Toss frozen wild-caught salmon bites in the crock pot and 2 other cheap items to get a meal so mouthwatering your holiday guests will be begging for the secret!

This 3-ingredient slow cooker salmon is one of those back-pocket recipes I pull out when the house is full, the grill is already spoken for, and I still want something a little special for the 4th of July. Using frozen wild-caught salmon bites means you can keep a bag in the freezer and be ready for company without any last-minute thawing. Everything goes straight into the crock pot with just two cheap pantry staples, and a few hours later you’ve got tender, saucy salmon that tastes like you fussed over it all afternoon.

Serve these slow cooker salmon bites with simple sides that feel right at home at a 4th of July gathering: buttery corn on the cob, a big green salad, or classic coleslaw. They’re great spooned over rice, quinoa, or buttered egg noodles to soak up the garlicky, honey-butter sauce. For a party, you can set out toothpicks and let guests spear the bites straight from a warm slow cooker, or tuck them into soft rolls for easy salmon sliders alongside pickles and a crisp veggie tray.

Servings: 4

2 pounds frozen wild-caught salmon bites (straight from the freezer, unthawed)

Place the frozen wild-caught salmon bites in an even layer on the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. It’s fine if some pieces overlap a little, but try to keep most of them in a single layer so they cook evenly.

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the melted salted butter and honey until the mixture is smooth and combined. This simple sauce gives the salmon a sweet, buttery glaze that tastes like you spent way more time on it.

Pour the honey-butter mixture evenly over the frozen salmon bites, making sure to coat as many pieces as you can. Use a spoon to gently nudge the bites so the sauce runs between them and reaches the bottom.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the salmon bites on LOW for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or on HIGH for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Do not open the lid during the first hour of cooking so the heat stays consistent and the salmon cooks through safely.

After about 1 1/2 hours on LOW (or 45 minutes on HIGH), gently stir or flip the salmon bites so they baste in the sauce and cook evenly. Be careful not to break them up too much; they will be very tender as they finish cooking.

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C) in the thickest pieces. If needed, continue cooking in 15-minute increments, checking doneness with a fork or instant-read thermometer.

Once fully cooked, switch the slow cooker to WARM to keep the salmon hot for serving. Spoon some of the honey-butter sauce over the top before serving so each bite is glossy and well-coated. Taste and, if you like, add a pinch of salt at the table.

Serve the salmon bites straight from the slow cooker for a casual holiday buffet, or transfer them to a shallow serving dish, drizzling with extra sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions if you have them on hand (optional, not required).

For picky eaters, you can cut the sweetness by reducing the honey to 1/4 cup and adding a splash (about 1 tablespoon) of lemon juice if you have it; the lemon brightens the flavor and makes the sauce taste lighter. If your family loves a little heat, stir 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce into the honey-butter mixture before pouring it over the salmon. To make the flavor more like a backyard BBQ, you can replace half of the honey with bottled barbecue sauce—this still keeps it budget-friendly and adds a smoky note that pairs nicely with other 4th of July foods. For a slightly richer dish, add an extra 2 tablespoons of butter and cook on LOW to keep the salmon especially tender. If you need to stretch the meal for more guests, serve the salmon bites over a big pot of rice or toss them with cooked pasta and a bag of steamed frozen veggies. Food safety tips: Always start with frozen salmon bites from a reliable source and keep them frozen until you’re ready to cook. Place the frozen bites directly into the prepped slow cooker; do not leave them sitting out on the counter to thaw. Cook on LOW or HIGH as directed until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) in the thickest pieces—use an instant-read thermometer if you have one. Avoid lifting the lid during the first hour of cooking so the slow cooker can maintain a safe temperature. Once cooked, keep the salmon on the WARM setting for up to 2 hours; after that, refrigerate leftovers promptly in a shallow container and use within 2 days, reheating gently until steaming hot before serving again.