Slow cookers are one of the easiest ways to prepare a comforting meal with very little effort. Add your ingredients, set the temperature, and let the appliance slowly transform everything into a hearty dinner.

But not every ingredient performs well during hours of slow cooking.

Some foods can become mushy, lose their flavor, separate, or even create food-safety concerns when added at the wrong time. Knowing which ingredients need special treatment can make a huge difference in the final dish.

Here are 11 foods that deserve extra attention when you’re using a slow cooker.