Easy Crockpot Thanksgiving Sides

Introduction

Finding time and oven space on Thanksgiving is always a challenge—which is why Easy Crockpot Thanksgiving Sides are a game changer. These hands-off recipes let you maximize your holiday menu without extra hassle, keeping your oven free for the turkey while delicious, crowd-pleasing sides simmer to perfection in your slow cooker. If you’re aiming for a stress-free holiday feast that still delivers classic flavor, these crockpot sides are a must-have addition to your meal plan.

The Secret to Effortless Thanksgiving Sides

Crockpot recipes are perfect for Thanksgiving because they combine simplicity with bold flavor. Slow cooking allows ingredients to meld, resulting in rich, deeply seasoned dishes that require minimal prep. From creamy mashed potatoes to savory green beans and sweet, comforting stuffing, these crockpot versions ensure each bite is infused with holiday spirit and a homemade touch—without constant stirring or oven-shuffling.

Three Essential Easy Crockpot Sides

Here are three classic Thanksgiving sides adapted for the slow cooker: creamy mashed potatoes, a flavorful green bean casserole, and classic herbed stuffing. Each recipe is designed for minimal prep and can be made ahead, keeping your holiday meal as carefree as possible.

Easy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to create an organized shopping list sorted by store section—making Thanksgiving grocery trips a breeze!

Instructions for Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

1. Combine potatoes, garlic, and chicken broth in your crockpot. Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
2. Add butter, milk, and sour cream. Mash in the crockpot until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Garnish before serving. Cover to keep warm until ready to eat.

Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

Instructions for Green Bean Casserole

1. Add green beans, soup, milk, soy sauce, pepper, and half the fried onions into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
2. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or until green beans are tender.
3. In the final 30 minutes, top with the remaining fried onions (and cheese, if using). Cover and heat until onions are golden and cheese melts.

Slow Cooker Herbed Stuffing

Instructions for Herbed Stuffing

1. Place bread cubes in a large bowl. Sauté onion and celery in melted butter until soft, then add to the bowl.
2. Stir in broth, eggs, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until bread is moistened but not soggy.
3. Transfer to a greased crockpot. Cook on low for 4–5 hours, fluffing halfway through.

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Thanksgiving Sides

These crockpot sides pair perfectly with traditional turkey, roast ham, or even as standalone vegetarian dishes. Garnish mashed potatoes and stuffing with fresh herbs, and serve green bean casserole directly from the slow cooker for easy buffet-style entertaining. The “set it and forget it” approach lets you focus on enjoying the holiday, not managing multiple pots and pans.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

Each slow cooker side serves about 6–8 people. Loaded with comforting flavors but using lighter dairy and broths, these recipes provide classic taste with less holiday indulgence. (Calorie counts vary by dish—typically 180–250 per serving.)

Why Easy Crockpot Thanksgiving Sides Shine

The combination of rich, developed flavors and no-fuss prep makes crockpot sides a Thanksgiving essential. Free up oven and stovetop space while guaranteeing your side dishes are hot and ready when you are.

Weekly Meal Planning

These Easy Crockpot Thanksgiving Sides aren’t just for the holiday—they’re ideal for large gatherings and make-ahead meal prep. Save and schedule these sides in CookifyAI to generate a consolidated shopping list for all your holiday recipes and stay organized through the busiest cooking week of the year.

Planning Benefits:

• Consolidate ingredients and avoid duplicate purchases
• Create chronologically organized shopping lists grouped by grocery section
• Track upcoming meals and manage freezer or fridge storage for make-ahead sides
• Reduce food waste with smart portion calculations

Pro tip: Plan and batch your recipes so you know exactly how much of each ingredient to buy—perfect for big family gatherings or Friendsgiving!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10–15 minutes per recipe
Cook Time: 3–5 hours per recipe (hands-off)
Total Time: About 4 hours per recipe (with minimal effort!)

Make this Thanksgiving the most relaxed (and delicious) yet with these simple, reliable crockpot side dishes!