5 Easy Crockpot Pizza Recipes for Weeknights

With busy weeknights and the constant juggle between work, family, and other commitments, finding time to cook a wholesome meal can be challenging. This is where the Crockpot, or slow cooker, becomes a lifesaver, allowing you to prepare delicious dishes with minimal effort. One such dish that everyone loves is pizza. Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of freshly cooked pizza from your Crockpot. Here are 5 Easy Crockpot Pizza Recipes that you can make in advance to enjoy a hassle-free dinner on those hectic evenings.

1. Slow Cooker Margherita Pizza

The simplicity of a Margherita pizza is matched only by its classic Italian flavors. Here’s how you can replicate this in your slow cooker:

• Ingredients:
  • Flatbread or pizza dough
  • Tomato sauce
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Fresh mozzarella slices
  • A pinch of oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Method:
  1. Cut your pizza dough or flatbread to fit the size of your Crockpot.
  2. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
  3. Lay down fresh basil leaves, then add slices of mozzarella. Sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cover with a clean, dry cloth, then place the lid on top to avoid condensation from dripping onto the pizza.
  5. Cook on low for 2-3 hours until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is cooked but not too crispy.

🍕 Note: While slow cooker pizzas are different from the traditional oven-baked, they provide a moist, flavorful alternative that's easier to manage on busy nights.

2. BBQ Chicken Pizza with a Twist

BBQ chicken pizza with a slow cooker spin combines the smoky flavors of BBQ with the convenience of the Crockpot:

• Ingredients:
  • Pre-cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken
  • BBQ sauce
  • Red onion slices
  • Cilantro
  • Shredded mozzarella
  • Pizza dough or flatbread
• Method:
  1. Shred the chicken and mix it with BBQ sauce.
  2. Prepare your pizza dough or flatbread in the Crockpot.
  3. Spread the chicken over the dough, followed by slices of red onion and mozzarella.
  4. Top with cilantro just before serving.
  5. Cook on low for 2-3 hours until the cheese is melted and the crust is cooked.

3. Slow Cooker Veggie Lovers' Pizza

Vegetarians rejoice with this easy-to-make Veggie Lovers' pizza:

• Ingredients:
  • Pizza dough or flatbread
  • Tomato sauce
  • Your choice of vegetables (bell peppers, mushrooms, black olives, spinach, etc.)
  • Mozzarella or feta cheese
  • Fresh or dried oregano
• Method:
  1. Prepare the dough or flatbread in your Crockpot.
  2. Spread a layer of tomato sauce, then layer your vegetables evenly.
  3. Top with cheese and sprinkle with oregano.
  4. Cook on low for 2-3 hours.

🍔 Note: The beauty of Crockpot pizza lies in its flexibility. Experiment with your favorite veggies or use leftovers to minimize waste.

4. Four Cheese Slow Cooker Pizza

Cheese lovers, this one's for you. Four different cheeses meld together to create an irresistible pizza experience:

• Ingredients:
  • Pizza dough or flatbread
  • Tomato sauce or garlic butter
  • Mozzarella, gouda, parmesan, and blue cheese
• Method:
  1. Prepare your dough or flatbread.
  2. If using garlic butter, spread it on the crust first. If using tomato sauce, spread it over the base.
  3. Layer the cheeses as follows: mozzarella on the bottom, then gouda, parmesan, and crumble blue cheese on top.
  4. Cook on low for 2-3 hours until the cheese is melty and bubbly.

5. Sweet and Spicy Pepperoni Pizza

This variation adds a kick to the classic pepperoni pizza:

• Ingredients:
  • Pizza dough or flatbread
  • Tomato sauce
  • Pepperoni slices
  • Hot honey or spicy Italian sausage
  • Mozzarella and provolone cheese
• Method:
  1. Place the dough in the Crockpot.
  2. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce, followed by pepperoni slices.
  3. Add cheese, then drizzle with hot honey or crumble cooked sausage over it.
  4. Cook on low for 2-3 hours.

🍕 Note: The secret to crispy Crockpot pizza crust is to cook it on low and use a cloth under the lid to absorb moisture.

All in all, these Crockpot pizza recipes not only provide a convenient way to enjoy this beloved dish but also allow for a delightful twist on traditional flavors. They're perfect for weeknight dinners, offering the comfort of homemade pizza without the need for constant monitoring or pre-heating an oven. Whether you're looking for something simple like a Margherita or want to experiment with unique toppings like hot honey, these recipes are sure to make your weeknight dinners more flavorful and less stressful.

Can I make the pizza dough at home?

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Absolutely! You can easily make your pizza dough at home using simple ingredients like flour, yeast, water, sugar, salt, and olive oil. A basic recipe involves mixing these ingredients, allowing the dough to rise, and then you’re ready to cook!

How do I keep the pizza crust from getting soggy?

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To keep the crust from getting too soggy, use a cloth under the Crockpot lid to absorb moisture. Also, don’t over-sauce your pizza; a thin layer is usually enough, and pre-cooking vegetables can help release excess moisture before topping.

Can I use premade pizza crusts in the Crockpot?

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Yes, you can use premade pizza crusts or flatbreads in the Crockpot. This saves time and works well for these slow-cooked pizzas, providing a convenient base without the need for extensive prep.

What other toppings can I add to Crockpot pizza?

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The beauty of Crockpot pizza is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with toppings like pineapple for a Hawaiian twist, sausage, prosciutto, arugula, or even garlic-roasted chicken. Just ensure the toppings don’t require a lot of oven time to cook as the slow cooker keeps everything moist.