A crock pot or slow cooker that is divided into two sides is often referred to as a "dual crock pot" or "dual slow cooker." This type of slow cooker is convenient for cooking two different dishes simultaneously without the flavors mixing. Here are some ideas for what you can cook in a crock pot with two sides:
Main Course and Side Dish: You can cook a main course in one side of the slow cooker and a complementary side dish in the other. For example, you could cook a chicken stew on one side and a batch of cheesy scalloped potatoes on the other.
Meat and Vegetarian Option: If you have guests with different dietary preferences, you can prepare a meat-based dish on one side and a vegetarian or vegan option on the other. For instance, you could make pulled pork on one side and a vegetable curry on the other.
Different Cuts of Meat: Slow cookers are excellent for tenderizing tough cuts of meat. You can take advantage of the two sides to cook two different types of meat at the same time. For instance, you could cook beef brisket on one side and pork ribs on the other.
Appetizer and Main Course: Utilize one side of the slow cooker to make a warm and comforting appetizer, such as buffalo chicken dip or spinach and artichoke dip, while preparing a main course on the other side.
Breakfast and Dessert: Crock pots are not just for dinner! You can use one side to cook a delicious breakfast casserole or oatmeal while preparing a sweet dessert like bread pudding or apple crisp on the other side.
Different Cuisine: Showcase diverse cuisines by making dishes from different cultures. For example, you could cook a Thai curry on one side and a Mexican mole on the other.
Sauces and Dips: Use one side of the slow cooker to prepare sauces, gravies, or dips that can be drizzled or served over the dishes cooked on the other side.
Remember to adjust the cooking times and temperatures according to the specific needs of each dish. Since each side of the dual crock pot operates independently, you can enjoy the convenience of a slow cooker while enjoying the versatility of cooking different dishes at the same time.