Thanksgiving Crockpot Side Dishes: A Holiday Game-Changer

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow cookers are the secret weapon of holiday cooking, offering a hands-off approach that ensures your side dishes are ready by the time you sit down for dinner. Here’s why you’ll love making Thanksgiving sides in a crockpot:

• Time-Saving: Simply throw the ingredients in, set the timer, and focus on other tasks. No more worrying about stirring or monitoring the stove.
• Oven-Space Saver: With oven space at a premium during the holidays, using the crockpot for side dishes like mashed potatoes or stuffing helps keep your oven free for the main dishes.
• Flavors that Develop: The slow cooking process allows flavors to meld and intensify, ensuring each bite is rich and satisfying.
• Minimal Cleanup: Most crockpot side dishes require just one pot, reducing your post-dinner dishwashing load.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Potatoes, sweet potatoes, or yams
• Cream cheese or sour cream
• Butter
• Herbs and spices (garlic, thyme, rosemary)
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Cheese (Cheddar, Parmesan, etc.)
• Fresh vegetables (green beans, corn, etc.)
• Breadcrumbs or stuffing mix
• Brown sugar or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
• Crumbled bacon (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by peeling or chopping vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes. If you’re making a casserole, chop the green beans or corn into bite-sized pieces. For creamier dishes, prepare ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, and butter.

Step 2: Assemble in the Crockpot

Layer your ingredients in the slow cooker. For creamy dishes, add a generous amount of cream cheese, butter, or sour cream. For stuffing, mix bread cubes with herbs, broth, and seasonings.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to low heat for several hours (typically 4–6 hours), depending on the dish. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Final Touches

For dishes like green bean casserole, add crispy fried onions during the last 30 minutes of cooking. For cheesy mashed potatoes, stir in cheese at the end for extra richness.

Servings and Timing

These crockpot side dishes usually take about 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat, depending on the specific dish. Typically, a crockpot recipe serves 6-8 people, but you can easily adjust the servings based on the number of guests.

Variations

• For a Healthier Version: Substitute sour cream and butter with Greek yogurt and olive oil for a lighter side dish.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: Add marshmallows, cinnamon, and a sprinkle of brown sugar for that classic Thanksgiving flavor.
• Cheesy Variations: Many side dishes can be made extra indulgent by adding cheese, such as mashed potatoes, broccoli casseroles, or green beans.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the crockpot on low heat, or for quicker results, use a microwave. You may need to add a bit of broth or milk to maintain the dish’s moisture.

FAQs

1. Can I make Thanksgiving sides in the crockpot the night before?

Yes, many crockpot side dishes can be prepped the day before and then cooked the morning of Thanksgiving.

2. How do I prevent mashed potatoes from becoming mushy in the crockpot?

To avoid mushy potatoes, make sure to cook them on low and add enough cream or broth to maintain the right consistency. Stir occasionally.

3. Can I double the recipe for larger gatherings?

Absolutely! Just be sure to check the size of your crockpot. If you double the recipe, you may need to cook the dish a little longer.

4. How do I keep my green bean casserole crispy?

Add fried onions in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This helps them stay crunchy rather than becoming soggy.

5. Can I use frozen vegetables in my crockpot side dishes?

Yes, frozen vegetables work just as well as fresh ones in most crockpot recipes. Just reduce the cooking time slightly.

6. How do I thicken a crockpot side dish that’s too watery?

You can thicken the dish by adding cornstarch mixed with a bit of water or letting it cook on high for a bit longer with the lid off.

7. Can I make stuffing in the crockpot?

Yes! Crockpot stuffing is incredibly easy to make. Just mix your bread cubes with broth, herbs, and seasonings, and cook on low.

8. Can I add meat to my crockpot side dishes?

Yes, adding crumbled sausage or bacon can give your sides more flavor, especially in dishes like stuffing or mashed potatoes.

9. How do I prevent my crockpot sides from overcooking?

Set the slow cooker on the correct setting (low or high) and stick to the suggested cooking times. If you need to step away, a timer can help prevent overcooking.

10. Can I make dessert in the crockpot too?

Yes, you can make desserts like crockpot apple crisp or even cake in the slow cooker. Many holiday dessert recipes work great in the crockpot!

Conclusion

Crockpot side dishes are the unsung heroes of Thanksgiving dinners. They free up your oven space, are easy to prepare, and offer the delicious flavors that make Thanksgiving so special. Whether you’re cooking mashed potatoes, stuffing, or green bean casserole, your slow cooker can handle it all. With these simple recipes, you’ll have more time to spend with your loved ones instead of stressing over side dishes. Try them out this holiday season and let the slow cooker do the work for you!