Thanksgiving Slow Cooker Sides Recipes

When Thanksgiving comes around, my kitchen is a whirlwind of roasting turkey, baking pies, and last-minute chaos. Which is precisely why I have learned to lean hard on my crockpot. Seriously, it's my secret weapon this time of year. You just dump, stir, and let it do its thing while you focus on everything else — or better yet, relax with a drink!

Most of all, I love how cozy and low-stress these recipes are. You can make so many of these recipes a few days-even a week!-in advance and just reheat right in the same crockpot. From creamy mashed potatoes to caramelized carrots and rich mac and cheese, these crockpot Thanksgiving sides bring all the comfort with none of the fuss. The flavors get time to deepen, the textures stay perfect, and cleanup is practically nothing.

So get out that slow cooker, plug it in, and let's make Thanksgiving a whole lot easier-and tastier-than it's ever been.

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Nothing says Thanksgiving comfort food recipe, like a big bowl of creamy mashed potatoes. And when you make them in the crockpot, it’s literally hands-off cooking. You just dump, stir, and let the slow cooker do all the work, no stove space needed! They stay warm and fluffy till dinner’s ready. Also try this Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Southern Buttermilk Ranch Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra creaminess)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Steps:

1. Add potatoes and butter to the crockpot.
2. Pour in milk, cover, and cook on high for 3–4 hours until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Mash directly in the crockpot, then mix in cream cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Stir until smooth and creamy. Keep on “warm” setting until ready to serve.

You can try the same method and make Mashed Cauliflower

Crockpot Apple Sausage Stuffing

Sweet apples, savory sausage, and herby bread cubes come together in this cozy Apple Sausage Stuffing that practically makes itself in the crockpot, saving you so much time. It’s hearty, flavorful, and stays perfectly moist in the crockpot.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 8 cups bread cubes (day-old preferred)
• 2 apples, diced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 2½ cups chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot, mixing well.
2. Drizzle with melted butter and chicken broth.
3. Cook on low for 4–5 hours, stirring once halfway.
4. Fluff before serving.

Crockpot Cranberry Sauce

This easy cranberry sauce bursts with tart-sweet flavor and cooks while you prep everything else. Way better than canned and smells amazing!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

Steps:

1. Add all ingredients to crockpot.
2. Cook on high for 2–3 hours until cranberries burst.
3. Mash slightly and let cool to thicken.

Crockpot Broccoli Cheese & Rice Casserole

Creamy, cheesy, and full of tender broccoli, this casserole completely epitomizes comfort food, especially when done in a slow cooker for ultimate ease.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients in the crockpot, stirring well.
• Cook on low for 3 hours until hot and bubbly.
• Stir before serving. Top with more cheese, if desired.

Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

The ultimate, classic Thanksgiving favorite, just a little better with some crispy bacon on top! this Crockpot Green Bean Casserole recipe is creamy, savory, and absolutely effortless.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (14 oz each) green beans, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup crispy fried onions
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Steps:

• In a crockpot, combine beans, soup, milk, and half the onions.
• Cook on low for 4 hours.
• Top with bacon and remaining onions just before serving.

Crockpot Sweet Corn Casserole

Soft, buttery, and just slightly sweet, this corn casserole is the side that everybody takes seconds of.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) corn
• 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients together in the crockpot.
• Cook on high for 2–3 hours until set.
• Serve warm and fluffy.

Crockpot Caramelized Onions

Sweet, golden onions that practically melt in your mouth, without even having to stand over the stove!

Ingredients:

• 4 large onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Steps:

• Add everything into the crockpot and stir.
• Cook on low for 8-10 hours, stirring once or twice.
• Use as topping or side dish.

Crockpot Caramelized Carrots

These baby carrots come out glossy, buttery, and sweet with a touch of maple flavor-so simple yet fancy! Just what you want your Side Dishes to be like.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs baby carrots
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Steps:

• Add all ingredients to crockpot.
• Cook on low 4 hours, stirring halfway.
• Serve warm, topped with more syrup if desired.

Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

This one tastes like dessert, absolutely creamy sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping that's downright addictive. Also try my Sweet Potato Casserole with Walnut and Brown Sugar Crumble Topping & this Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ¼ cup flour

Steps:

• Mix sweet potatoes with milk, butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
• Combine pecans and flour for topping.
• Add sweet potato mix to the crockpot; top with the pecans.
• Cook on high for 2 hours.

Crockpot Mac N Cheese

Cheesy, creamy, and pure comfort-this mac and cheese practically stirs itself. And honestly I don't think there is anything better as a side dish than a creamy comforting Mac n Cheese.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow pasta, cooked
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 2 cups milk
• ¼ cup butter
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Put all ingredients into the crockpot and stir.
• Cook on low for 2–3 hours until creamy.
• Stir occasionally and serve warm.

Crockpot Garlic Butter Green Beans

Simple and flavorful, these garlicky green beans make the perfect no-fuss side dish. Also try this Garlic Butter Green Beans on stovetop recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs green beans, trimmed
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in the crockpot.
• Cook on low for 3 hours, until tender.
• Toss before serving.

Crockpot roasted Butternut Squash

Sweet, caramelized, and with just a touch of honey, this butternut squash tastes oven-roasted, but requires no work. You can also try Roasted Butternut Squash or Butternut Squash Fettuccine Alfredo

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt to taste

Steps:

• Toss squash with oil, honey, and seasonings.
• Add to crockpot and cook on high for 3 hours.
• Serve warm.

Crockpot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

A festive twist on classic stuffing, tart cranberries, and nutty pecans make this Cranberry Pecan Stuffing so special. Its just like my Mom's Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups bread cubes
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon thyme

Steps:

• Combine all in the crockpot.
• Pour in broth and butter.
• Cook on low 4 hours, fluff before serving

Crockpot Caramelised apples with Cinnamon

These apples are warm, sweet, and spiced-like apple pie filling without the crust. These Cinnamon fried apples are seriously just the best.

Ingredients:

• 6 apples, peeled and sliced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in crockpot.
• Cook for 4 hours on low, stirring once.
• Serve warm or chilled.

Crockpot Thanksgiving Stuffing

Classic, herby, and moist, this stuffing is the easiest thing you'll make this Thanksgiving. Also try this cosy Grandma's Sausage Herb Stuffing which I love to make on repeat every Thanksgiving season!!

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed bread
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in crockpot.
• Stir and cover.
• Cook on low for 4–5 hours, then fluff before serving.

Crockpot mashed Butternut Squash

This mashed squash is velvety and naturally sweet, making it a cozy, lighter alternative to potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• Nutmeg - pinch

Steps:

• Place squash and butter into the crockpot.
• Cook on high 3 hours until soft.
• Mash in the pot, then season and serve.

Sausage Chestnut Stuffing

Rich and rustic, sausage and chestnuts add incredible depth to this stuffing.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb sausage, cooked
• 8 cups bread cubes
• 1 cup roasted chestnuts, chopped
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon sage

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
• Drizzle with broth and butter.
• Cook on low for 4 hours, fluff before serving.

Crockpot sweet potato casserole

Creamy, sweet, and topped with gooey marshmallows — it’s a nostalgic Thanksgiving favorite.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups mini marshmallows

Steps:

• Mix together sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla.
• Add to crockpot and cook on high 2 hours.
• Top with marshmallows just before serving.

Crockpot Baked Yams

Tender, buttery yams with warm spices; simple, cozy, and utterly satisfying. These Candied Yams are just what you want to serve your guests for Thanksgiving. Super cosy and a classic Southern Thanksgiving Recipe.

Ingredients:

• 4 large yams, peeled and sliced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Nutmeg to taste

Steps:

• Add yams and other ingredients to the crockpot.
• Stir to coat and cook on low 5 hours.
• Serve warm and soft.

Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots

These carrots are glossy, sweet, and buttery with just the right hint of maple flavor. Perfect side dish for turkey or ham! Also try Honey Sriracha Glazed Carrots

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs baby carrots
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Steps: Combine all ingredients in the crockpot. Cook on low for 4 hours, stirring once. Serve warm and glazed.

Crockpot Slow Cooker Turkey Breasts by Wholesome Yum

CrockPot Mashed Potatoes by Kristine's Kreations

Crockpot Mac n Cheese By Lil Luna

Slow cooker Sweet Potato Casserole by Salty Side Dish

 It's about sharing warm and comforting food with loved ones at the end of the day, not how many pans you've washed or how long you've stood at the stove. And that's just what these crockpot sides deliver on.

Each one's cozy, make-ahead friendly, and full of those nostalgic flavors we crave this time of year. Prep them early, set them to warm, and focus on enjoying your feast-and maybe sneaking an extra slice of pie.

So here's to a stress-free Thanksgiving, filled with slow-cooked goodness, easy prep, and all the cozy feels your crockpot can handle.