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
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
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.
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Mois Pasta
Monday 28th of November 2022
A very good article. Congratulations