Slow Cooker Cioppino

Name: Slow Cooker Cioppino
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 lb mussels, cleaned; 1 lb clams, cleaned; 1 lb firm white fish, cut into chunks (like cod or halibut); 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 4 cups seafood stock; 1 medium onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup dry white wine; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Highlighted under: Wanderlust Dinner Recipes

Experience the flavors of the ocean with this hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Cioppino, packed with fresh seafood and a rich tomato broth.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-11T18:25:07.568Z

This Slow Cooker Cioppino is a delightful blend of fish and shellfish in a savory tomato broth. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a perfect dish for a cozy evening.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A delightful medley of fresh seafood flavors
The slow cooker makes preparation effortless
Perfect for gatherings and special occasions

      

The Rich History of Cioppino

Cioppino is a beloved seafood stew that hails from the Italian-American community of San Francisco. Its origins can be traced back to the late 1800s, when Italian fishermen would create a stew using the day’s catch. Traditionally, the dish was made with whatever seafood was available, making it a true reflection of the ocean’s bounty. Today, cioppino has evolved into a celebrated dish that showcases a variety of seafood, all simmered together in a savory tomato broth.

What makes cioppino so special is its adaptability. While many recipes call for specific types of fish and shellfish, you can easily tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand or what’s fresh at your local market. This flexibility not only makes it an approachable dish for home cooks but also ensures that each preparation can offer a unique dining experience.

Perfect Pairings for Cioppino

When serving cioppino, you'll want to consider the perfect accompaniments to enhance the meal. Crusty bread is a must-have, as it’s ideal for soaking up the rich, flavorful broth. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew, balancing the meal beautifully.

For beverages, a chilled glass of dry white wine complements the seafood perfectly. Alternatively, a light lager or a crisp sparkling water can also add to the experience. The key is to select drinks that refresh the palate without overpowering the delicate flavors of the cioppino.

Ingredients

Seafood and Broth

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb mussels, cleaned
1 lb clams, cleaned
1 lb firm white fish, cut into chunks (like cod or halibut)
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
4 cups seafood stock
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Combine in Slow Cooker

Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, seafood stock, white wine, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

Add Seafood

After 2 hours of cooking on low, add the shrimp, mussels, clams, and fish. Stir gently to combine.

Finish Cooking

Continue to cook on low for an additional 2 hours, or until the seafood is cooked through and the mussels and clams have opened.

Serve

Ladle the cioppino into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread.

Enjoy your delicious cioppino!

Tips for Making the Best Cioppino

To ensure your cioppino is bursting with flavor, always use the freshest seafood available. If you're uncertain about the freshness, ask your fishmonger for guidance. Additionally, using homemade seafood stock can elevate the dish significantly, infusing it with depth and richness that store-bought varieties may lack.

Don’t skip the sautéing step at the beginning. This process releases the essential oils from the garlic and onion, creating a flavorful base for your stew. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover cioppino, you're in luck! This dish tends to taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to preserve the texture of the seafood.

For longer storage, consider freezing the cioppino. However, it’s best to freeze it without the seafood, as shellfish can become tough once thawed. Instead, freeze the broth and add freshly cooked seafood when serving. This way, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of cioppino anytime you crave comfort food.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, frozen seafood can be used. Just ensure it's fully thawed before adding it to the slow cooker.

→ How can I make it spicier?

You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some diced jalapeños for extra heat.

→ Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the broth and add seafood just before serving to maintain freshness.

→ What should I serve with cioppino?

It's great with crusty bread, but you can also serve it over pasta or with a side salad.