Here are the best Thanksgiving crockpot recipes to serve at your holiday dinner or potluck. Save precious oven and stovetop space by preparing these easy, flavorful slow-cooked dishes that let you focus on friends and family while the crockpot does the work.
Turkey Day becomes simpler with a few smart slow-cooker recipes. A crockpot is perfect for keeping dishes warm, making sides ahead, and freeing the oven for the centerpiece. Use a checklist to plan your timeline and enjoy a less stressful Thanksgiving this year.
Wondering what to make in a crockpot for Thanksgiving? You’ll find ideas here for main dishes, side dishes, soups, appetizers, drinks, and desserts — all adapted for slow cooking so you can reclaim countertop space and prep time.
Because a slow cooker holds heat for hours, many of these recipes can be prepared ahead and kept warm until serving. They’re also ideal for potlucks and gatherings where you need easy transportable dishes.
Double bonus: set-and-forget convenience plus delicious, homey flavors.
For the best slow-cooker results, follow basic crockpot tips: avoid overfilling, use low heat for long, and check internal temperatures for meats. These simple habits help you achieve consistent, safe, and delicious results every time.
Crock Pot Thanksgiving Main Dishes
Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey
A slow cooker turkey breast yields moist, tender slices with minimal fuss. This method is excellent when you need extra oven space or prefer a smaller bird. Season simply, sear if desired, and let the crockpot cook the turkey gently until perfectly tender. Reserve pan juices to make a flavorful gravy.
Crock Pot Ham with Glaze
A spiral-cut ham fits well in many slow cookers and benefits from a brown sugar–pineapple glaze. Pop the ham in the crockpot with the glaze and let it slowly caramelize; the result is juicy, succulent ham with confident holiday flavor and five minutes of prep.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast Beef
A classic crockpot pot roast is a crowd-pleaser and a great alternative main dish. Slow-cooked with aromatics and a rich gravy, the beef becomes fork-tender and makes wonderful leftovers for sandwiches. This one-pot main adds hearty comfort to any Thanksgiving spread.
Crock Pot Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Slow cookers are ideal for Thanksgiving sides — they hold dishes warm, allow make-ahead prep, and free the oven. Below are tried-and-true crockpot side recipes that pair perfectly with turkey.
Best Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes made in the crockpot are a reliable potluck favorite. This no-boil method lets you finish the mash with butter, cream, and seasonings, then keep it warm until serving. It saves stovetop space and is consistently comforting.
Easy Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese
A crowd-pleasing, family-friendly mac and cheese can be finished in the slow cooker without pre-cooking the pasta. The result is creamy, tender pasta in a rich cheese sauce — perfect as a nostalgic Thanksgiving side.
Slow Cooker Stuffing
Convert your favorite stuffing or dressing into a make-ahead crockpot dish. Slow-cooker stuffing stays moist and flavorful, can be prepared up to 24 hours earlier, and is especially handy on a busy holiday day.
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
Fresh cubed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, orange juice, and warm spices cooked until fork-tender yield a classic sweet potato casserole. Finish with mini marshmallows or a crunchy pecan topping and warm through before serving.
Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
When oven space is limited, make green bean casserole in the crockpot. Combine green beans, condensed soup, cheese, milk, seasonings, and most of the fried onions, cook on low until hot, then top with remaining crispy onions just before serving.
Crock Pot Buttery Bacon Green Beans
Turn canned green beans into a flavor-packed side by slow-cooking them with butter and smoky bacon. The gentle heat lets flavors meld for a rich, comforting vegetable dish.
Slow-Cooked Cranberry Sauce
Make tangy-sweet cranberry sauce in the crockpot to keep your stove free. Simmer cranberries with sugar and citrus until they burst and thicken; this easy make-ahead condiment balances savory holiday flavors.
Cheesy Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes
Elevate mashed potatoes with cream, fresh herbs, garlic, and melty Gruyère or cream cheese. Slow-cooker mashed potatoes finish smooth and rich, making them a memorable side dish.
Crock Pot Creamed Corn
Homemade creamed corn in the crockpot is rich and silky with minimal effort. Use fresh or frozen corn, cream, butter, and a few seasonings for a vegetarian-friendly Thanksgiving side.
Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
Brown sugar–glazed carrots cooked until tender in a slow cooker make a sweet-savory vegetable side the whole family will enjoy. They’re an easy, colorful addition to the holiday plate.
Slow Cooker Cinnamon Sugar Butternut Squash
Butternut squash tossed with butter, cinnamon, and a touch of sugar becomes tender and aromatic in the crockpot. Make it a day ahead and rewarm gently before serving.
Slow Cooker Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts slow-cooked until tender and caramelized make a sophisticated, flavorful side that pairs nicely with roast turkey or ham.
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup
A velvety pumpkin soup made with coconut milk is creamy and allergy-friendly. It serves well as a starter for a Thanksgiving menu and can be kept warm in the crockpot for guests.
Slow-Cooker Dinner Rolls
When oven space is tight, use the crockpot for soft, buttery dinner rolls that require no proofing. These rolls are a simple, crowd-pleasing addition to any holiday table.
Crock Pot Thanksgiving Appetizers
Start your Thanksgiving feast with easy crockpot appetizers that warm guests and set the tone for a relaxed gathering.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
Sweet-and-tangy cranberry meatballs simmer gently in the crockpot, absorbing sauce flavors and staying warm for serving. They’re an effortless, shareable appetizer.
Slow Cooker Chex Mix
Make large batches of Chex Mix in the slow cooker for snacking while guests arrive. This warm, savory mix is easy to scale and keeps well.
Crock-Pot Thanksgiving Desserts
Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake
This simple four-ingredient dump cake tastes like warm apple pie without the fuss. Layer canned or fresh apples with cake mix and butter in the crockpot for a cozy dessert that’s easy to make and transport.
Crustless Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie
If oven space is limited, make a crustless pumpkin pie in the slow cooker. It’s creamy, spiced, and adaptable to lower sugar or fat versions while still delivering classic pumpkin flavor.
Slow Cooker Bread Pudding
A warm bread pudding studded with cranberries and walnuts is an inviting holiday dessert. Serve with a caramel sauce or a drizzle of cream for an extra-special finish.
Crock Pot Baked Apples
Slow-cooked apples taste like baked apples without needing the oven. Serve them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a lighter, comforting dessert that’s also vegetarian-friendly.
Crockpot Pecan Pie
A semi-homemade pecan pie baked in the crockpot offers crunchy pecans and gooey filling with minimal effort. It’s a sweet, nutty finale guests will appreciate.
Thanksgiving Crockpot Drinks
Slow Cooker Apple Cider
Mulled apple cider in the crockpot fills the house with warm spices and citrus aroma. It’s ideal for welcoming guests and can be kept on low for hours.
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Lattes
Make pumpkin spice lattes for a crowd by combining brewed coffee with pumpkin, spices, milk or half-and-half, and a little sweetener in the slow cooker. Top with whipped cream for a festive touch.
Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
Slow-cooker hot chocolate keeps a large batch warm and creamy. Offer marshmallows and whipped cream as toppings to let guests customize their cups.
Slow Cooker Spiced Rum Cocktail
For an adult warm cocktail, a spiced rum blend slow-simmered with seasonal spices makes a cozy, aromatic drink that warms guests and scents the home.
This Thanksgiving, press the easy button: pull out your crockpot and try several of these slow-cooker recipes to simplify prep, expand your menu, and serve warm, comforting food your guests will love.
Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 (14.5 ounce) cans cut green beans, drained
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 ounces fried onions (such as French’s), divided
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Kosher salt to taste (optional)
Equipment
- 6-quart crock pot
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or cooking spoon
Instructions
- Prep the crockpot: Grease the inside with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the drained green beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar, 1/2 cup of the fried onions (reserve the rest for topping), milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt if using. Stir until well combined and transfer the mixture to the greased crockpot.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for about 3–4 hours, until heated through. If short on time, cook on HIGH for 1.5–2 hours; cooking times vary by appliance.
- Add topping and serve: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the reserved fried onions over the casserole so they crisp up. Serve warm.
Notes
Doubling the recipe: This recipe can be doubled or tripled and will still fit in a 6‑quart crock pot if you adjust cook time accordingly.
Warm setting: You can keep the casserole on the warm setting for up to 3 hours if needed.
Storing: Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Nutritional information is approximate and will vary based on ingredient brands and exact portions used.