When hosting a large gathering on Thanksgiving, cooking can become overwhelming. Between the numerous dishes to prepare, from potatoes and pies to sides and desserts, it’s easy to feel stressed about finding room in the oven. This is where using a slow cooker comes in handy. With multiple crockpots at your disposal, you can effortlessly prepare a variety of simple sides that complement your turkey. The best part?
You’ll have plenty of free time on your hands as the crockpot does all the work for you. Even desserts can be made with ease, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the food cooks. If you’re in search of reliable recipes that require minimal effort, I recommend trying out these 25 fantastic Thanksgiving slow cooker recipes.
The Best Crockpot Cranberry Sauce Recipe
When preparing traditional cranberry sauce, it’s essential to periodically stir the mixture to avoid scorching on the bottom. Forgetting to do so can result in an unpleasantly burnt flavor. With this slow cooker recipe, you’re free from constant stirring worries, but don’t overlook the importance of mashing those cranberries before serving for optimal texture and taste.
Crockpot Stuffing
Say goodbye to the frustration of serving up a desiccated stuffing after hours of preparation. Instead, rely on this foolproof recipe to yield a consistently moist and flavorful dish every time. The secret lies in treating the ingredients like you would for bread pudding – by soaking them overnight, allowing the Crockpot’s gentle heat to work its magic and preserve the perfect texture.
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
While many dishes require precise temperature control, this recipe is an exception. Unlike vegetables that thrive under high heat for roasting and caramelization, sweet potatoes need a more gentle approach to achieve tender perfection. Rather than risking overcooking in the oven, it’s much simpler to rely on the Crockpot’s even heating. Just combine all the ingredients and let the pot work its magic for a few hours.
The resulting sweet potatoes will be not only tender but also irresistibly sweet. And if you want to take your marshmallows to the next level, simply use a chef’s torch to give them a toasted finish.
No Boil Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
A turkey dinner isn’t complete without the comforting presence of mashed potatoes! Whether you prefer them with a satisfying texture or silky smoothness, the Crockpot makes it easy to achieve your desired consistency. This recipe takes a cue from the power of flavorful broth over plain water, ensuring that every bite is packed with rich flavor. For an ultra-smooth mash, simply blend in some milk or cream using an immersion blender right in the pot.
Slow Cooker Green Beans Recipe
With a collection of Crockpots in various sizes at my disposal, I’ve grown particularly fond of the miniatures. These compact appliances enable me to cook multiple side dishes simultaneously, without sacrificing precious oven space or compromising on flavors. This recipe is specifically designed for smaller pots, allowing you to create a delectable accompaniment without going overboard.
While the combination of onion, garlic, and stock provides an abundance of flavors, I find that adding a pat of butter towards the end adds a luxurious richness that elevates the dish to new heights.
Slow Cooker Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
When I’m cooking for a crowd, I turn to this tried-and-true Brussels sprouts recipe that’s easy to scale up and packed with flavor. By tossing the sprouts with garlic, bacon, and pine nuts, you’ll get a sweet, tangy, and delightfully textured side dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
Indulge in the unparalleled sweetness of brown sugar-glazed carrots, where the harmony of caramel notes, silky buttery texture, and subtle warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg combine to create an irresistible treat. Your guests will be torn between wanting just one more bite and claiming the last delicious morsel for themselves.
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
There’s something about the holiday season that makes me crave rich and indulgent dishes. For me, that dish is creamed corn – a side that never fails to satisfy my cravings during this time of year. I mean, what’s not to love? The combination of cream cheese, milk, butter, and sugar creates a flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Of course, it’s not exactly the most diet-friendly option, but when you’re looking to indulge, this creamy corn side dish is sure to hit the spot.
Slow Cooker Dinner Rolls
Crockpot dinner rolls – a game-changer! When you think about it, using your Crockpot for this purpose is surprisingly clever. Firstly, you can adjust the temperature to ‘warm’ mode, which accelerates the proofing process. Then, simply switch to high heat and let the rolls cook without requiring any manual intervention. However, don’t forget to line the pot with parchment paper or a silicone mat, and lightly spray it to prevent the rolls from sticking.
Trisha Yearwood Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe
In my household, the mac and cheese is often the first dish to disappear. Its popularity stems from its widespread appeal, making it a staple in many families. However, not every day allows for the luxury of cooking a fresh batch from scratch. In such cases, reaching for a packet can be tempting. Yet, there’s a better alternative – preparing it in the Crockpot! This method yields tender pasta cooked in a rich and creamy sauce comprising evaporated milk, milk, butter, salt, pepper, and cheese.
The best part? Additional cheese can be melted on top, elevating the dish to new heights. To achieve the ultimate flavor, it’s essential to use high-quality cheese. I recommend using mature cheddar and Gruyere, and always grating it yourself for maximum flavor.
Slow Cooker Beef Gravy
When preparing roast beef, it’s crucial to utilize the drippings to create a rich and flavorful gravy. This method not only ensures every bite is exceptional but also allows for the meat to rest for an adequate amount of time before serving. The best part? It requires minimal effort, as the Crockpot does all the work in about 30 minutes. To achieve this, you’ll need to create a roux; however, the low heat of the Crockpot eliminates the risk of lumps forming, making the process seamless.
Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
When hosting vegetarians for dinner, it’s thoughtful to prepare some exceptional side dishes to ensure they leave the table feeling satisfied. A delicious casserole is an excellent way to achieve this. With just six ingredients and approximately 10 minutes of prep time, you can create a hearty and flavorful dish loaded with beans, rich mushroom flavor, and crunchy onions.
Slow Cooker Apple Cider
Enjoy this recipe as a double bonus! Not only will you create a delicious batch of warm apple cider that perfectly captures the flavors of fall, but your home will be filled with an incredible aroma. What’s more, making your own apple cider allows for total control over sugar and spice levels, ensuring it’s just right to your taste. And, if you’re feeling festive, you can even add a splash of whiskey to make it a special treat for the adults only.
Red Cabbage and Apples
When hosting guests for a pork roast dinner, consider serving a vibrant and flavorful side dish that complements the rich meat. A combination of red cabbage and apples is an excellent choice. This duo not only adds a pop of color to the table but also brings a delightful balance of sweet and sour notes. The freshness of the ingredients ensures the flavors won’t overpower the pork, allowing it to remain the star of the show.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer a tangier or sweeter dish.
Mom’s Crockpot Broccoli Casserole
This versatile casserole is a masterclass in simplicity, marrying three of my favorite things: tender broccoli, crunchy crackers, and effortless cleaning. To start, combine the broccoli with a rich chicken soup and an abundance of cheese for a flavorful foundation.
Next, add some crushed crackers on top, which will naturally soften as the dish cooks, infusing it with a buttery essence.
And, to make cleanup a breeze, simply line your Crockpot with foil, ensuring a stress-free culinary experience.
Slow Cooker Cinnamon Sugar Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a staple ingredient in my kitchen, offering a unique combination of flavor and texture that makes it an ideal substitute for pumpkin or sweet potatoes. Its ability to hold its shape well sets it apart from these other two, making it a go-to choice for many recipes. In this particular recipe, the squash is cooked with a harmonious blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt, all of which are balanced by the richness of butter. The resulting dish is a true delight.
Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes
While I don’t often indulge in these rich and decadent treats, they’re truly irresistible. A perfect blend of flavors, textures, and presentation comes together in this recipe featuring a harmonious union of regular and sweet potatoes, a savory cheese sauce infused with thyme and parmesan, and a golden crown of melted cheese on top.
To elevate the dish to new heights, consider infusing your milk with aromatic ingredients like garlic, onion, and rosemary by bringing it to a simmer and letting it steep before straining out the solids and mixing it into the sauce.
Slow Cooker Apple Cake
I confess to having a sweet tooth for pie, and I’m anticipating creating multiple pies in the coming days. Nevertheless, my enthusiasm for variety extends beyond traditional desserts, particularly on occasions like Thanksgiving where the dessert plate can resemble a catered event’s tasting selection.
Crockpot Pecan Pie
I approached this slow cooker pie recipe with skepticism, backing up my expectations by preparing a contingency plan – a backup pie. It’s safe to say I was thoroughly surprised by the outcome. The crust, though not aesthetically pleasing due to its lack of crimped edges, turns out tender and cooked to perfection. The secret to this success lies in slow-cooking the filling, which keeps it wonderfully moist.
A simple trick like lining the pot with parchment paper makes it easy to carefully lift the entire pie out once it’s done.
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pecan Pudding Cake
Indulge in the warm, dense goodness of this fudgy pumpkin pudding cake, reminiscent of chocolate fudge cake. To achieve this delightful treat, prepare the batter and pour it into your Crockpot before gently layering a brown sugar simple syrup on top. As the cake bakes, the brown sugar will infuse with the pudding, creating a rich, sweet sauce that collects at the bottom of the pot.
For an added layer of indulgence, consider substituting the brown sugar syrup with caramel and drizzling it over the finished product.
Slow Cooker Crustless Brown Sugar Pumpkin Pie
Indulge in the flavors of pumpkin pie without compromising on your dietary goals! One of the best ways to do this is by going crustless. This approach not only reduces calories but also allows you to focus on the rich, velvety filling. To make it happen, simply pour your favorite pumpkin pie filling recipe into a lined Crockpot and serve with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or drizzle with cinnamon-spiced caramel.
If you’re missing that crusty texture, consider baking some pastry sheets until crispy, then shatter them into bite-sized shards. Place these crunchy bits upright in the filling for a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress!
Easy Slow Cooker Apple Crisp with Oatmeal
When it comes to Thanksgiving desserts, apple crisp is a tried-and-true favorite. Not only does it exude warmth and comfort, but its texture also sets it apart from more traditional pies. The key to preserving the top’s crispy texture lies in a simple trick: lining the lid with paper towels to absorb any condensation that might form during baking. For an extra crunchy finish, consider broiling the crisp for a few minutes after it’s been baked – just be sure not to overdo it!
Crockpot Poached Pears
Poached pears are surprisingly effortless to prepare, yet they can elevate any dessert spread to impressive heights. Their simplicity is actually their greatest charm.
The beauty of poached pears lies in their versatility. You can present them whole on a plate with a drizzle of sauce and a scoop of ice cream, garnering plenty of Instagram attention. The truth, however, is that they’re remarkably easy to make. Simply combine the pears with sugar and spice, then let the Crockpot do its magic.
A savvy tip for maximizing your poached pears is to reserve the juices for a second round. I prefer to cut my pears in half and prepare a large batch. This way, you can enjoy them as a sweet snack, or incorporate them into cakes and tarts for added flavor and texture.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Butter
For the holiday season, I enjoy sending my guests home with thoughtful gifts. One of my favorite homemade treats to give is apple butter, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Simply combine sliced apples and cranberries with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and vanilla in a slow cooker. Let the mixture simmer until the fruit is tender, then use an immersion blender to puree it into a smooth consistency.
This delicious apple butter is perfect for topping toast or using as a filling for fall-themed tarts.
