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Home » Recipe Collections

15 Easy Thanksgiving Sides That Practically Make Themselves

Published: Nov 20, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving sides don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming, and these recipes make it simple to have a variety of tasty dishes without stressing over every detail. Whether you need something creamy, savory, or a little sweet, these sides are perfect for rounding out your holiday meal with minimal effort. You can set them and forget them, freeing up your time for the bigger dishes and family moments. With options to suit every taste, these recipes let you enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving without sacrificing flavor or convenience.

Ranch Bacon Potatoes in a dish.
Ranch Bacon Potatoes. Photo Credit: xoxoBella.

Green Bean Casserole

An overhead image of slow cooker green bean casserole on a plate.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Green bean casserole made in the slow cooker is an easy Thanksgiving side that takes only 10 minutes of prep. It lets the slow cooker do the work, freeing up your oven for other dishes during the busy holiday.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Spaghetti Squash

A halved spaghetti squash on a plate with a fork scooping out the stringy, cooked flesh.
Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cooking spaghetti squash in the slow cooker is a great way to simplify prep and cooking time. This hands-off method helps you save oven space and ensures the squash cooks perfectly for your Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash

Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of two bowls of mac and cheese with a fork beside each.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker mac and cheese is the perfect choice for easy Thanksgiving sides, delivering creamy, cheesy comfort with minimal effort. Just toss in the ingredients, and the slow cooker handles the rest, saving both time and oven space.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Corn Pudding

Corn Pudding. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Corn pudding in the slow cooker is a convenient, easy Thanksgiving side that practically cooks itself. With just a few minutes of prep, you get a creamy, slightly sweet dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Corn Pudding

Secret-Ingredient Black Beans

Secret-Ingredient Black Beans. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Preparing dried beans in the slow cooker is an easy way to get tender, flavorful results without the constant attention of the stovetop. This hands-off side is a great addition to your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Secret-Ingredient Black Beans

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Slow cooker cranberry sauce is a quick and easy Thanksgiving side that saves you from stove-top hassle. It’s ready with just a few minutes of prep, adding vibrant flavor without taking up precious cooking space.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce

Cheesy Ranch Bacon Potatoes

Cheesy Ranch Bacon Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cheesy ranch bacon potatoes in the slow cooker combine tender potatoes with savory bacon and melted cheese for a rich, flavorful side. It’s an easy Thanksgiving side that cooks while you focus on other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ranch Bacon Potatoes

Southern Green Beans

Green beans with pork on a black plate.
Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Southern green beans with smoked pork hock, bacon, and sausage make an easy Thanksgiving side that’s packed with flavor. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare, so you can focus on other holiday tasks.
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Beans

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet potato casserole is a Thanksgiving classic, and when cooked in the slow cooker, it’s even easier. This side dish features cinnamon, pecans, and marshmallows, making it the perfect hands-off addition to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Loaded mashed potato casserole is a great easy Thanksgiving side that can be prepared in the slow cooker. It’s a practical dish that frees up space in the oven and makes a comforting addition to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Easy Roasted Potatoes

Easy Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Slow cooker roasted potatoes require minimal prep and cook to perfection while keeping your oven free for other dishes. This easy Thanksgiving side makes meal prep simpler and helps you manage your time during the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Easy Roasted Potatoes

Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes

Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Ham, green beans, and potatoes come together in the slow cooker for a flavorful, easy Thanksgiving side. With just 10 minutes of prep, this hands-off dish is perfect for busy holiday cooking.
Get the Recipe: Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes

Velveeta Mac and Cheese

Velveeta Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Velveeta mac and cheese is an easy Thanksgiving side that comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker. It’s a reliable, creamy dish that requires no pre-boiling and saves you valuable time and oven space.
Get the Recipe: Velveeta Mac and Cheese

Jalapeño Popper Creamed Corn

Jalapeño Popper Creamed Corn. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Creamed corn with jalapeños, cheddar, garlic, and bacon is an easy Thanksgiving side made in the slow cooker. This sweet and savory dish adds great flavor to your meal without taking up space in your oven.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Creamed Corn

Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Garlic and rosemary braised potatoes in the slow cooker create a flavorful, tender side with minimal effort. This easy Thanksgiving side makes it easy to get potatoes on the table without using up your oven.
Get the Recipe: Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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