Thanksgiving cooking can get pretty crazy when the turkey's taking up the whole oven, and you've still got a bunch of side dishes to make. That's when I pull out the slow cooker! These crockpot Thanksgiving sides are a great way to free up some oven space without leaving anything off the menu. Plus, it's one less pot to keep an eye on while you're busy with everything else.
You'll find everything from creamy, cheesy casseroles and stuffing to tender vegetables and sweet holiday favorites. Some are the traditional dishes everyone expects at Thanksgiving, while others are a little different if you feel like trying something new. Whether you're hosting the whole family or bringing a dish along, these recipes can make the day a little less hectic.
1. Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes for Thanksgiving
Fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes are always a favorite at Thanksgiving dinner. This Crockpot version cooks the potatoes until tender, making them easy to mash into a smooth, creamy side dish. The hands-off cooking frees up valuable stovetop space while you prepare the rest of the holiday meal. You can also keep them warm in the slow cooker until everyone is ready to eat.
2. Easy Crock Pot Stuffing for Thanksgiving
Stuffing is one of those traditional Thanksgiving dishes everyone looks forward to. This Crock Pot version combines savory bread cubes, herbs, and vegetables that slowly cook together for a comforting holiday side. The slow cooker method keeps your oven available for roasting the turkey and preparing other dishes. It's especially helpful when you're cooking several Thanksgiving favorites at once.
3. Apple Cranberry Crock Pot Stuffing
Give traditional Thanksgiving stuffing a delicious twist with the addition of sweet apples and tart cranberries. The combination brings a lovely balance of sweet and savory flavors to the holiday table. Everything cooks together in the Crock Pot, allowing the bread to soak up the flavorful seasonings. It's a great choice when you want something familiar with a little extra seasonal flavor.
4. Classic Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving classic, and this Crockpot version makes preparing it much easier. Tender green beans cook in a creamy sauce with mushrooms before getting topped with crispy fried onions. The combination of a creamy filling and crunchy topping makes every bite satisfying. Best of all, the slow cooker helps save oven space without leaving this holiday favorite off the menu.
5. Cheesy Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes slowly cook in a rich, creamy sauce until they're tender and full of flavor. This comforting side dish brings the same satisfying taste as traditional scalloped potatoes without requiring oven space. The creamy, cheesy layers pair beautifully with roasted turkey and other Thanksgiving favorites. It's a wonderful option when you need a filling potato dish that practically takes care of itself.
6. Slow Cooker Candied Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a holiday staple, especially when they're coated in a rich, buttery glaze. This slow cooker recipe lets them cook gently until tender while soaking up the sweet flavors. The caramel-like glaze gives the potatoes a delicious finish that complements savory Thanksgiving dishes. It's an easy way to serve a traditional holiday favorite without using another baking dish in the oven.
7. Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
This Crockpot sweet potato casserole brings all the cozy flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving favorite. The soft, creamy sweet potato base is finished with sweet marshmallows and crunchy pecans for a combination everyone can enjoy. Its sweet and creamy texture makes it a popular addition alongside savory holiday dishes. Preparing it in the slow cooker also helps free up oven space during the busiest part of Thanksgiving cooking.
8. Easy Crockpot Creamed Corn Thanksgiving Side
Creamed corn is a simple but comforting side dish that fits right into a Thanksgiving spread. This Crockpot version slowly cooks the corn in a rich, creamy sauce until everything becomes tender and flavorful. Its smooth, buttery texture makes it especially delicious alongside turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. Since the slow cooker handles most of the cooking, it's a convenient choice for a busy holiday kitchen.
9. Crock Pot Brown Sugar Carrots
These Crock Pot carrots bring a little sweetness and color to the Thanksgiving table. As they slowly cook, the carrots become tender and develop a delicious brown sugar glaze. Their sweet, buttery flavor balances the richer dishes typically served during the holiday. They're also an easy vegetable side when you want something that requires minimal attention.
10. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Cornbread for Thanksgiving
Pumpkin cornbread adds a seasonal twist to a familiar holiday favorite. This slow cooker version combines the comforting texture of cornbread with a hint of pumpkin and maple sweetness. Its soft, tender crumb makes it delicious alongside turkey, stuffing, and savory vegetables. Cooking it in the slow cooker is also a practical way to serve homemade holiday bread without taking up oven space.
11. Loaded Crock Pot Mashed Cauliflower
If you want another creamy vegetable option besides mashed potatoes, this loaded Crock Pot cauliflower is worth trying. The cauliflower cooks until tender before being mashed and topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions. Its rich, savory flavor makes it feel just as comforting as other traditional Thanksgiving sides. It's a great addition when you want more vegetable variety without sacrificing that cozy holiday feeling.
12. Creamy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a comforting addition to any Thanksgiving table, especially when it's rich and extra creamy. This Crock Pot version slowly cooks the pasta with a cheesy sauce until everything comes together into a satisfying side dish. The creamy, cheesy goodness makes it especially popular with kids and adults alike. It's also a convenient choice when you need to prepare a crowd-pleasing holiday favorite without using the oven.
13. Crockpot Au Gratin Potatoes for Thanksgiving
Au gratin potatoes bring a rich, cheesy touch to Thanksgiving dinner. Thinly sliced potatoes cook slowly in a creamy sauce until they're tender and coated in delicious flavor. The soft potatoes and cheesy sauce make this a hearty side that pairs well with roasted turkey or ham. Using the Crockpot also makes it easier to manage several holiday dishes without crowding the oven.
14. Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions
This slow cooker green bean casserole delivers the familiar flavors of a classic Thanksgiving side. Tender green beans are coated in a creamy sauce and finished with crispy fried onions for added texture. The crunchy onion topping provides a delicious contrast to the soft, creamy vegetables underneath. It's a convenient way to prepare a traditional holiday casserole while leaving the oven free for other dishes.
15. Buttery Slow Cooker Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed sweet potatoes are a simple and comforting way to bring seasonal flavor to Thanksgiving dinner. This slow cooker version makes the potatoes tender enough to mash into a smooth, creamy side. A buttery finish and crunchy pecans add extra flavor and texture without making the dish complicated. It's a lovely alternative to regular mashed potatoes when you want a little more variety on the holiday table.
16. Balsamic Crockpot Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts make a flavorful addition to Thanksgiving dinner, especially when they're paired with a tangy balsamic glaze. This slow cooker recipe allows the sprouts to become tender while absorbing the savory-sweet flavors. The balsamic finish adds a nice contrast to rich holiday dishes like stuffing and mashed potatoes. It's a practical vegetable side that doesn't require another pan on the stovetop.
17. Southern-Style Crockpot Collard Greens
Collard greens are a comforting Southern side dish that deserves a place at the Thanksgiving table. This Crockpot recipe slowly cooks the greens until tender, allowing the savory seasonings to develop a deep, satisfying flavor. The long, slow cooking helps soften the greens while keeping preparation simple. They're especially delicious alongside turkey, cornbread, and other Southern-inspired holiday favorites.
18. Easy Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes
Sometimes the simplest Thanksgiving sides are the ones everyone enjoys most. These Crock Pot sweet potatoes cook until soft and tender, making them easy to serve with your favorite savory toppings. Their naturally sweet flavor pairs beautifully with roasted turkey and rich holiday casseroles. They're also a flexible side dish since guests can customize their potatoes with the toppings they prefer.
19. Easy Crockpot Cranberry Sauce for Thanksgiving
Homemade cranberry sauce adds a bright, tangy flavor to a traditional Thanksgiving meal. This Crockpot version slowly cooks the cranberries until they soften into a thick, flavorful sauce with warm holiday notes. Its sweet-tart flavor helps balance rich dishes like turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. It's also convenient to prepare ahead of time, giving you one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving Day.
20. Cheesy Crock Pot Squash Casserole
Squash casserole is a comforting Southern favorite that fits beautifully into a Thanksgiving spread. This Crock Pot version combines tender squash with a creamy, cheesy mixture and a crunchy cracker topping. The creamy center and crispy topping make it a satisfying vegetable side that feels special enough for the holidays. It's an easy way to add another comforting casserole to the table without taking up valuable oven space.
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