You choose the winner of this kitchen smackdown of 17 crock pot versus instant pot recipes

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I love my slow cooker. And I love slow cooking in my Instant Pot. But the Instant Pot can do way more than just slow cook. So, is it the better countertop appliance? In this kitchen smackdown of 17 Crock Pot and Instant Pot recipes, you be the judge of which ones are the winners.

Pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw on a tray, featuring toasted buns and a background of a stainless steel appliance.
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Low Carb Slow Cooker Shredded Beef

Shredded beef garnished with lime slices and cilantro, served on a dark blue plate. Radishes are visible in the background on a wooden surface.
Low Carb Slow Cooker Shredded Beef. Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

This Low Carb Slow Cooker Shredded Beef recipe is one of those super easy and incredibly versatile dishes that can be served in so many ways, much like these Instant Pot carnitas. For example, it’s perfect in classic tacos or lettuce wraps or paired with rice or roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Slow Cooker Shredded Beef

Fried Chicken in the Crock Pot

Two cooked chicken thighs on a red dish, a bowl of cherry tomatoes behind, and a slow cooker in the background.
Fried Chicken in the Crock Pot. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

When I talk about making fried chicken in my slow cooker, the word “fried” is a euphemism. I’m not really frying anything. However, the end result tastes like fried chicken.
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken in the Crock Pot

Pork Loin in the Crock Pot

A person eating shredded chicken with a fork, served on a white plate with roasted sweet potatoes in the background.
Pork Loin in the Crock Pot. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

It’s always the perfect time of year to pull out our slow cooker and make a meal. With this Pork Loin in the Crock Pot recipe, once the pork is done, we can shred it like pulled pork and use it in other recipes later in the week, such as pork tacos.
Get the Recipe: Pork Loin in the Crock Pot

Simple Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

Plate of chicken with a creamy sauce, served with potatoes and carrots, garnished with parsley.
Simple Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This recipe for Simple Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken is such a classic in our home and I make it all the time. It has only six ingredients and includes those easily found in your pantry or refrigerator.
Get the Recipe: Simple Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Open-faced sandwich with pulled pork and purple coleslaw on a toasted bun.
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

What’s great about cooking pork in the Instant Pot is that the slow simmer will make it delicious for these BBQ pulled pork sliders. So no reason to pull out your smoker or even head outside to get a taste of summer. With electric pressure cooking, you can make these sandwiches any time of the year.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

A plate of pulled pork carnitas garnished with lime wedges and cilantro.
Instant Pot Pork Carnitas. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

With Instant Pot pork carnitas, you’re basically making the Mexican version of pulled pork that is tender, flavorful and versatile. In the end, you get tender delicious pork that can be served in tacos or wraps or as a stand-alone entree with rice and vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

A plate with sweet and spicy glazed chicken topped with cranberries, served with green beans and a side of yellow rice.
4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

One of the reasons I love this Crock Pot recipe for chicken with cranberries is it has four ingredients only. That’s not a typo — just four ingredients. And with three of them, you’re opening a seasoning packet, a can of cranberry sauce or a bottle of Catalina dressing.
Get the Recipe: 4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

Overnight Slow Cooker French Toast

A loaf of sliced bread, a butter dish with a stick of butter, a bowl of eggs, a small jug of milk, a small jar of jam, and a dish of brown sugar arranged on a table.
Overnight Slow Cooker French Toast. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

What is this Overnight Slow Cooker French Toast like? Well, have you ever had bread pudding? This dish is a cross between softer French Toast and bread pudding.
Get the Recipe: Overnight Slow Cooker French Toast

Crock Pot Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo with Tortellini

Close-up of tortellini pasta cooking in a creamy yellow sauce with pieces of chicken, stirred by a wooden spoon.
Crock Pot Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo with Tortellini. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

When I made this Crock Pot Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo with Tortellini, I cooked the chicken thighs in the alfredo sauce first, using evaporated milk. Then I added heavy cream and, finally, the tortellini, turning this into a delicious, easy one-pot meal that tastes just like the restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo with Tortellini

Crock Pot Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole

A baked dessert with a golden-brown crust sits in a black slow cooker.
Crock Pot Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This Crock Pot Hawaiian roll French toast casserole recipe is so easy you won’t believe you waited this long to try making it. You get a gorgeous, delicious casserole that I think you’re going to love.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps

Two lettuce wraps filled with shredded meat and mixed slaw, placed on a plate.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

These Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps are delicious, low-carb dish that’s easy to make and will leave your family asking for seconds. With the help of your slow cooker, you can transform a simple pork shoulder into a melt-in-your-mouth dish packed full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps

Slow Cooker Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Cheesy potato casserole topped with crispy bacon and chopped green onions in a black dish.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This Slow Cooker Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a quick and delicious crowd pleasing dinner everyone loves. Even the picky eaters will ask for seconds. One of the reasons I love this recipe is it is one of the fastest Crock Pot recipes I’ve ever used, ready in just four hours.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Stuffing

A slow cooker with a baked dish topped with golden brown, crumbly stuffing.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Stuffing. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

With this recipe for Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Stuffing, you get a delicious blend of boneless pork chops with apples plus stuffing — something you might only enjoy at Thanksgiving. But there’s no reason you can’t add stuffing to an everyday dinner recipe for fall or another time of the year.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Stuffing

Instant Pot Greek Yogurt

A bowl of yogurt topped with granola, banana slices, and a strawberry on a wooden board with a red cloth.
Instant Pot Greek Yogurt. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

It is amazing what you can make when you learn to use your Instant Pot. This includes this recipe for Greek style yogurt. Once I tried it, it blew me away at how easy it was to make my own yogurt using an electric pressure cooker.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Greek Yogurt

Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup

A bowl of tomato soup garnished with a basil leaf, next to fresh tomatoes.
Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Fall is the perfect time of year to use up the last of your tomatoes and fresh garden basil for this Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup. It is deliciously vegan and low carb and can be made easily in your Instant Pot for a convenient delightful meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup

Instant Pot Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake

A close-up of a dessert topped with apple slices, chopped pecans, and caramel sauce.
Instant Pot Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This recipe for Instant Pot Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake is the perfect fall dessert to take center stage on your Thanksgiving dessert menu. It’s spiced perfectly to evoke warm, comforting fall flavors and is absolutely gorgeous.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake

Instant Pot Rice

A measuring cup filled with uncooked brown rice sits on a wooden board in front of an Instant Pot displaying
Instant Pot Rice. Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Did you know that the most electric pressure cookers have a rice setting. This means that your Instant Pot can replace your rice cooker. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about making rice in this countertop appliance.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Rice

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