When Thanksgiving rolls around, there’s one thing every home cook wishes for more time (and oven space!). That’s where crockpot Thanksgiving recipes come in to save the day. Whether you’re juggling turkey, stuffing, and sides, or simply want your home filled with comforting holiday aromas, these crockpot Thanksgiving recipes make your feast easier, cozier, and downright delicious.
From creamy mashed potatoes to sweet potato casseroles and hearty stuffing, these slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes let you prepare the classics without the chaos. Just set, forget, and enjoy your time with family around the table.
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Thanksgiving Recipes
Hosting a Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to mean standing in the kitchen all day. Using your slow cooker turns traditional dishes into hands-off masterpieces that stay warm until serving time. These crockpot Thanksgiving recipes make your day smoother and your food more flavorful.
Here’s why you’ll love them:
- Saves Oven Space: Free up your oven for roasting the turkey or baking pies.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals: Prep ingredients the day before let the crockpot handle the rest.
- Stays Warm for Hours: Keeps your food at the ideal serving temperature throughout dinner.
- Minimal Cleanup: One pot, fewer pans, and no stovetop juggling.
- Consistent Results: Perfectly cooked sides every time no burnt bottoms or dry textures.
Best Crockpot Thanksgiving Recipes to Try
Ready to simplify your feast? These best Thanksgiving side dishes are flavorful, hands-off, and guaranteed to make your holiday menu shine. Each one pairs perfectly with your turkey, ham, or vegetarian mains.
1. Crockpot Turkey & Gravy
Yes, you can cook turkey in your slow cooker! Simply layer turkey breasts with butter, onions, and herbs. Add chicken broth, cook on low for 6 hours, and you’ll have juicy meat ready to serve with creamy homemade gravy one of the most satisfying crockpot Thanksgiving recipes you’ll ever try.
2. Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Forget boiling just cube your potatoes, add butter, cream, and garlic, and let the crockpot do the work. Mash them right in the pot for silky, fluffy potatoes everyone will love. It’s a must-have among crockpot Thanksgiving recipes for busy cooks.
3. Slow Cooker Stuffing
This Thanksgiving classic becomes even better in the crockpot. Combine cubed bread, sautéed onions, celery, and broth, then let it slow cook until perfectly moist and flavorful.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole
Top mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, butter, and pecans (or marshmallows for extra nostalgia). Cook until golden and gooey the ultimate comfort side dish and one of the easiest crockpot Thanksgiving recipes for beginners.
5. Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
This Thanksgiving side dish easy recipe combines tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy onions. A slow simmer brings out rich flavors with zero fuss.
Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes for the Slow Cooker
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Crockpot Thanksgiving Recipes – Effortless Dishes for a Stress-Free Holiday
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
- Creamy, fluffy crockpot mashed potatoes made with minimal effort. A Thanksgiving favorite that stays warm until serving.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add potatoes, garlic, butter, cream, and milk to crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2.5–3 hours.
- Mash potatoes directly in the crockpot using a potato masher.
- Season with salt and pepper. Add extra cream if needed.
- Switch to ‘warm’ setting and cover until ready to serve.
Notes
- You can prepare this dish up to 24 hours in advance. Simply refrigerate the insert and start cooking the next morning. Add extra butter before serving for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
When it comes to Thanksgiving side dishes easy enough for any home cook, your crockpot is your secret weapon. These crockpot Thanksgiving recipes free up space, time, and energy while delivering amazing flavor.
Cheesy Corn Casserole
Mix creamed corn, shredded cheese, and cornbread mix then slow cook until fluffy and rich. It’s sweet, savory, and melts in your mouth.
Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts
Drizzle Brussels sprouts with melted butter, garlic, and parmesan before slow-cooking to tender perfection. Even picky eaters will go for seconds.
Cranberry Sauce from Scratch
Add fresh cranberries, orange juice, and honey to your slow cooker for a bright, tangy sauce that beats anything from a can.
Buttery Dinner Rolls (Proofed in the Crockpot)
Keep your rolls warm or even proof homemade dough right in the crockpot for soft, bakery-style rolls at dinner time.
Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes
A calm, cozy Thanksgiving morning starts with make-ahead Thanksgiving dishes you can set and forget. These crockpot Thanksgiving recipes are perfect for early prep and stress-free hosting.
- Prep early: Chop veggies, cube bread for stuffing, and measure spices the night before.
- Store smart: Use airtight containers to keep ingredients fresh.
- Reheat gently: Keep dishes on the “warm” setting to maintain flavor without drying out.
- Use slow cooker liners: These make cleanup as effortless as the cooking itself.
Your guests will think you spent all day in the kitchen but your crockpot will have done all the work.
Unique Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Looking to shake things up? These unique Thanksgiving side dishes add creative flair to your spread while keeping that comforting homemade taste you love. They’re a delicious twist on traditional crockpot Thanksgiving recipes.
Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Rich, creamy, and indulgent this cheesy favorite adds a smoky twist that’ll outshine most mains.
Pumpkin-Spiced Glazed Carrots
Coat baby carrots with maple syrup, pumpkin spice, and butter for a fragrant side that tastes like fall in every bite.
Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes
For something sweet and nutty, top whipped sweet potatoes with chopped pecans and maple syrup it’s dessert disguised as a side dish.
Thanksgiving Vegetable Sides in the Crockpot
Add a splash of color and nutrients to your table with Thanksgiving vegetable sides that stay tender, vibrant, and full of flavor. These crockpot Thanksgiving recipes guarantee perfect texture and taste every time.
- Green Beans: Steam in broth with a touch of butter and garlic.
- Carrots & Parsnips: Toss with honey and rosemary for a rustic touch.
- Corn & Peas: Keep them warm with a hint of cream or butter for a simple classic.
These sides pair beautifully with turkey, ham, or vegetarian mains making your meal wholesome and balanced.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Thanksgiving Recipes
1. Can you cook turkey in a crockpot?
Yes! Boneless turkey breasts or small whole turkeys cook wonderfully in the crockpot. They stay juicy and absorb all those holiday flavors. It’s one of the easiest crockpot Thanksgiving recipes for beginners.
2. How do you keep mashed potatoes warm in the slow cooker?
After mashing, cover and set your slow cooker to warm. Stir occasionally and add a splash of milk or butter before serving.
3. What are the best Thanksgiving side dishes to make in a crockpot?
Mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, corn pudding, and sweet potato casserole are all perfect crockpot Thanksgiving recipes that save time and effort.
4. Can I prep crockpot dishes the night before?
Absolutely. Assemble the ingredients in the crockpot insert, refrigerate overnight, and start cooking in the morning.
5. How do I thicken sauces or gravies in the crockpot?
Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir it in 20–30 minutes before serving. It thickens beautifully without lumps.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, comfort, and connection not chaos in the kitchen. With these crockpot Thanksgiving recipes, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: traditional holiday flavors and effortless cooking.
From hearty side dishes to make-ahead favorites, each crockpot Thanksgiving recipe turns simple ingredients into something special. So plug in that slow cooker, pour yourself a glass of cider, and let the magic simmer while you make memories with your loved ones.
Happy Thanksgiving from Crockpot Cravings where every dish is warm, cozy, and made with love.