Crock-Pot Sandwich Recipes for a Party

Here are three easy crock-pot recipes for party sandwiches for a crowd. These are great for game day parties like the Super Bowl or World Series, for baby or wedding showers, or any special event where you'd rather be hanging with the guests than fussing in the kitchen. Add these simple slow cooker recipes to your next party buffet and you'll be enjoying the party as much as your guests.

Slow cookers achieved popularity in the US during the 1970s, when many women began to work outside the home. They could start dinner in the morning before going to work and finish preparing the meal in the evening when they came home. In 1974, Rival introduced removable stoneware inserts, making the appliance easier to clean.

• BBQ Pulled Pork or Chicken Sandwiches
• Roast Beef Sandwiches: In the deli section of the supermarket purchase 3 pounds of roast beef, sliced thin. You'll also need a box of onion soup mix. Add two packets of the soup mix and water as directed on box to the crock pot along with the roast beef, stir to combine. Keep the crock-pot on the warm setting so the beef doesn't overcook. Serve with rolls, cheese and horseradish sauce.
• Kielbasa & Sauerkraut Sandwiches: Start by going to the section of the supermarket where they have the hotdogs or prepackaged meats. There you'll find Hillshire Farms and other brands of Polska Kielbasa in a package. This is pre-cooked. Purchase 3 packages of kielbasa and a bag or several cans of sauerkraut. Drain and rinse the sauerkraut and add it to the crock pot. If you have an apple or two on hand grate the apple and add it to the sauerkraut as well as a couple tablespoons of brown sugar. Slice the kielbasa into bite size pieces and add to the sauerkraut. Heat on high for a couple hours before the party to cook the sauerkraut then reduce to low to keep warm. Serve with rolls and brown mustard.

Enjoy the party!

Supermarket Shopping List

• rolls - lots of rolls
• boneless chicken breast
• barbecue sauce
• roast beef - deli sliced
• onion soup mix in box
• sliced cheese
• horseradish in a jar
• kielbasa
• sauerkraut
• 2 apples
• brown sugar
• brown mustard

Crock-pots come in all different sizes, shapes, and colors. They feature great colors and designs such as stainless steel, damask, patterns and bold colors. You can buy double, even triple crock pot servers for a buffet. I prefer a crock-pot that has at least settings of warm, low and high.

Otherwise known as slow cookers, they are really convenient for working moms and dads - just add all the ingredients in the morning and when you arrive home later in the day dinner is ready! But, they have another great use which is often overlooked, and that is as servers for party buffets! Here are just a few sample sandwiches you can serve on your buffet in crock-pots:

1. BBQ Pulled Pork or Chicken
2. Hot Roast Beef
3. Kielbasa & Sauerkraut
4. Crock Pot Chili
5. Rice & Beans
6. Sausage & Peppers
7. Meatball Sandwiches

All of the above are easy to prepare and the slow cookier will keep them warm throughout the party.