18 Dishes You Never Thought To Make in Your Slow Cooker

The slow cooker is a totally versatile tool, but it doesn't get as much credit as it should. Typically reserved for soups, chilis or chicken dinners, slow cookers can be used to create a ton of different dishes and can even be used to make sweet treats like cakes or candy. Perfect for holidays, the slow cooker allows you to cook dishes on the countertop without wasting space in your oven — and it can even be used in the summer when you don't want to heat your entire kitchen by turning the oven on. Better yet, it's a hands-off tool that lets you set up a dish to cook while you work on all the other things that need to be done.

When thinking of things to cook in the slow cooker, cheesecake isn't exactly the first thing that comes to mind. But this intoxicating recipe is proof it can be done, and quite well we might add. In fact, the moist environment that the slow cooker creates helps in two ways: it prevent cracks from forming and helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture.

You might never be able to go back to making potato salad the regular way after you experience making it in a slow cooker. This recipe works particularly well for warm potato salad, but you could easily cook the potatoes in the same way if you're making a room temperature side dish. Crispy bacon adds flavor and texture to this summertime staple.

This dough is so light and airy, it's like the soft inside of a loaf of French bread. Thanks to the warm, humid environment of the slow cooker there's no need to let the dough rise. You can go directly from making the dough to baking with no waiting around.

You don't have to live by the seaside to enjoy a good old-fashioned New England-style shrimp boil. Instead of letting the shrimp simmer away on the stovetop or in a big pot over an open fire, use a slow cooker to cook the potatoes and seasonings. Then you can add the corn, shrimp and sausage to cook in the flavorful broth at the end. Serve with crusty bread to soak up all the savory juices.

Making pizza in the slow cooker is a great way to have your kids' favorite dinner ready and waiting for them, regardless of how many after-school activities you have piled up in the middle of the week. Make sure to spray the inside of the slow cooker generously with nonstick cooking spray so that the dough doesn't stick. Start by cooking the dough without the toppings, and then layer on the cheese and sauce after about an hour.

Five minutes and four ingredients is all you need to prep this delicious candy recipe. The melty chocolate pairs delightfully well with the salty peanuts for a perfectly balanced treat. Serve dollops of the candy mixture in cupcake cups to make it easier to eat while keeping your fingers clean.

Barbecue ribs are at their best when cooked low and slow, so a slow cooker is actually the perfect way to do them right. Packed with sweet and savory flavor from brown sugar, chili powder and ground mustard seeds, this is a fantastic way to cook the barbecue favorite that you probably hadn't thought of.

Although desserts aren't always the first thing that comes to mind with cooking in the slow cooker, it doesn't mean it can't be done. In fact, the slow cooker creates a warm, moist environemnt that's perfect for making certain desserts. This slow-cooked cobbler is a great use for frozen peaches and so easy to make. Add some toasted, chopped pecans for a little Southern flavor.

Broccoli rabe can be slightly bitter, so cooking it low and slow helps mellow out the flavor and bring out some of the natural sweetness. Olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes and a bit of broth are the key flavor enhancers that make this dish so savory and hearty. It's an easy side dish that cooks in your slow cooker, so once it's prepped, it's a totally hands-off dish.

If you're prepping for a big party, it doesn't get easier or more filling than this 12-layer lasagna. Perfect for a crowd, this dish cooks on the countertop, freeing up precious space in the oven for desserts or side dishes. And if you're not hosting a party, cook it as an easy weeknight meal for your family and enjoy the leftovers all week long.

This upside-down cake is tender, moist and totally chewy. Our secret to success? Drape paper towels over the top of the slow cooker to help absorb any extra moisture. It'll keep this sweet, caramelized cake from getting too soggy while retaining just enough moisture to stop it from drying out.

Who knew you could cook an entire ham in a slow cooker? This recipe is proof that the holiday showstopper doesn't need to take up prime real estate in your oven. Save that for the sides, and put your slow cooker to work creating a ham that's flavorful, tender and juicy.

This easy-to-make cake has the best parts of a soft, warm brownie: gooey on the inside and slightly crisp around the edges. It takes almost no time to prep and gives you the excuse to use your slow cooker for something sweet. Serve with a heaping pile of whipped cream or a big scoop of ice cream.

Making a big batch of apple butter is a must-do every fall. And if you need extra space on the stove top for other simmering fall favorites, try making this one in your slow cooker instead. Ground cloves, allspice and cinnamon add deep, complex flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet, tart flavor of the apples.

These spiced nuts are the perfect holiday snack that take only five minutes to prepare. They're flavorful and crunchy, but best of all, they don't take up any coveted space in the oven. Spicy, salty and perfectly sweet, they're an easy snack that you can serve with lunch, appetizers or dinner.

Stuffed peppers don't typically seem like something you can cook in the slow cooker, but this recipe makes it easy to do. Just stir all the filling ingredients together (raw ground beef included), then stuff the mixture into the peppers and let the cooker do the rest. Top with sour cream for a comforting, nourishing dinner your whole family will love.

The best part about this healthy one pot meal is that it cooks in the slow cooker, so you can set it up before you leave for work and have it ready and waiting for you at the end of a busy day. It feeds a crowd and is totally versatile too, so you can serve it with noodles, rice or a crisp side salad. The leftovers make fanastic sandwiches, so you can enjoy it all week long.