Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather around the table with family and friends, and what better way to simplify your holiday cooking than with delicious crock pot recipes? These 40+ ideas are all about creating mouthwatering dishes that let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. From savory sides to satisfying mains, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to make your feast a breeze!
Honey-Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
These honey-balsamic Brussels sprouts are a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving table. The image shows vibrant green sprouts, perfectly cooked and glistening with a sweet and tangy glaze. The combination of honey and balsamic vinegar creates a rich flavor that complements the natural earthiness of the Brussels sprouts.
To make this dish, you’ll need fresh Brussels sprouts, honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and some chopped nuts for added crunch. Start by trimming and halving the sprouts, then toss them in a mixture of honey, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Place them in your crock pot and let them cook until tender.
This recipe is simple yet impressive, making it a perfect side for your Thanksgiving feast. The sweetness of the honey balances the acidity of the balsamic, creating a dish that everyone will love. Serve them warm, and watch them disappear!
Savory Herb-Infused Turkey Breast
This image showcases a beautifully cooked turkey breast resting in a crock pot, surrounded by festive decorations. The golden skin glistens, hinting at the flavorful herbs infused throughout the meat. The warm, inviting colors of the turkey contrast nicely with the autumn-themed decor, making it a perfect centerpiece for any Thanksgiving table.
Making a savory herb-infused turkey breast in a crock pot is simple and rewarding. Start with a fresh turkey breast, season it generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs like rosemary and thyme. Place it in the crock pot with some broth or white wine for moisture. Cook it on low for several hours until the meat is tender and juicy.
This dish not only looks appealing but also fills your home with a delightful aroma. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’ll have a meal that everyone will love. It’s a great way to enjoy turkey without the stress of traditional roasting!
Creamy Pumpkin Soup
This creamy pumpkin soup is a perfect dish for Thanksgiving. The vibrant orange color makes it visually appealing, and the smooth texture is comforting. The bowl is garnished with a swirl of cream and pumpkin seeds, adding a nice touch. Surrounding the soup are decorative pumpkins, hinting at the seasonal flavors.
To make this soup, you’ll need fresh pumpkin, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, cream, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Start by sautéing the onion and garlic until fragrant. Then, add the pumpkin and broth, letting it simmer until tender. Blend until smooth and stir in the cream for that rich texture.
Serve it warm, and watch as it becomes a favorite at your Thanksgiving table. This recipe is easy to prepare in a crock pot, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends while the flavors meld together beautifully.
Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Sauce
This sweet and spicy cranberry sauce is a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving table. The image shows a beautiful bowl filled with vibrant red cranberries, glistening in a rich sauce. Surrounding it are fresh cranberries and a decorative pumpkin, adding a festive touch to the scene.
Making this sauce is simple and rewarding. Start with fresh cranberries, sugar, and a hint of spice. You can add cinnamon or even a dash of chili for that extra kick. Cook everything in your crock pot, letting the flavors meld together.
Once it’s done, you’ll have a sauce that balances sweetness with a spicy twist. It pairs perfectly with turkey or can be enjoyed on its own. This recipe is sure to impress your guests and make your Thanksgiving memorable!
Spiced Apple Cider
Spiced apple cider is a warm, comforting drink that captures the essence of fall. This recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, filling your home with delightful aromas.
The image shows a slow cooker filled with sliced apples and cinnamon sticks, ready to brew. The vibrant colors of the apples contrast beautifully with the warm tones of the cider, making it visually appealing.
To make this delicious drink, you’ll need apple cider, sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, and optional spices like cloves or nutmeg. Simply combine all ingredients in your crock pot and let it simmer for a few hours.
Serve it warm, and watch your guests enjoy this festive treat. It’s a simple way to add a cozy touch to your Thanksgiving celebration!
Savory Stuffing with Sausage and Herbs
This savory stuffing is a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving. The image shows a hearty mix of bread cubes, sausage slices, and herbs, all coming together in a warm, inviting crock pot. The golden-brown bread and vibrant sausage pieces create a comforting look that promises a delightful flavor.
To make this dish, you’ll need ingredients like cubed bread, sausage, onions, celery, and a blend of your favorite herbs. Start by browning the sausage in a skillet, then combine it with the bread and veggies in the crock pot. Add some broth and let it cook slowly. The result is a delicious stuffing that pairs wonderfully with turkey.
This recipe is not just easy to prepare; it also fills the home with a wonderful aroma. It’s a great way to bring everyone together around the table. Enjoy this comforting dish as part of your Thanksgiving feast!
Maple-Glazed Carrots
Maple-glazed carrots are a delightful side dish that adds a touch of sweetness to your Thanksgiving table. The image shows vibrant, glossy carrots nestled in a crock pot, perfectly cooked and ready to serve. Their rich orange color is enhanced by a shiny maple glaze, making them visually appealing.
These carrots are not just pretty; they are simple to make. Start with fresh carrots, preferably baby ones for that tender bite. Toss them in a mixture of maple syrup, butter, and a pinch of salt. Place them in your crock pot and let them cook until they are tender and infused with flavor.
This dish is a great way to incorporate vegetables into your holiday feast without sacrificing taste. The sweetness of the maple syrup complements the natural earthiness of the carrots, creating a balance that everyone will love. Plus, using a crock pot means you can focus on other dishes while they cook!
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a must-have for any Thanksgiving feast. They bring comfort and warmth to the table, making them a favorite among family and friends. The image showcases a beautiful bowl of smooth, buttery mashed potatoes, topped with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This presentation not only looks inviting but also hints at the rich flavors waiting to be enjoyed.
To make these mashed potatoes, you’ll need simple ingredients: potatoes, garlic, butter, cream, salt, and pepper. Start by boiling the potatoes until tender. While they cook, sauté minced garlic in butter to infuse that delicious flavor. Once the potatoes are ready, mash them up and mix in the garlic butter, cream, and seasoning. The result is a creamy, dreamy side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey and gravy.
Using a crock pot for this recipe is a game-changer. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the potatoes warm for serving. Just set it and forget it, and you’ll have a delightful dish ready when it’s time to eat. These creamy garlic mashed potatoes will surely be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering!
Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding
This pumpkin spice bread pudding is a cozy dessert perfect for Thanksgiving. The image shows a warm serving of the pudding, topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The rich, golden color of the pudding contrasts beautifully with the creamy topping, making it look irresistible.
To make this delicious treat, you’ll need ingredients like bread, pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Start by mixing the wet ingredients and spices, then combine them with cubed bread. Let it soak for a bit before transferring to the crock pot. Cook on low for several hours until it’s set and golden.
Serving this dessert warm will fill your home with delightful aromas. It’s a fantastic way to end your Thanksgiving meal, and your guests will surely ask for seconds!
Slow-Cooked Beef Stew
Slow-cooked beef stew is a classic dish that warms the heart and fills the belly. The image shows a rich, hearty stew bubbling away in a black crock pot. Chunks of tender beef are surrounded by vibrant orange carrots and hearty potatoes, all swimming in a savory broth.
This dish is perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and allows you to spend more time with family and friends. Just toss in your ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it do the work.
To make this stew, you’ll need beef chuck, carrots, potatoes, onions, and your favorite seasonings. Start by browning the beef in a skillet, then add it to the crock pot with the vegetables and broth. Let it cook on low for several hours until everything is tender and flavorful.
Serving this stew with crusty bread or over rice makes for a complete meal. It’s comforting, delicious, and a great way to celebrate the holiday season.
Slow-Cooked Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a classic side dish for Thanksgiving. This slow-cooked version makes it easy to prepare while you focus on other dishes. The image shows fresh green beans mixed with crispy fried onions, ready to be transformed into a creamy delight.
To make this dish, you’ll need fresh green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and crispy fried onions. Start by layering the green beans in your crock pot. Then, mix the soup and milk in a bowl and pour it over the beans. Top with a generous layer of fried onions for that perfect crunch.
Cook on low for about 4-6 hours. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When it’s ready, you’ll have a warm, comforting dish that everyone will love. It’s a great way to add a veggie option to your Thanksgiving spread!
Herbed Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
This dish is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for Thanksgiving. The acorn squash serves as a beautiful vessel, showcasing the colorful quinoa filling. The vibrant orange of the squash contrasts nicely with the earthy tones of the quinoa and herbs.
To make this dish, start by roasting the acorn squash until tender. While it’s baking, prepare the quinoa with fresh herbs, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of nuts for crunch. Once the squash is ready, fill it generously with the quinoa mixture.
This recipe is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. It’s a great vegetarian option that everyone at the table will enjoy. Plus, it’s easy to make in a crock pot, allowing you to focus on other dishes while it cooks.
Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potatoes
Cinnamon-spiced sweet potatoes are a delightful addition to any Thanksgiving table. The image shows a slow cooker filled with vibrant orange sweet potato cubes, sprinkled with warm spices. The rich color and inviting aroma make this dish a standout.
To make this recipe, you’ll need sweet potatoes, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and a bit of butter. Start by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Then, mix them with the spices and sugar in the slow cooker. A touch of butter adds richness.
Set your slow cooker on low for several hours, allowing the sweet potatoes to become tender and infused with the spices. The result is a comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey and other holiday favorites. Everyone will love the sweet and spicy flavor!
Traditional Cornbread
Cornbread is a classic side dish that brings warmth to any Thanksgiving table. Its golden crust and soft, fluffy interior make it a favorite among many. This image shows a freshly baked loaf of cornbread, sliced and ready to serve. The vibrant color hints at its delicious flavor, perfect for pairing with savory dishes.
To make traditional cornbread, you’ll need simple ingredients like cornmeal, flour, baking powder, milk, eggs, and butter. Start by mixing the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Combine them, pour the batter into a greased crock pot, and let it cook until golden brown. The result is a delightful bread that complements turkey and gravy beautifully.
Serving cornbread warm, perhaps with a pat of butter, adds to the cozy feel of the meal. It’s easy to make and a great way to include a bit of tradition in your Thanksgiving feast.
Cheesy Potato and Broccoli Bake
This Cheesy Potato and Broccoli Bake is a comforting dish that brings warmth to any Thanksgiving table. The image shows a crock pot filled with tender potatoes and vibrant broccoli, all topped with a generous layer of shredded cheese. The colors are inviting, making it hard to resist.
The combination of creamy potatoes and fresh broccoli creates a delightful balance. The cheese melts beautifully, adding richness to the dish. This recipe is perfect for those who want a hearty side that’s easy to prepare. Just throw everything in the crock pot and let it do the work!
To make this dish, you’ll need potatoes, broccoli, cheese, and a few seasonings. Start by chopping the potatoes and broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Layer them in the crock pot, sprinkle with cheese, and add your favorite seasonings. Cook on low for several hours until everything is tender and the cheese is bubbly.
This recipe is a great way to sneak in some veggies while keeping the flavors fun and cheesy. It pairs well with turkey, ham, or any main dish you choose. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, making it a must-have for your Thanksgiving spread!
