12 Thanksgiving dishes crockpot

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean spending the whole day in the kitchen.

With your crockpot (slow cooker), you can prepare warm, flavorful dishes while saving time and oven space.

These 12 easy Thanksgiving crockpot recipes include everything from sides to desserts — perfect for stress-free holiday cooking.

1. Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes made right in the slow cooker — no boiling needed.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs potatoes (peeled and diced)

• 1 cup chicken broth

• ½ cup butter

• ½ cup milk

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Add potatoes and broth to crockpot.

2. Cook on high for 3–4 hours until soft.

3. Mash directly in the pot with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.

2. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Tender and juicy turkey breast with herbs and garlic, perfect for smaller gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless turkey breast

• ¼ cup butter, melted

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper

Instructions:

1. Rub turkey with butter and seasonings.

2. Place in crockpot, cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4.

3. Let rest before slicing.

3. Crockpot Stuffing

Classic herbed stuffing that cooks perfectly moist and flavorful in the slow cooker.

Ingredients:

• 10 cups cubed bread

• 1 cup diced celery

• 1 cup chopped onion

• 2 ½ cups chicken broth

• ½ cup butter, melted

• 1 tbsp poultry seasoning

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients and transfer to crockpot.

2. Cook on low for 4–5 hours, stirring occasionally.

4. Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Creamy and comforting, with crispy fried onions added at the end for crunch.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups green beans

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup

• ½ cup milk

• 1 ½ cups fried onions

Instructions:

1. Mix green beans, soup, and milk in the crockpot.

2. Cook on low for 3–4 hours.

3. Top with fried onions before serving.

5. Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole

A warm, sweet, and nutty favorite that cooks perfectly in the slow cooker.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup butter

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 cup mini marshmallows or pecans

Instructions:

1. Combine potatoes, sugar, butter, and cinnamon in crockpot.

2. Cook on low 3–4 hours.

3. Add marshmallows or pecans for the last 15 minutes.

6. Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

Fresh, tangy, and sweet — this easy sauce practically makes itself.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz cranberries

• 1 cup sugar

• ½ cup orange juice

• 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the crockpot.

2. Cook on high for 2–3 hours until thick.

3. Cool before serving.

7. Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and hands-free comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

• 2 cups milk

• 2 cups shredded cheddar

• 2 tbsp butter

• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to crockpot and stir.

2. Cook on low 2–3 hours, stirring once halfway.

8. Slow Cooker Gravy

Smooth and savory gravy made from turkey drippings or broth.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups turkey or chicken broth

• ½ cup flour

• ½ cup butter

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in crockpot on high.

2. Whisk in flour to make a roux.

3. Slowly add broth and stir until thickened.

9. Crockpot Glazed Carrots

Sweet and buttery carrots that pair perfectly with any Thanksgiving plate.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups baby carrots

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup butter

• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to crockpot.

2. Cook on low 4–5 hours or until tender.

10. Slow Cooker Corn Casserole

Creamy, cheesy corn side dish that’s always a crowd favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 can creamed corn

• 1 can whole kernel corn

• 1 cup sour cream

• ½ cup butter

• 1 box Jiffy cornbread mix

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in crockpot.

2. Cook on high for 2 ½–3 hours.

11. Crockpot Apple Crisp

Warm, spiced apples with a buttery oat topping — the perfect easy dessert.

Ingredients:

• 5 cups sliced apples

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ cup oats

• ¼ cup flour

• ¼ cup butter

Instructions:

1. Mix apples with sugar and cinnamon.

2. Combine oats, flour, and butter for topping.

3. Cook on high for 2–3 hours.

12. Slow Cooker Hot Apple Cider

A cozy drink to end the meal, filled with cinnamon and spice.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups apple cider

• 3 cinnamon sticks

• 3 whole cloves

• 2 orange slices

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to crockpot.

2. Simmer on low for 3 hours.

3. Strain and serve warm.

---

These 12 Thanksgiving crockpot dishes make holiday cooking simple, flavorful, and stress-free.

From sides to desserts, each slow-cooked recipe saves time and keeps your kitchen relaxed — so you can enjoy more moments with loved ones.