You only need to add water to a crock pot, if the meal or recipe you’re slow cooking requires it. Some meals, like a ham, do not require any liquid to be added. Other recipes, like slow cooker bread or soup, do require water. And finally, some recipes will require added liquid (like broth), but not water.
Do you have to put water in a slow cooker?
You don’t have to put water in a slow cooker but you should put some type of liquid in the slow cooker to prevent burns and drying out the food. It is, however, possible to cook without adding liquid if the ingredients contain enough amounts of water naturally, as they will release these juices when they’re heated.
Do you need to add liquid to a crock pot?
As mentioned, adding liquid to a crock pot is only required if it’s necessary for the recipe you are cooking. And I’ll also note, that you only ever add water to the pot (as shown above) and NEVER to the heating base. If you read the instruction manual that comes with Crock Pot brand slow cookers, it makes two points about liquid.
How much liquid should be in a slow cooker?
Go easy on the liquid when using a slow cooker. It should just cover the meat and vegetables. Don’t overfill your slow cooker, or it may start leaking out the top, and the food won’t cook so well. Half to two-thirds full is ideal – certainly no more than three-quarters.
How do you thicken liquid in a slow cooker?
If your food is cooked and you still have a lot of liquid in the slow cooker, remove the lid and cook on high until the extra liquid is gone. You can also drain the extra liquid manually and use it for cooking other foods. Add a thickener. Thickening the liquid will redeem some of the lost taste.
