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!
We are partners on Walmart.com and we receive a small commission when you use our affiliate links to make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
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.
We recommend everyone indulge in a mid-week mac and cheese cure as often as possible. Nothing soothes the spirit quite like this ultimate comfort food, made easier to prepare by the addition of a slow cooker.
Warm, comforting and delectably spicy — this is one of those recipes that goes hand in glove with Thanksgiving day. Best enjoyed caveman style, with buttery hunks of bread torn directly from the loaf.
This browned, caramelized butternut squash makes for a sweet, succulent Thanksgiving side. Watch it disappear, secure in the knowledge that you’ve got a secret Tupperware of the stuff stowed away in the fridge.
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.
These slow cooker green beans are cooked all day with bacon, onions, and garlic in vegetable or chicken broth. Use fresh green beans and cook on low for 8 hours, or frozen green beans for 5 hours. A great side dish for smoked meats or barbecue.
Velvety-soft and delicately sweet — fluffy marshmallow plays well with the ginger-caramel notes of the sweet potato in this comforting, easy to make classic Thanksgiving side. Sweet potatoes are one of my all-time favorite Thanksgiving foods.
The midwesterner’s potluck staple! Mix frozen hash brown potatoes with sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, cheddar cheese, and seasonings in a slow cooker. (Walmart affiliate). Top with buttery toasted corn flakes before serving. I used pre-crushed cornflakes once, and overdid this topping, so don’t be me. If using packaged crumbs, use half the amount.
This festive wild rice dish practically makes itself in the slow cooker while you prep the rest of your holiday meal. Nutty wild rice mingles with earthy mushrooms and green onions as it slowly cooks in vegetable broth. Just before serving, fold in toasted almonds for crunch and sweet-tart cranberries for a pop of color. It’s the perfect hands-off side that looks impressive too.
Slow cook collard greens with a ham hock, diced onion, chicken broth, brown sugar, cider vinegar, and hot sauce. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Tender, smoky greens perfect for Southern meals and Thanksgiving tables.
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.
This browned, caramelized butternut squash makes for a sweet, succulent Thanksgiving side. Watch it disappear secure in the knowledge that you’ve got a secret Tupperware of the stuff stowed away in the fridge.
Musky, colorful beets get a fragrant, tender makeover in the slow cooker. This will be a surprising and delicious pop of color on your holiday table.
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.
Inviting, warming-ly buttery and bountifully sweet — these candied yams don’t hold back — but that’s why we love them so. We’re here for it.
Serving your sides straight from the slow cooker? This Magnifique model looks gorgeous (Walmart affiliate) on the counter and keeps everything warm as everyone serves themselves.
17. 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.
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