You Can Skip Cleaning Your Slow Cooker With This Trick

After making a melty mess with your famous slow-cooker mac and cheese recipe, you’ve probably told yourself, “The insert just needs to soak overnight.” But thanks to a simple hack, you no longer have to donate counter space for an entire day before you can scrub everything clean.

Behold, the slow cooker liner.

These not-so-ordinary plastic bags could ultimately change the way you cook forever. By using slow cooker liners, you’ll turn cleanup into a 5-second process. Picture this: After your next party, you’re just about ready to head up to bed when you turn to see a slow cooker with the remnants of that delicious cheddar bacon dip. Well, boo. Instead of bringing out the big guns to scrape off every bit of dried cheese, you can simply remove the liner, throw it away and hit the sack. That’s it!

But isn’t cooking with plastic bad for you?

You’re in the clear: The Food and Drug Administration has approved slow cooker liners, they’re BPA-free, and they don’t affect the flavor of your food. Made of heavy-duty plastic, these liners are designed to withstand the hot temperatures and long cook times of your slow cooker, so please don’t reach for any plastic bag! Another time-saving material we love? Parchment paper.

How much do they cost?

There’s one downside: These liners can be quite expensive for a plastic bag. Each liner will set you back about $1. But we recommend trying before you scoff. After all, how much do you value your time? This may be the time-saving game changer you’ve waiting for. You can pick up a pack of slow-cooker liners at your local grocery store, or online.

Will you try one?

If you’re willing to pony up the cash for this cooking hack, you’ll be able to make no-hassle dishes morning, noon and night. (Like these easy recipes prepped in just 15 minutes!) So we say, try a liner and spend less time over the sink scrubbing. After all, the whole point of using your slow cooker is to save time and relax!

Well, what are you waiting for? Let's get slow cooking!

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Citrus-Herb Pork Roast

The genius combination of seasonings and citrus in this tender roast reminds us why we cherish tasty recipes. It's nice to serve with hot noodles to soak up any extra citrus gravy. —Laura Brodine, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Black Bean 'n' Pumpkin Chili

My family is crazy about this slow cooker chili because it uses ingredients you don't usually find in chili. Believe it or not, I discovered that pumpkin is what makes the dish so special. Cook up a big batch and freeze some for later; it tastes even better reheated. —Deborah Vliet, Holland, Michigan

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