While slow cookers may not boast the same visual appeal as a high-tech grill or a gleaming stand mixer, they’ve earned a special place in our hearts. We rely on them to effortlessly churn out Crockpot Thanksgiving sides, freeing up our stove and oven for other tasks. For many of us, slow cookers are more than just a tool to get through the day – they’re trusted companions that can make mealtime a little easier.
Like any appliance, they have their unique characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. Once you understand what they can and cannot do, you’ll come to appreciate your slow cooker for the incredibly versatile kitchen companion it is. When it comes to tender, flavorful dishes, slow cookers truly shine. Here are 28 of our favorite Thanksgiving crockpot recipes that are sure to please – simply toss them in the slow cooker and let the magic unfold.
Pear Tatin
Indulge in the quintessential French delight that elevates humble pears to new heights. A sweet, caramelized fruit core is encased in a rich, buttery crust, perfect for making the most of those pears that have been lingering in the fridge. This vibrant dessert is a masterclass in simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the pears to shine through. For an added touch of sophistication, serve with a dollop of creme fraiche or a scoop of creamy ice cream.
Chipotle Honey Chicken Tacos
Ditch the ordinary Thanksgiving fare and inject some excitement into your holiday menu with a twist on traditional dishes. Swap out those lackluster casseroles for something truly memorable – like a bold, zesty chipotle honey taco experience that will leave your taste buds singing. And don’t forget to pair it with a dollop of creamy sour cream for the ultimate flavor combination.
Slow Cooked Pulled Pork
There’s something irresistible about the sunshine that makes us want to abandon all productivity and indulge in a backyard barbecue instead. And when it comes to quintessential BBQ fare, pulled pork takes the top spot. The good news is that this slow-cooker recipe allows you to achieve tender, fall-apart pulled pork without having to sacrifice your comfort or spend hours basking in the sun’s warmth.
Slow Cooker Black Beans In Chicken Broth
One of the most quintessential comfort foods, this recipe embodies the warmth and coziness synonymous with Thanksgiving gatherings. When savored, it’s best indulged in a rustic, finger-licking manner – think tearing into buttery loaves of bread, sans utensils.
Slow Cooker Corned Beef
The 1970s are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, and with it, corned beef is making a triumphant return. This far-from-mundane meat is being reimagined as a fragrant, salty brisket that’s equally at home in a breakfast hash or a zesty slow cooker dish perfect for Thanksgiving.
Slow Cooker Ribs
Imagine the surprise and delight when you discover that your slow cooker can accommodate an entire rack of ribs, a revelation we recently stumbled upon ourselves. As the sweet and tangy barbecue flavors meld together, you’ll find yourself savoring every last morsel long after the main event has concluded.
Apple Cider
As the aroma of warm spices and apples fills your home, you’ll be grateful for this effortless recipe, perfect for a stress-free Thanksgiving celebration. Simply combine a few basic ingredients – including crisp apples and a hint of spice – in your trusty slow cooker, then let it work its magic while you attend to other holiday tasks.
When the timer goes off, whisk in a touch of maple syrup to balance the flavors, and you’ll be sipping on a delightful, spicy cider that’s sure to become a new family tradition.
Candied Sweet Potato Casserole
In the world of Thanksgiving sides, sweet potatoes and marshmallows might seem like an unlikely duo. However, when combined with the warm, spicy flavors of ginger-caramel, this dish becomes a comfort food classic that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
Slow Cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Indulge in the creamy, buttery goodness of these slow-cooker mashed potatoes, which surprisingly yield a light and airy texture that’s simply irresistible. As guests take their fourth helping (yes, you read that right!), they’ll be begging for the recipe, only to be delighted by your secret: it wasn’t an Instant Pot that worked its magic.
Southern Slow Cooker Green Beans
At our Thanksgiving gathering, a lively discussion erupted over the preparation method for green beans. While some advocates for boiling them in a rich minestrone soup or serving them raw in a refreshing salad, others passionately defended their simplicity and ease of pairing with other ingredients, ultimately leading to a harmonious realization that each approach had its own merits.
Crock Pot Mac And Cheese
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Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Sangria
Sangria is often associated with casual gatherings, where it’s used to facilitate relaxed conversations and ease any awkwardness. However, this refreshing drink can be a game-changer for the holiday season as well. In fact, this cranberry sangria recipe is one of our top picks for Thanksgiving side dishes that just happen to be perfect for slow cooking.
Cinnamon And Brown Sugar Butternut Squash
Transforming this season’s gatherings with the warmth and comfort of caramelized butternut squash, a sweet and succulent Thanksgiving side dish is sure to impress. Its irresistible aroma wafts through the air, beckoning guests to come closer, while the promise of a hidden stash in the fridge serves as a delightful surprise for those who indulge.
Crockpot Turkey Breast
A convenient and delicious solution for a speedy Thanksgiving dinner, this mouthwatering turkey breast is sure to become the star of your holiday table. Its simplicity makes it an ideal choice for those looking to minimize cooking time without sacrificing flavor. To take your meal to the next level, pair it with a refreshing side of red cabbage infused with the tanginess of cider vinegar.
Turkey Pumpkin Chilli
Presented with a visually appealing arrangement on top of fluffy basmati rice, wafting a savory aroma, this enchanting turkey and pumpkin chilli resembles a culinary masterpiece from an unconventional Thanksgiving recipe collection. The best part? Its impressive appearance is merely a precursor to the delightful flavors that await with each spoonful.
Slow Cooker Collard Greens With Ham Hocks
Ham hocks are an ingenious and budget-friendly option for incorporating into your Thanksgiving menu, particularly when paired with the earthy flavors of collard greens in this scrumptious crockpot recipe. By cooking your greens using this method, you’re not only creating a delicious side dish but also freeing up valuable oven space for other dishes, making it an ideal solution for busy holiday meals.
Slow Cooked Pumpkin Apple Cobbler
The phrase ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ may not hold true when an apple is slow-cooked in brown sugar and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. However, this recipe has its own benefits, making it a great addition to your list of crockpot side dishes for Thanksgiving.
Butterscotch Mulled Cider
This sweet and tangy apple cider is a game-changer for any fall gathering or holiday party. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some gentle simmering on the stovetop. And when you take that first sip, you’ll be hooked – the flavors are so rich and velvety, with hints of caramel and spice that linger all the way down.
Apple Betty With Almond Cream
As I ponder the wonders of apples, I’m reminded of the countless ways they can bring joy. Whether it’s a refreshing glass of cider, a warm and comforting pie fresh from the oven, or even a decadent apple betty smothered in creamy goodness – my affection for these autumnal treats is truly boundless.
And as we approach Thanksgiving, this recipe serves as a wonderful way to repurpose those slightly bruised apples that might have otherwise gone to waste, transforming them into a delicious and satisfying treat.
Very Vanilla Slow Cooker Cheesecake
The mere mention of rich vanilla-bean, crumbly crust, and creamy custard-infused cream cheese is enough to transport us to a state of pure bliss. It’s as if we’ve stumbled upon a culinary paradise, where every bite is a masterclass in indulgence. And let’s be real – who can ever get too much cheesecake? Perhaps this recipe will change your mind, as it’s the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving table.
Slow Cooking Wild Rice
What sets this slow-cooked wild rice apart is the indulgent presence of cranberries. The tartness they bring saves the dish from being overwhelmed by the wholesome undertones that might otherwise evoke images of a health food store shelf gathering dust. While it may require a touch more effort than we’d like, the payoff is undeniable – a truly scrumptious culinary experience.
Cranberry Upside Down Cake
As the Thanksgiving season approaches, it’s not uncommon for our thoughts to turn to all things cranberry – and for good reason. But this time of year also presents the perfect opportunity to get creative in the kitchen with a show-stopping upside-down cake that combines the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with the tangy sweetness of a well-made compote. This delightful dessert is sure to be a hit at any Thanksgiving gathering.
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
Creamed corn is often unfairly maligned due to its tendency to be overly sugary when prepared poorly. However, this issue can be easily mitigated by creating a savory and comforting alternative that complements a wide variety of dishes.
Slow Cooker Candied Yams
The allure of these candied yams lies in their unapologetic combination of textures: crunchy, buttery, and sugary. With no reservations, they deliver a rich and indulgent flavor experience that’s impossible to resist. It’s this uninhibited approach that makes them so endearing to us.
Sausage And Apple Stuffing
Ditch the pre-packaged stuffing mix and create your own masterpiece instead. Believe it or not, making your own is a breeze. The result? A harmonious blend of savory and subtly sweet flavors that will elevate your roasted turkey to new heights.
Bacon Corn Pudding
Indulge in the rich flavors of this delightful dish, characterized by its bold, meaty aroma and satisfying crunch from the crispy bacon. The savory goodness is further enhanced by the pungent yet harmonious taste of garlic-infused tomatoes.
Slow Cooker Pickled Beets
Revitalize the humble beet by giving it a good brining process. This simple step can completely transform its earthy flavor into a delicious addition to your favorite dishes, whether you’re looking to elevate a juicy burger or create a show-stopping centerpiece for your next big gathering.
Jackpot Biscuit-Cornbread Stuffing
By repurposing leftover baked biscuits and Jiffy cornbread mix, you can create a delectable, hands-off stuffing that will please even the most discerning palates on Thanksgiving. This versatile recipe straddles the divide between cornbread enthusiasts and white bread devotees, making it an excellent option for accommodating different tastes at your holiday gathering.
The bottom line
As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s time to shake things up and give the humble side dish its rightful place at the center of the table. No longer will the turkey be the sole focus of the meal – it’s time for a star-studded cast of slow-cooked delights to take the stage.
We’re not talking about run-of-the-mill potato dishes or casserole recipes here; no, we’re diving deep into the world of mouth-watering, easy-to-make side dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
And with a list of 13 delectable options to get you started, you’ll be well on your way to creating a Thanksgiving spread that’s truly unforgettable.
But wait, there’s more! In addition to our slow cooker side dish extravaganza, we’ve also got a treasure trove of recipe ideas just waiting to be explored. Need some inspiration for the perfect dessert? Look no further than our collection of 15 easy and delicious options.
Or perhaps you’re looking for some new and exciting ideas for your Thanksgiving potluck? We’ve got you covered there too, with a list of 27 mouth-watering dishes that are sure to please.
And if you’re one of the many individuals who’s looking for a vegan Thanksgiving option, don’t worry – we haven’t forgotten about you! Our selection of plant-based recipes is second to none, and we know you’ll find something that suits your tastes perfectly.
