Crockpot Thanksgiving Dishes for a Hassle-Free Holiday

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Thanksgiving is all about good food and good company, but juggling multiple dishes can be overwhelming. With these Crockpot Thanksgiving Dishes, you can free up oven space, simplify your cooking, and enjoy a stress-free holiday. These slow cooker recipes are flavorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for setting and forgetting while you focus on entertaining your guests.

1. Crockpot Herb Butter Turkey Breast

Why It’s Great:

  • Juicy and tender turkey cooked with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

  • 2–3 lb turkey breast (bone-in or boneless, skin-on)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Rub the turkey breast with butter, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place in the crockpot and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Broil for 5 minutes to crisp the skin before serving.

2. Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Why It’s Great:

  • Creamy and flavorful, with no stovetop needed.

Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Add potatoes, butter, garlic, and 1/2 cup of milk to the crockpot. Cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours until tender.
  2. Mash the potatoes and stir in the remaining milk. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Crockpot Stuffing

Why It’s Great:

  • A classic side dish made moist and flavorful in the slow cooker.

Ingredients:

  • 1 loaf of bread, cubed (about 10 cups)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sage
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Directions:

  1. Sauté onion and celery in a pan, then combine with bread cubes, herbs, and broth.
  2. Place in the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, stirring occasionally.

4. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

Why It’s Great:

  • A holiday favorite with a crunchy pecan topping, all made in one pot.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

  1. Add sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon to the crockpot. Cook on HIGH for 3 hours.
  2. Mash the potatoes slightly, then sprinkle with pecans. Cook for another 30 minutes.

5. Crockpot Cranberry Sauce

Why It’s Great:

  • Tart and sweet, with no stovetop required.

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of nutmeg

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot. Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally.
  2. Let cool before serving.

6. Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Why It’s Great:

  • A creamy classic made with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb fresh or frozen green beans
  • 1 cup mushroom soup (vegan or regular)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions

Directions:

  1. Mix green beans, soup, and milk in the crockpot. Cook on LOW for 4 hours.
  2. Stir and top with crispy fried onions before serving.

7. Crockpot Pumpkin Soup

Why It’s Great:

  • Rich and creamy with minimal prep.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot. Cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
  2. Blend until smooth before serving.

8. Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

Why It’s Great:

  • A warm and cozy dessert perfect for fall.

Ingredients:

  • 6 apples, peeled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

  1. Toss apples with brown sugar and place in the crockpot.
  2. Mix oats, flour, and butter; sprinkle over apples.
  3. Cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours until bubbly.

9. Crockpot Cornbread Casserole

Why It’s Great:

  • Sweet, moist, and easy to make in the crockpot.

Ingredients:

  • 1 box cornbread mix
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
  • 2 eggs

Directions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and pour into the crockpot.
  2. Cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours, or until set.

10. Slow Cooker Pecan Pie Bars

Why It’s Great:

  • A simple take on a classic dessert with rich, nutty flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

Directions:

  1. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter; press into the bottom of the crockpot.
  2. Combine pecans, brown sugar, and maple syrup, and pour over the crust.
  3. Cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, then let cool before slicing.

FAQs

1. Can I double these recipes for a larger crowd?

Yes, as long as your crockpot is large enough. Ensure ingredients don’t exceed two-thirds of the pot’s capacity.

2. How do I keep crockpot dishes warm?

Most slow cookers have a “WARM” setting to keep dishes at the perfect serving temperature.

3. Can I make these dishes ahead of time?

Yes! Many crockpot recipes can be prepped the night before and started in the morning.

4. Are these recipes gluten-free?

Many are naturally gluten-free, and others can be adapted with simple swaps like gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs.

5. Can I use frozen ingredients?

Yes, but adjust cooking times slightly to ensure everything cooks through.

These Crockpot Thanksgiving Dishes are perfect for a stress-free holiday meal. With minimal prep and no need to babysit the oven, you’ll have more time to spend with loved ones while still serving a delicious feast. Enjoy your hassle-free holiday!

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