31 Crockpot Thanksgiving Sides To Wow Your Family And Guests

Crockpot Thanksgiving sides are side dishes that complement the main turkey. Some of the Thanksgiving dishes are sweet, others salty, but all are delicious.

Many refer to the slow cooker as the magical little appliance in almost every other kitchen. Why? It is a small, versatile weapon that works to put food on the table.

On most Thanksgiving, the focus is usually on the turkey.  What if there was a way you could make Thanksgiving side dishes without losing focus on your turkey?

The crockpot helps you prepare mouth-watering side dishes to go with the main meal with little to no effort. 

Quick Table: Crockpot Thanksgiving Sides

Recipes	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Crockpot Cranberry Sauce Recipe	79	4 Hours
Pear Tatin	289	1 Hour
Crockpot Stuffing	391	4 Hours 15 Minutes
Chipotle Honey Chicken Tacos	514	5 Hours
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole	175	4 Hours 15 Minutes
Slow Cooked Pulled Pork	359	5 Hours 15 Minutes
No Boil Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes	181	2 Hours 15 Minutes
Slow Cooker Black Beans	193	5 Hours 35 Minutes
Slow Cooker Green Beans Recipe	155	6 Hours
Slow Cooker Corned Beef	340	8 Hours 10 Minutes
Slow Cooker Balsamic Brussels Sprouts	157	4 Hours 10 Minutes
Slow Cooker Ribs	496	4 Hours 20 Minutes
Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots	140	3 Hours 5 Minutes
Crockpot Pumpkin Soup	165	2 Hours 15 Minutes
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn	270	3 Hours 25 Minutes
Slow Cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes	133	4 Hours
Slow Cooker Dinner Rolls	182	2 Hours
Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe	209	1 Hour 35 Minutes
Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Sangria	305	2 Hours
Slow Cooker Beef Gravy	146	5 Hours 20 Minutes
Cinnamon And Brown Sugar Butternut Squash	100	1 Hour
Slow Cooker Apple Cider	123	3 Hours
Red Cabbage and Apples	90	2 Hours 15 Minutes
Turkey Pumpkin Chili	274	2 Hours
Mom’s Crockpot Broccoli Casserole	295	5 Hours 10 Minutes
Slow Cooked Pumpkin Apple Cobbler	417	4 Hours 20 Minutes
Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes	308	5 Hours 20 Minutes
Slow Cooker Apple Cake	235	2 Hours 50 Minutes
Butterscotch Mulled Cider	128	3 Hours 30 Minutes
Crockpot Pecan Pie	734	3 Hours 10 Minutes
Slow Cooker Cheesecake	470	7 Hours 25 Minutes

Slow cookers are efficient pots that make it possible to make meals that are flavorful and savory. It’s vital to have a crockpot for those slow recipes the whole family can enjoy.

With Thanksgiving coming up, it’s without question that there will be many meals being prepared. However, we often forget the side dishes that will complement the turkey.

The crockpot is versatile, and you can use it as a secret weapon to slow cook your dishes. All you need is to set it up and then focus on other things.

To understand how much you can accomplish for thanksgiving dinner, here are 31 crockpot Thanksgiving sides to choose from this Thanksgiving.

1. Crockpot Cranberry Sauce

The Cranberry sauce is an easy recipe to follow. You only need a few minutes with some sugar and water on heat, and it is complete.

The downside to this recipe is that the mixture is often granulated. And the worst part is that it needs continuous stirring. 

The slow cooker version achieves the ultimate tasty recipe while keeping your mind at ease as it eliminates the need for constant supervision.

Calories Per Serving: 79 

Preparation Time: 3 Hours 

2. Pear Tatin

Pear Tatin is the version of natural candy that your guests deserve for a thanksgiving dinner. With a thick buttery crust, the thickness of the caramelized fruit is sweet and enthralling.

The fact that it has a fresh taste makes it vibrant and classical. 

To truly enjoy it, serve it with some ice cream.

Calories Per Serving: 289

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 

3. Crockpot Stuffing

Many people ignore making stuffing for tacos for Thanksgiving because of the fear that the stuffing will be dry and bland.

With crockpot stuffing, the need to continue budgeting for thanksgiving stuffing is eliminated as the stuffing is cooked just right, making it moist, filling, and full of flavor.  

Calories Per Serving: 391

Preparation Time: 4 Hours 15 Minutes 

4. Chipotle Honey Chicken Tacos

Tacos are perfect for Thanksgiving day as they are easy to follow and are ultimately the go-to conversation food picks. However, getting it right with the taco stuffing starts with having the tacos flavorful and colorful. 

Don’t be uninspired by all the taco pics you see floating around, and be guaranteed that this chipotle honey taco recipe is zesty, and you will be glad to have tried it.

Calories Per Serving: 514

Preparation Time: 5 Hours 

5. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

Casseroles are a staple in almost every Thanksgiving dinner. However, most times when cooking, the results are an unappetizing mess since the ingredients need different temperatures to cook and different times. 

With slow cooker sweet potato casseroles, the need to have to cook the veggies on high and the sweet potatoes on medium heat is eliminated as the cooker regulates the temperature just right to ensure everything is cooked and tastes great.

Calories Per Serving: 175

Preparation Time: 4 Hours 15 Minutes 

RELATED: 15 Beef Crock Pot Recipes That Are Easy To Make

6. Slow Cooked Pulled Pork

Few dishes can be compared to BBQ pork. Pulled pork is the side dish that makes BBQ pork a space at the table for great tasty dishes.

In fact, with activities all around Thanksgiving, the thought of having a BBQ pit is the last thing you may want to handle unless there is activity around it. 

With the slow-cooked pulled pork, the focus can be on conversations instead of the grueling sun.

Calories Per Serving: 359

Preparation Time: 5 Hours 15 Minutes

7. No Boil Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

There are many flavors around a thanksgiving table, but mashed potatoes give it the mellowness needed.  The no-boil slow cooker mashed potatoes have a silky smooth texture.

With a bit of broth, the mashed potatoes are cooked to have a simple flavor and a tight touch to the dinner table. 

Use an immersion blender right in the pot with a bit of milk or cream if you want your potatoes to be more pureed.  For a creamier taste, add milk while mashing and use a blender for a more smooth finish instead of textured. 

Calories Per Serving: 181

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 15 Minutes 

8. Slow Cooker Black Beans

Spicy yet comforting is what the family gets to enjoy when you follow the slow cooker black beans recipe. You might want to soak the black beans in water for at least an hour beforehand to shorten the time it takes to cook and start to froth. 

Get all the ingredients, especially the spices and herbs, used correctly to have guests going crazy. Serve with chunky buttery bread. 

Calories Per Serving: 193

Preparation Time: 5 Hours 35 Minutes 

9. Slow Cooker Green Beans Recipe

If you have those mini crockpots and the oven is full of other dishes being prepared, then the slow cooker green beans recipe is the right pick as a side dish. 

With little preparation needed, it’s a simple recipe that hits all the right notes without going overboard. 

With the stock, garlic, onion, and spices, there are plenty of great flavors to go around, especially with the buttery goodness to top it off.

Calories Per Serving: 155

Preparation Time: 6 Hours 

10. Slow Cooker Corned Beef

To be honest, not everyone likes turkey and having an alternative is always a great option. Additionally, it could be a simple addition for those seeking variety. 

The best way to get this done right is to heavily season the beef before having it rest and have the beef essentially soak in the marination. When cooking the beef, you will be guaranteed well-seasoned flavorful meat.

Calories Per Serving: 340

Preparation Time: 8 Hours 10 Minutes 

RELATED: 24 Crockpot Side Dishes That Are Very Easy To Make

11. Slow Cooker Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are not as popular for Thanksgiving due to the fact you need to first grow the Brussels sprouts before cooking them.

However, by skipping this step, the family is missing nutrient-filled food options that are filling and have some sweet and tangy sugary goodness. Cook it once, and it will become your go-to Thanksgiving option.

Calories Per Serving: 157

Preparation Time: 4 Hours 10 Minutes 

12. Slow Cooker Ribs

When cooking ribs, choose the biggest crock pot which will fit a whole rack of ribs. Use all the herbs and spices and rub the meat to have it well-seasoned, then place it in the slow cooker and wait.

At the end of the night, everyone on the table will be licking off the smokey barbeque sauce from the bones.

Calories Per Serving: 496

Preparation Time: 4 Hours 20 Minutes

13. Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots

Carrots are underrated, and often people use them just to add some color to vegetables. Try some caramelized carrots and find yourself going for seconds. 

With the brown sugar coating the carrots, they end up having a smooth, silky texture as if they were buttered. 

Tender and sweet, the carrots fall apart and melt in the mouth. For some added flavor, add a little bit of cinnamon powder on top.

Calories Per Serving: 140

Preparation Time: 3 Hours 5 Minutes 

14. Crockpot Pumpkin Soup 

Pumpkin soup is a great appetizer to start thanksgiving day when everything else is cooking. The plus for this recipe is that it’s light and colorful since it is bright orange/yellow.

It is incredibly nutritious and has a distinct taste due to the broth, cream, onions, and russet potatoes.

When cooking, ensure that the pumpkin is tender before blending for a smooth and creamy finish.

Calories Per Serving: 165

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 15 Minutes 

15. Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

Corn is tasty regardless of the form it is cooked. Easy to handle and mess-free, it is a favorite side dish meal for many family dinners.

The slow cooker creamed corn has some crucial ingredients that make it exceptional such as cream, sweet cheese, milk butter, and sugar. 

If you want to watch your weight during Thanksgiving, better skip the side dish entirely, or you will end up going for seconds and thirds.

Calories Per Serving: 270

Preparation Time: 3 Hours 25 Minutes 

RELATED: The 30 Best Crockpot Chicken Recipes

16. Slow Cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes

One serving of the slow cooker garlic mashed potatoes, and you are bound to stuff your face in the buttery mashed garlic goodness without any second thoughts. 

When making the mashed potatoes, ensure that all the ingredients for the flavor are placed at the start of the cooking process. 

When serving, go for a smooth texture to blend all the ingredients or risk biting into a garlic clove. On the upside, the meal is so tasty it is something to cook outside on Thanksgiving.

Calories Per Serving: 133

Preparation Time: 4 Hours 

17. Slow Cooker Dinner Rolls

Think outside the box and use a crockpot to make dinner rolls for Thanksgiving. Starting with lining the pot and spraying the paper with oil to keep it from sticking, place your rolls on top and close the lid.

Let the rolls cook without putting in the extra effort. 

However, before getting the rolls in the pot, make sure they have all the right stuffing, and the rolls are tightly wrapped to avoid falling apart when plating them.

Calories Per Serving: 182

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 

18. Crockpot Mac And Cheese Recipe

Mac and cheese taste different depending on the kind of recipe you are using. The only recipe that tastes somewhat similar is the packet one from the store, and it should always be considered a last resort.

To make a fresh batch of creamy mac and cheese, why not use a crockpot? With all the ingredients from pepper, salt, pasta, milk, butter, and on top cheese, the result is a beautiful sight with the taste even better. 

Calories Per Serving: 209

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 35 Minutes 

19. Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Sangria

Winter Sangria is the perfect summertime drink and a great addition to your thanksgiving gathering.  When serving, the slow-cooked wine is served warm and is great at warming guests.

It is often considered a comforting, conversational thanksgiving drink. Pick high-quality ingredients to get a smooth, tasty drink. 

Calories Per Serving: 305

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 

20. Slow Cooker Beef Gravy

There is something about roast beef that makes everyone want a piece just to enjoy the taste of it. However, to top it all off, why not make the slow cooker beef gravy and enjoy the drippings too? 

Start with heating the crockpot before lacing in your seasoned beef to guarantee that the beef smell permeates the home and fills the pot before cooking and enjoying the flavor later.

Calories Per Serving: 146

Preparation Time: 5 Hours 20 Minutes 

RELATED: The 35 Best Crockpot Recipes

21. Cinnamon And Brown Sugar Butternut Squash

The truth of the matter is that very few recipes use butternut squash, and many might not be familiar with this recipe. Thanksgiving is all about enjoying the sweet things in life, making this caramelized butter squash a must-try. 

Calories Per Serving: 100

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

22. Slow Cooker Apple Cider

The great thing about the slow cooker apple cider recipe is that the fragrance matches the sweet taste of the juice. In this case, this apple cider recipe is infused with citrus and spices before being simmered and served. 

Remember to adjust the spices and the sugar that goes into the batch to avoid overly spicy or sugary drinks. Kids can enjoy the drink as it is, while adults can add a little bit of whiskey.

Calories Per Serving: 123

Preparation Time: 3 Hours 

23. Red Cabbage And Apples

Making crockpot red cabbage and apples using a crockpot is the only way to get it right. It is so easy; there is practically no reason not to have the side dish at all thanksgiving dinners. 

The side dish is sweet and savory and is usually an excellent accompaniment for roast pork or beef. Adjust the ingredients to either sweet or tangy, depending on guests’ tastes.

Calories Per Serving: 90

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 15 Minutes

24. Turkey Pumpkin Chili

The pumpkin chili recipe is a warm, delicious turkey-based recipe. With a combination of ingredients used, it is the perfect topping for rice.

When cooking, keep a close look at the amount of chili being used, as it can easily become a nightmare for guests and family alike if it’s too spicy and hot.

Calories Per Serving: 274

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 

25. Mom’s Crockpot Broccoli Casserole

The mom’s crockpot broccoli casserole is a great way to cook broccoli and enjoy buttery goodness. The best part is that the vegetable mix does not have unnecessary cleanup or preparation. 

When using a broth, pick the one that isn’t used as a base for many of the thanksgiving dishes to give a different flavor between chicken, beef, or even mushroom.

However, top it with something crunchy, such as plain crackers, to give it that feeling. 

Calories Per Serving: 295

Preparation Time: 5 Hours 10 Minutes 

RELATED: The 35 Best Crockpot Soup Recipes

26. Slow Cooked Pumpkin Apple Cobbler

The slow cooker pumpkin apple cobbler recipe is a perfect dessert recipe. Cooked in brown sugar, the dish is sweet, tender, and comforting. When served with a generous amount of ice cream, it satisfies all those crazy sugary cravings.

Calories Per Serving: 417

Preparation Time: 4 Hours 20 Minutes 

27. Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes

Potatoes are always mandatory in almost all family gatherings, and Thanksgiving dinner is no different. Scalloped potatoes have made enjoying potatoes easier. Add a layer of cheese to ensure it melts right in the mouth.

With this scalloped potatoes recipe, you get to enjoy a creamy, decadent plate full of flavor.

Calories Per Serving: 308

Preparation Time: 5 Hours 20 Minutes 

28. Slow Cooker Apple Cake

Pie, everybody loves pie. However, why not wow your guests with a new type of recipe and make the slow cooker apple cake for dessert?  

By using a crockpot, the cake made is moist, dense, and full of apple goodness. Be sure to follow this recipe as detailed to avoid overloading with a lot of batters. 

Calories Per Serving: 235

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 50 Minutes

29. Butterscotch Mulled Cider

Butterscotch mulled cider is a dessert recipe that tastes similar to melted toffee. In the list of apple cider recipes, this recipe can be served as a side dish, dessert, or even a starter. The dish is versatile; make plenty to go around.

Calories Per Serving: 128

Preparation Time: 3 Hours 30 Minutes

30. Crockpot Pecan Pie

The crockpot pecan pie is that one pie that looks a mess but tastes divine. The pie crust is tender due to crockpot cooking. Ensure you refrigerate the dish beforehand to get the apple cider juices floating.

Calories Per Serving: 734

Preparation Time: 3 Hours 10 Minutes 

RELATED: 31 Delicious Crockpot Appetizers To Take Your Party To The Next Level

31. Slow Cooker Cheesecake

A bouncy creamy cheesecake is hard to achieve when you are not a professional. However, with the slow cooker cheesecake recipe, it’s easy to get the cheesecake looking just right and tasting nothing short of perfection.

With the rich vanilla bean flavor and a custard and cheese bottom, it’s a recipe to use often.

Calories Per Serving: 470

Preparation Time: 7 Hours 25 Minutes 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Purpose Of Thanksgiving Side Dishes?

Thanksgiving side dishes are meant to help diversify the main meal and add flavor. Most side dishes are made of sauces and gravies and are complementary to the main dish.

Side dishes during Thanksgiving are a point of conversation for family and friends. 

Are Side Dishes Necessary?

Side dishes are essential for a Thanksgiving dinner to be all-inclusive. Most side dishes are significant because they have numerous health rewards, as they often have minerals and vitamins.

Thanksgiving side dishes are also bragging rights for the host – it is great to show that you care for visitors enough to prepare different dishes to satisfy each palate.  

What Is The Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish?

The perfect thanksgiving dish uses not more than five ingredients and does not need constant supervision to make. Crockpot side dishes come in handy as they allow the host to focus on other important issues while the dish cooks.