8 Unexpected Ways to Use Your Slow Cooker That Will Revolutionize Family Meal Prep

You won’t believe what your slow cooker can do! Forget boring stews – I’m about to blow your mind with these game-changing hacks.

1. Overnight Oatmeal Bonanza

Waking up to the smell of cinnamon and apples is my kids’ new favorite thing. Just toss in steel-cut oats, milk, chopped apples, and a sprinkle of cinnamon before bed. By morning, you’ve got a creamy, dreamy breakfast that’ll make you feel like a kitchen wizard.

My little ones now race downstairs to see what flavor combo I’ve conjured up overnight. Pro tip: Try adding cocoa powder and banana slices for a chocolatey twist that’ll have them thinking they’re eating dessert for breakfast!

2. Homemade Yogurt Magic

Store-bought yogurt? So last year. I was skeptical at first, but making yogurt in a slow cooker is ridiculously easy and way cheaper. Heat milk, let it cool a bit, stir in some starter yogurt, and let your slow cooker do its thing overnight. 

Wake up to creamy, tangy yogurt that’ll make you wonder why you ever bothered with the store-bought stuff. My kids love customizing their yogurt with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey. It’s become our weekend breakfast tradition!

3. Soap Opera (The Clean Kind)

This one’s for all my crafty mamas out there. Did you know you can make soap in your slow cooker? It’s true! Mix lye and oils, pop it in the cooker, and in about an hour, you’ve got homemade soap that’ll leave your skin feeling luxurious.

I started doing this as a fun project with my daughter, and now we’re gifting our creations to family and friends. Who knew our trusty slow cooker could turn us into soap artisans?

4. Candle-Making Madness

Hold onto your wicks, because we’re about to dive into the world of slow cooker candle-making! Who knew your trusty kitchen appliance could double as a crafting sensation?

Here’s the scoop: melt down old candle stubs or soy wax in your slow cooker, add a few drops of your favorite essential oils, and pour into jars with wicks. Voila! You’ve just created custom candles that’ll make your house smell like a million bucks.

My kid caught the candle-making bug and now has a little “candle shop” set up in his room. It’s adorable, and our house always smells like a mix between a bakery and a flower shop (in the best way possible). 

We’ve made everything from calming lavender candles for bedtime to zesty citrus ones for the kitchen. It’s become our go-to rainy-day activity, and let me tell you, there’s something incredibly satisfying about lighting a candle you made yourself. Move over, fancy candle stores – there’s a new wax master in town!

5. Play Dough Factory

Get ready to be the coolest parent on the block! Remember playdough? Now imagine making it in every color of the rainbow without standing over a hot stove. That’s right, your slow cooker is about to become a playdough powerhouse!

Here’s the secret recipe: mix flour, salt, water, and food coloring in your slow cooker, and in about an hour, you’ve got warm, pliable play dough that’ll keep the kiddos entertained for hours. 

We had a play dough party last weekend, and the neighborhood kids are still talking about it! We made everything from galaxy-swirled dough with glitter to scented batches that smelled like strawberries and mint. 

The best part? It’s totally safe if the little ones decide to taste test (though I don’t recommend it for snack time). This activity has become our go-to for rainy days, playdates, and even as a stress reliever for mom (don’t judge, squishing colorful dough is surprisingly therapeutic). Your slow cooker just became the MVP of craft time!

6. Baked Potato Bonanza

Hold onto your toppings, folks, because I’m about to revolutionize your baked potato game! Forget heating up the whole kitchen for a few spuds. Your slow cooker is about to become your new potato-baking bestie.

Here’s the deal: wrap your potatoes in foil, toss them in the slow cooker, and let them cook while you’re at work or running errands. Come home to perfectly fluffy potatoes just begging for toppings. But here’s where the real fun begins – we do a baked potato bar every Friday night, and let me tell you, it gets wild! 

We’ve had everything from classic cheese and bacon to crazy concoctions like BBQ pulled pork and coleslaw. My daughter even created a “unicorn potato” with purple sour cream and edible glitter. 

Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it! It’s become such a hit that our neighbors now invite themselves over for “Potato Friday.” Who knew slow cooker spuds could turn into a social event?

7. DIY Air Freshener

Prepare to have your mind (and nostrils) blown! Your slow cooker isn’t just for meals anymore – it’s about to become your secret weapon in the battle for a fresh-smelling home. 

Forget those chemical-laden plug-ins and overpowering sprays. We’re going au naturel, baby! Here’s the magic formula: fill your slow cooker with water, toss in some sliced lemons, a few sprigs of rosemary, and a splash of vanilla extract. Turn it on low with the lid off, and let the heavenly aroma waft through your home.

I discovered this little trick before hosting a dinner party, and let me tell you, my guests couldn’t stop raving about how amazing my house smelled. The best part? You can switch up the scents to match your mood or the season.

Try cinnamon and orange slices for a cozy fall vibe, or mint and lime for a refreshing summer breeze. Your home will smell like a spa, and no one needs to know it’s just your trusty slow cooker working its aromatic magic!

8. Lotion Potion

Get ready to transform your slow cooker into a beauty lab! Forget those overpriced department store creams – we’re about to make a luxurious lotion that’ll have your skin glowing like never before. 

Here’s the scoop: melt some coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax in your slow cooker, then mix in your favorite essential oils. Pour into cute jars, and voila! You’ve got homemade lotion that’ll make your skin sing. I stumbled onto this little hack when my son’s eczema flared up, and now our whole family is hooked.

We’ve experimented with lavender for relaxation, peppermint for an invigorating boost, and even cocoa butter for a decadent chocolatey scent. Not only does it work wonders on dry skin, but it also makes for the perfect personalized gift.

Trust me, once you start slathering on this homemade goodness, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Move over, fancy beauty brands – there’s a new lotion queen in town!

Slow Cooker Revolution

There you have it, folks – eight ways to use your slow cooker that’ll make you feel like a domestic goddess. From breakfast to crafts to skincare, this kitchen MVP is about to become your new best friend. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some candles to make and a baked potato bar to set up!