40 Best Thanksgiving Recipes That You Can Make in a Slow Cooker
Save time and space in your oven.
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Oven space is always at a premium during the busy holiday season, and with so many dishes to prepare, it can be hard to juggle everything at once. The roast turkey alone is so time consuming! That's why planning ahead is essential for a successful Thanksgiving menu. The good news is you can still whip up your favorite dishes without stressing about your stovetop or oven being overcrowded. That's where these Thanksgiving slow cooker recipes come in!
These low-maintenance mains and sides let the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. As Ree Drummond puts it, "I never feel overwhelmed at Thanksgiving! To me, that defeats the purpose of a holiday." If you're looking for ways to make the most of your slow cooker this season, try the potato recipes, mac and cheese, or Crock-Pot stuffing on this list. These are just a few examples that prove this collection of slow cooker recipes has everything you need to make your holiday meal a breeze—from the first bite to the food coma.
Of course, in planning any festive feast, you can't forget about the Thanksgiving desserts. Ahead, you'll find fun twists on pecan pie and other seasonal delights. Plus, your slow cooker is a great tool for keeping seasonal cocktails warm. Try the low-and-slow hot chocolate for a cozy drink your guests will love. There's even a recipe for slow cooker turkey, perfect for a smaller Thanksgiving spread. So go ahead, set it and forget it until it's time to serve!
Crock-Pot Stuffing
You don't have to sacrifice stuffing to free up oven space on Thanksgiving! This quintessential side features all the traditional ingredients, like celery, garlic, onions, and mushrooms, tossed in the slow cooker instead.
Get the Crock-Pot Stuffing recipe.
Crock-Pot Mac and Cheese
If mac and cheese is your number one requested dish from both kids and adults alike, you'll love this version made entirely in a slow cooker. You don't even need to boil a separate pot for pasta.
Get the Crock-Pot Mac and Cheese recipe.
Slow Cooker Ham
Can't choose between ham and turkey? Then don't! Let the turkey roast in the oven while the ham cooks effortlessly in the slow cooker. It's great for leftovers, too!
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Ham recipe.
Slow Cooker Green Beans
In the words of Ree, these tender green beans are "amazingly complementary to the rest of the typical Thanksgiving grub." They're braised slowly with diced tomatoes and bacon for extra flavor and texture.
Get the Slow Cooker Green Beans recipe.
Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole
Here's a great way to feed everyone before the feast! Loaded with chorizo sausage, peppers, egg, and shredded hash brown potatoes, it's the ideal savory start to the busy day ahead.
Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are great, but the cheesy crust on these scalloped potatoes may just make it your new favorite side dish. The slow cooker ensures the potatoes are perfectly tender on the inside with the deliciously caramelized, browned edges of your cravings.
Get the Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes recipe.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
A cozy bowl of soup is a good idea on any day of the year, Thanksgiving included. This chop-and-dump recipe features a creamy split peas, salty chunks of ham, and tons of veggies.
Get the Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup recipe.
Cocktail Meatballs
Throw it back with this retro party appetizer! These cocktail meatballs are the perfect balance of sweet and spicy thanks to a blend of chili sauce, apricot preserves, soy sauce, and sriracha.
Get Ree's Cocktail Meatballs recipe.
Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
Who doesn't like this classic party dip? Making it in your slow cooker lets it be extra cheesy and creamy, plus it can stay warm for hours as you entertain.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe.
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
All you need to do to make these mashed potatoes is cut the potatoes into chunks, throw them in your slow cooker for a few hours, mash them, and stir in the cream. It's that easy!
Get the Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Slow Cooker Applesauce
It's apple season so why not put those apples to good use! Ree likes to spoon warm applesauce over vanilla ice cream and sprinkle with a little cinnamon—sounds like the perfect Thanksgiving dessert!
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Applesauce recipe.
Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
Soup season doesn't exclude Thanksgiving! This creamy, cheesy soup makes for the perfect start to your holiday meal. Plus, it's low to no effort, thanks to the use of the slow cooker.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe.
Crock-Pot Hot Chocolate
Give your guests something sweet to sip on while they wait for the feast to be finished. You can even add a splash of whiskey or Irish cream to the rich cocoa drink, depending on who you're serving.
Get the Crock-Pot Hot Chocolate recipe.
Slow Cooker Potato Soup
Kick off your meal with something warm and comforting, like this creamy potato soup. It can be as simple or exciting as you'd with toppings from bacon to cheese to sour cream.
Get the Slow Cooker Potato Soup recipe.
Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
This is an easy way to keep guests snacking while you put the finishing touches on the Thanksgiving pies! Serve it up with veggie sticks, tortilla chips, or even toasted baguette slices.
Get the Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe.
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Add some fall flavor to your holiday table by making a mac and cheese with creamy butternut squash. It's seasonal and easy!
Slow Cooker Collard Greens
This classic Southern dish is just plain good for the soul—especially on Thanksgiving! With smoked meat and greens cooked in a delicious savory broth, it'll be one of the best sides on the table.
Get the Slow Cooker Collard Greens recipe at Britney Breaks Bread.
Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Mushrooms
Everyone at your feast will have so mush-room in their hearts for this savory side dish! Thanks to minimal ingredients and prep time, it's the perfect addition to your holiday meal.
Get the Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Mushrooms at My Forking Life.
Slow Cooker Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Switch up your typical potato mash by making the side with sweet potatoes instead. This savory version is made with butter, salt, and sour cream.
Get the Slow Cooker Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe at Slow Cooker Gourmet.
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Latte
Up early to cook for the family? Energize for the holiday ahead with a seasonal pumpkin spice latte! This one involves coffee, pumpkin puree, whipped cream, and some pumpkin pie spice.
Get the Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe at One Little Project.
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