National Slow Cooking Month

Next celebratedFriday, January 1, 2027

Warm up your kitchen and your taste buds with delicious slow cooker recipes all month long for National Slow Cooking Month!

See how to celebrate

Countdown to the day

--DAYS

--HRS

--MIN

--SEC

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar TeamHave an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEAll of January

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYLifestyle

SUBCATEGORYHousehold Gadgets

INTRO

Introduction

Welcome to the start of a delicious and cozy month – National Slow Cooking Month! Beginning on January 1, this month-long celebration is all about embracing the art of slow cooking and savoring every bite. Did you know that slow cooking has been around since ancient times, with evidence dating back to the Roman Empire? Not only does it produce mouth-watering results, but it's also an easy and convenient way to prepare meals. So grab your crockpot and get ready to enjoy some hearty and comforting dishes all month long!

TIMELINE

National Slow Cooking Month Timeline

Invention of Slow Cooking

The concept of slow cooking, or stewing food at low temperatures for prolonged periods, was popularized during World War II when rationing necessitated making the most of available resources.

First Crock-Pot

The original Crock-Pot, a brand name for a slow cooker, was marketed in North America in the 1970s and became synonymous with slow cooking.

Reduced Popularity

With the rise of fast food and microwave meals, slow cooking became less popular in the 80s, but never completely vanished.

Slow Food Movement

The Slow Food Movement, advocating for traditional and regional cuisines cooked with local ingredients, led to a resurgence of slow cooking popularity.

Digital Slow Cookers

Featues like digital timers, multiple heat settings, and automatic stirrers modernize slow cooking and revitalize its popularity.

National Slow Cooking Month

January officially becomes National Slow Cooking Month, encouraging culinary enthusiasts to make slow-cooked meals and share their recipes and experiences online.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Slow Cooking Month

Try a new slow cooker recipe every week

Challenge yourself to try a new slow cooker recipe each week for the entire month. This will not only help you discover new delicious meals, but it will also help you make the most out of your slow cooker.

HOST

Host a slow cooker potluck party

Invite your friends and family over for a slow cooker potluck party. Ask everyone to bring their favorite slow cooker dish and have a tasting party. This is a great way to bond over food and celebrate National Slow Cooking Month together.

CREATE

Create a slow cooker recipe swap

Gather your fellow slow cooking enthusiasts and organize a recipe swap. Each person can bring copies of their favorite slow cooker recipes to share with the group. This is a great way to expand your recipe collection and try new dishes.

EXPERIMENT

Experiment with different ingredients

Challenge yourself to use different ingredients in your slow cooker recipes. This could mean trying out international flavors or incorporating more vegetables and healthy options. National Slow Cooking Month is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen.

MAKE

Make a slow cooker dessert

Don't just limit your slow cooker usage to savory dishes, try making a dessert in your slow cooker! From cakes to cobblers to puddings, there are plenty of delicious and easy slow cooker dessert recipes to choose from. National Slow Cooking Month is the perfect time to indulge in some sweet treats.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Slow Cooking Month

Versatility

Slow cooking isn't just limited to soups and stews - you can use it to cook a wide variety of dishes including meats, vegetables, grains, and even desserts! Plus, there are endless recipes and variations to try, making each slow cooker meal a new and exciting adventure in the kitchen.

Convenience and ease

Using a slow cooker is one of the easiest ways to make delicious meals with minimal effort. Just throw all your ingredients in, set it, and forget it - you'll come home to a warm and satisfying dinner that practically cooks itself!

Great for meal prep

Slow cooking allows for food to be cooked at a low temperature for a longer period of time, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes. This makes it perfect for meal prep - you can make large batches of healthy meals at once and have them ready to go for the week ahead!

Related holidays

National Soup Month

Warm up your winter with delicious soups and stews during National Soup Month. From classic chicken noodle to hearty chili, there's a soup for everyone!

Pop CultureMonth-long

National Cookbook Month

Get ready to whip up some delicious dishes this National Cookbook Month! From traditional recipes to modern twists, there's something for everyone in the kitchen.

National Sunday Supper Day

Gather the family and break bread together - National Sunday Supper Day is here! Enjoy delicious dishes, quality time, and timeless memories.

National Cooking Day

Get ready to cook up a storm - it's National Cooking Day! Try out new recipes, share your cooking tips and skills, and have fun!

205Read

FOR MARKETERS & CREATORS

Turn every day into a moment your audience actually shows up for.

8.4M

Monthly readers

5K+

Holidays tracked

Holiday Calendar for Brands Developer API