5 Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Easy Make-Ahead Recipes

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you want to enjoy the day without being glued to your kitchen. Enter slow cooker Thanksgiving side dishes! They make holiday meal prep a breeze while allowing you to focus on family, friends, and those heartwarming moments. From creamy mashed potatoes to savory stuffing, these easy make-ahead recipes will elevate your dinner table and have your guests coming back for seconds.

Why Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Side Dishes?

Using a slow cooker brings multiple advantages to your Thanksgiving feast. Not only do slow cookers allow for make-ahead cooking, but they also free up oven space for your turkey and pies. Plus, they keep your side dishes warm until it’s time to serve your delicious family meal. These recipes are crowd-pleasers that require minimal effort, letting you indulge in the joy of the holiday season.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick rundown of the basic ingredients you’ll need for our five slow cooker Thanksgiving side dishes:

1. Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

• 5 lbs of russet potatoes
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• ½ cup of unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

2. Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes

• 4 large sweet potatoes
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• ½ cup of pecans
• 3 tablespoons of cinnamon

3. Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

• 2 lbs of fresh green beans
• 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup of fried onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

4. Slow Cooker Stuffing

• 1 loaf of bread (cubed)
• 1 cup of vegetable broth
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 1 tablespoon of dried sage

5. Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

• 2 bags of fresh cranberries
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of orange juice

Instructions

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

1. Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks.
2. Place them in the slow cooker with cream, butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Mash before serving.

Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes

1. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes.
2. Mix brown sugar, pecans, and cinnamon in a bowl.
3. Add to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

1. Trim the green beans and layer them in the slow cooker.
2. Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and mix well.
3. Top with fried onions, then cook on low for 3-4 hours.

Slow Cooker Stuffing

1. In a bowl, combine cubed bread, diced onion, and sage.
2. Pour in vegetable broth until moist but not soggy.
3. Cook in the slow cooker on low for 4 hours.

Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

1. Wash the cranberries and place them in the slow cooker.
2. Add sugar and orange juice.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until the cranberries break down.

Tips and Variations

• For Creamier Mashed Potatoes: Blend in cream cheese or sour cream for an added zing.
• Sweet Potato Alternatives: Top with marshmallows for a sweet twist or mix in some apples for a fruity flavor.
• Green Bean Casserole Variations: Experiment with different cheeses or add bacon for a savory kick.
• Sourdough Stuffing: Try using sourdough bread for a tangy flavor profile!
• Cranberry Sauce Add-ins: Incorporate walnuts or apple slices for extra texture and sweetness.

Conclusion

With these easy slow cooker Thanksgiving side dishes, you can create a memorable holiday meal without breaking a sweat! Try them out and let us know how they turned out. Your friends and family will thank you for saving the day with these delicious, hassle-free recipes. Happy Thanksgiving! 🎉🦃