheets of aluminum foil into balls and place at the bottom of your Crock-Pot.
• Place the whole chicken on top.
• Cover and cook on high for 4.5 hours.
• Remove to a cutting board and slice.

Season all over and inside!

Cover and cook for 4.5 hours. 

Save the extra juices to baste on top!

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Manwich for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Manwich has 3 flavors of Sloppy Joe sauce: Original, Bold, and Thick and Chunky.
 I used both Original and Bold (my favorite) for this recipe.

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Slow Cooker Manwich Cheddar Stuffed Sloppy Joe Meatballs

Makes 50-55 mini meatballs

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef I used ground chuck
• 2 eggs beaten
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 yellow onion grated
• 3 cloves garlic pressed
• 3 cans 12.5 oz Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce (about 6 cups)
• 7 cheddar string cheese sticks chopped into 8 cubes each
• salt/pepper to taste

Instructions

• Preheat broiler.
• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with non stick spray.
• In a large bowl mix together ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, and salt and pepper until combined.
• Using a spoon or your hands scoop out a small amount and roll into approx a 1 inch ball.
• Press small cube of cheese into the center of each meatball and cover cheese with meat mixture.
• Add to the baking sheet and repeat with the remaining meatballs.
• Broil for approx 4-6 minutes until browned (they do not have to be fully cooked through).
• Remove from oven and let cool slightly (you can also do these steps a day ahead and store in the fridge).
• Add meatballs to a slow cooker and cover with Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce.
• Cook on low for 3 hours.
• Serve warm in the slow cooker as an appetizer or on add the meatballs and sauce to sub rolls or spaghetti.

Using a spoon or your hands scoop out a small amount and roll into approx a 1 inch ball.
Press small cube of cheese into the center of each meatball and cover cheese with meat mixture.

Serve warm as a party appetizer in the slow cooker.

Giveaway Time!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Slow Cooker Manwich Cheddar Stuffed Sloppy Joe Meatballs appeared first on For the Love of Food.

This coffee drink is super easy and has a delicious fall flavor. Perfect for a crowd, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite for you like it has for us! 

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Pumpkin Spice Latte

Makes approx 8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin
• 2 tbsp vanilla
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 pot strong brewed coffee about 10-12 cups
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• whipped cream and cinnamon for garnish

Instructions

• Combine milk and coffee and pour into the Crock-pot.
• In a small bowl whisk together pumpkin, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar.
• Pour into the Crock-pot.
• Mix together well, cover, and keep warm.
• Serve in mugs topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Notes

You may have to whisk or stir the pumpkin that settles at the bottom before serving. 

Serve in mugs with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

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