How to handle slow-cooker dairy timing

These steps assume

• The slow cooker is stable and used according to its manual.
• The lid stays closed for most of the cooking time.
• Times are guides; texture and a safe core temperature determine doneness.

What you need

• Chosen dairy product
• Bowl
• Whisk
• Slow cooker
• Ladle

Step by step

1. 1

   Finish cooking the dish without the dairy.

   • Equipment: Slow cooker, measuring cup and spoon.
   • Heat: No heat.
   • Time: 2–5 minutes.
   • Looks like: The base is hot and fully seasoned.
   • If it goes wrong: Dairy added at the start may split.
   • Done when: The base is hot and fully seasoned.

2. 2

   Temper the dairy with a few spoonfuls of hot sauce.

   • Equipment: Slow cooker with lid and timer.
   • Heat: LOW or HIGH as directed.
   • Time: Follow the dish's cooking time.
   • Looks like: The mixture combines without temperature shock.
   • If it goes wrong: Cold cultured dairy curdles in hot sauce.
   • Done when: The mixture combines without temperature shock.

3. 3

   Stir it in on LOW and heat only to serving temperature.

   • Equipment: Spoon, tongs or thermometer as needed.
   • Heat: Off.
   • Time: 5–15 minutes.
   • Looks like: The sauce is smooth and lightly steaming.
   • If it goes wrong: HIGH after adding dairy boils it hard.
   • Done when: The sauce is smooth and lightly steaming.

If it doesn't turn out as expected

• Dairy added at the start may split.
• Cold cultured dairy curdles in hot sauce.
• HIGH after adding dairy boils it hard.

Food safety

Keep dairy refrigerated until use and chill leftovers promptly.