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Slow cookers may not have the flashy appeal of a sleek, smokeless grill or gleaming stand mixer, but I’m absolutely devoted to ours. All six of them, in fact—yes, I collect them in every size. I count on ours to deliver show-stopping Crockpot Thanksgiving sides that free up the stove, oven (and yes, even the air fryer and microwave).
Here are some of my favorite Thanksgiving crockpot recipes to slide into the slow cooker and wait for those words we all love to hear: Dinner is ready!
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This creamy cornbread casserole is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it side dish that frees up precious oven space during the holidays. Mix a cornbread mix with cream corn, whole kernel corn, eggs, sour cream, melted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese right in your slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 4-5 hours until golden and set. The result is a sweet, savory casserole with tender cornbread texture that pairs perfectly with everything from weeknight rotisserie chicken to your holiday ham.
Finally, a slow cooker that makes sense on a home buffet: This highly reviewed Beautiful brand (Walmart affiliate) 4-qt. features a hinged lid so less surface mess and guests aren’t looking around for a place to set the lid while holding a plate!
This buttery mash manages to be at once sinfully indulgent yet so light and airy you hardly realize you’re on serving #4. Guests will be asking after these slow-cooker mashed potatoes for weeks to come.
3. No-Velveeta Crockpot Mac And Cheese
This crockpot mac and cheese recipe takes just a little bit of work off the table (and the oven and the stove). The noodles go in dry, so they absorb all those creamy ingredients into every bite.
Use the baked biscuits left over from breakfast along with a couple boxes of Jiffy cornbread mix to create a savory, set-it-and-forget-it stuffing to go with Thanksgiving lunch. It’s one of our favorite Thanksgiving side ideas for slow cooker.
I found this easy side dish so satisfying at my mother in law’s recent family dinner. Canned (or frozen) corn, cream cheese, butter and a little time was all it took for us all to go back for seconds. I’m looking forward to this at Thanksgiving, especially because it won’t take up oven space.
Upgrade your slow cooker before the holidays—this Ninja Foodi Pro 8-in-1 (Walmart affiliate) is a kitchen workhorse you’ll need year round.
While less a side and more a condiment, I’m so proud of this apple butter. It is a fall table specialty for dinner rolls or croissants, and adorns pastries and morning toast with aplomb. Mix unsweetened applesauce with brown sugar, cinnamon, and fall spices in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, stirring every couple of hours to prevent sticking. The result is thick, spreadable apple butter with deep, caramelized flavor.
7. Mulled Cider
Add this to the “simmer all afternoon” recipe list so people can serve themselves. Combine apple cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and sliced oranges in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. Strain out spices before serving. For an adult version, add a splash of rum, bourbon, or brandy to each cup at serving.
And this one too. Your home is about to smell amazing. Combine milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin puree, white chocolate chips, and pumpkin pie spice in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until the chocolate melts. Serve topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
9. Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecan Streusel
Whipped with butter and cream, the sweet potatoes soften into fluffy, almost custard-like base for a crisp, buttery pecan streusel topping. Serve it piping hot alongside roast turkey or ham, where the contrast of textures feels like the essence of a holiday table.
10. 15-Minute Microwave Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is inarguably my favorite Thanksgiving dish. It should only take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook the casserole.
The bottom line
This Thanksgiving, we’re giving you permission to free yourself from allegiance to the turkey — because it’s high-time the very best side dishes were duly acknowledged as being the star attraction. I hope these slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes earn a spot at your holiday meal!
Upgrade your slow cooker before the holidays—this Ninja Foodi Pro 8-in-1 (Walmart affiliate) is a kitchen workhorse you’ll need year round.
Did our long list just leave you wanting more Thanksgiving recipe ideas? We aim to please! Here you go:
This was the first year that my turkey wasn’t dry. Yay!!! I followed your recipe with some exceptions. Instead of fresh herbs, I used *dried. I didn’t have any dried tarragon, so I substituted with Mexican Oregano and for the Lemon Zest, I used powdered Lemon Peel and please visit us: https://www.beckandbulow.com