Here are slow cooker recipes that are sure to please this Thanksgiving:
- Mac-N-Cheese
- Mashed Potatoes
- Green Bean Casserole
- Turkey
- Stuffing
- Pumpkin Cake
Thanksgiving is an expression of gratitude. It is a holiday that fills the house with friends and family. Thanksgiving has plenty of traditional foods that you can find on most tables that day. However, that often means you have a few family members who spend half the day in the kitchen and miss out on family activities. These slow cooker recipes are perfect for making a delicious meal while being more flexible on the big day.
Mac-N-Cheese
Mac-N-Cheese is a quintessential side dish, especially in the South. It is creamy, cheesy, and decadent. There are plenty of ways to make mac-n-cheese, but using a slow cooker is one of the ways to make it extra creamy and gooey.
There are a few tricks when it comes to slow-cooker mac-n-cheese. To ensure it doesn’t curdle over a long cooking time, you must find a recipe without eggs. Also, take the extra time to shred your own cheese. It’s a little more work, but it is oh-so-worth it for this dish. Follow this recipe from Southern Bite to make the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish.
Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes are an essential side dish for almost any meal, regardless of whether it’s the holidays or not. But mashed potatoes are seen on many tables for Thanksgiving. Not only that, but they can be a topic of conversation. How people prefer their mashed potatoes is very important to them; just refer to this episode of Friends.
This crockpot mash potato recipe from The Recipe Critic will surely please any preference. They are also mind-blowingly easy! With five ingredients, this will take you out of the kitchen to enjoy time with your friends and family. A quick tip to consider is to try different types of potatoes for different flavors.
Green Bean Casserole
Every meal deserves a vegetable, even if it’s smothered in onions and cans of soup. A green bean casserole is a great way to incorporate some veggies that everyone will want to eat. The best thing about this recipe is that it feeds a crowd. The serving size is 20, so there will be plenty for you, your family, and leftover to-go plates. The Magical Slow Cooker has one of the most amazing recipes for a saucy green bean casserole.
Turkey
The main course of Thanksgiving is the turkey. But turkeys take hours, if not days, to prepare and cook. What if you could throw that bird in the slow cooker and not worry about it? Well, now you can! To do this, you will need a smaller turkey, which is better suited for a small gathering. You can cook this turkey in just four hours, according to Cafe Delites. It will come out supple, juicy, and moist.
Then, you can use the drippings in the crockpot to make homemade gravy. You’ll need the drippings, butter, flour, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. This will make your holiday the most effortless it has ever been.
Stuffing
It’s understandable if you want to keep the turkey traditional by baking or frying it. So, maybe you can compromise by making the stuffing in the crockpot. Yes, that’s right. Of course, this Thanksgiving fav is typically stuffed into the turkey, but who says you can’t just make it on the side?
This recipe from All Recipes lets you do that with seven ingredients. It takes a little under five hours, but it is incredibly worth it. Now, there is a debate between the regions on whether stuffing or dressing is better. Either way, we didn’t want to leave out the dressing lovers. Here is a slow cooker dressing from Southern Living that will become a new tradition for your family.
Pumpkin Cake
No meal is complete without dessert. And what could be better than a slow-cooker pumpkin cake? Is your mouth watering already? With just three ingredients, it’ll be simple to whip up and yummy for your guests.
Spicy Southern Kitchen’s recipe has five minutes of prep and a two-hour cook time so that you can put it on right before dinner, and it’ll be fresh and warm by the time it’s ready to be served. It’s rich, moist, and spicy. It will pair perfectly with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel syrup.
Free up space in the oven this Thanksgiving and pick a recipe to throw in the slow cooker. It’s a time of fellowship, so planning these crockpot recipes can give you more time out of the kitchen. Set it, forget it, and spend time around the table this holiday season.
Are there slow cooker dessert options for Thanksgiving?
Absolutely! Dessert is an essential part of Thanksgiving, and you can create a delectable treat in a slow cooker. Spicy Southern Kitchen provides a recipe for a slow cooker pumpkin cake with just three ingredients. With a brief prep time of five minutes and a two-hour cook time, it’s a convenient and delicious choice for Thanksgiving night. Pair it with ice cream and caramel syrup for a perfect dessert. For more dessert ideas, check out the Dessert Crockpot Recipes for the Holidays on the mentioned blog.
How do I make creamy slow cooker macaroni and cheese for Thanksgiving?
To make creamy macaroni and cheese in a slow cooker, follow these tips:
- Choose the Right Recipe: Pick a slow cooker mac-n-cheese recipe without eggs to prevent curdling.
- Shred Your Cheese: Shred your cheese for creaminess.
- Try Southern Bite’s Recipe: Follow Southern Bite’s recipe for the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish.
How can I make easy slow cooker mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving?
To prepare hassle-free slow cooker mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving:
Use The Recipe Critic’s Method: Follow The Recipe Critic’s simple crockpot mashed potato recipe with five ingredients.
Experiment with Potato Varieties: Try different potato types for unique flavors.
What’s a simple way to make slow cooker stuffing for Thanksgiving?
To simplify stuffing for Thanksgiving:
Follow All Recipes’ Recipe: Use All Recipes’ slow cooker stuffing recipe with seven ingredients, taking less than five hours to prepare. It’s perfect for both stuffing and dressing lovers at your Thanksgiving feast.