4 Delicious Crock Pot Side Dishes to Make for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, togetherness, and, of course, delicious food!
But preparing an elaborate feast can be daunting, especially when oven space becomes prime real estate. That’s where the trusty Crock Pot comes in.
By incorporating slow cooker recipes into your holiday menu, you can free up oven space, ensure your dishes travel well, and simplify your preparation process.
Here are four Crock Pot Thanksgiving side dishes.
1. Green bean casserole
A classic favorite, this dish becomes even easier when prepared in the Crock Pot.
Ingredients:
- 3 cans of green beans (drained)
- 2 cans cream of celery soup
- ½ cup milk
- Worcestershire sauce (to taste)
- Garlic and onion powder (to taste)
- Salt and pepper
- French’s crispy fried onions
Instructions:
Mix soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings in a bowl.
Pour this mixture over green beans in the Crock Pot and fold gently to avoid mushy beans.
Cook on high for 3 hours.
Stir in 1 cup of crispy fried onions, then top with additional onions. Cook on low for 10 minutes until crispy and fragrant.
This casserole is creamy, crunchy, and perfectly cooked without monopolizing your oven.
2. Baked beans
Transform canned baked beans into a flavorful side that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 28 oz can of Bush’s baked beans
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup mustard
- 2 tablespoons molasses (or sorghum syrup)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- Onion powder (to taste)
- 6 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients, including bacon and a touch of bacon grease, in the Crock Pot.
Stir well to incorporate.
Cook on high for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
These beans are thick, tangy, and rich — perfect for rounding out your holiday spread.
3. Sweet potato casserole
This sweet and sticky classic gets a modern Crock Pot twist.
Ingredients:
- 3½ pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Mini marshmallows
- Optional: chopped pecans
Instructions:
Combine brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, melted butter, and salt to make a glaze.
Pour glaze over sweet potatoes in the crock pot and toss to coat.
Cook on high for 3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Add marshmallows on top and cook on low for 5-7 minutes until melted.
Top individual servings with chopped pecans for added crunch, or leave plain for a simpler presentation.
4. Macaroni and cheese
No gathering is complete without creamy, cheesy mac and cheese.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
- 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
- 1 cup milk (2% or whole)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cubed Velveeta
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (e.g., Lawry’s)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
Add butter and cooked macaroni to the Crock Pot, tossing to coat.
Stir in evaporated milk, regular milk, and cheeses.
Season with seasoned salt and black pepper.
Cook on low for 1-2 hours, checking after 1 hour to ensure cheese is melted and creamy.
This recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food: smooth, rich, and irresistibly cheesy.
Crock Pot Thanksgiving side dishes
This Thanksgiving, let your Crock Pot shoulder some of the culinary load, giving you more time to enjoy the holiday.
With these easy and delicious side dishes, you’re sure to create a memorable meal for your loved ones.
Which one these recipes will you be making? Comment down below.
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Thx for the ideas.