Thanksgiving side dishes can often hog all the oven space — but they don’t have to. These slow-cooker recipes let you free up your oven while still delivering comforting, crowd-favorite flavors. From creamy mac and cheese to soulful beans and savory potatoes, these sides make your holiday meal easier, more relaxed, and just as delicious.
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole in a slow cooker is effortless and frees up your oven for other dishes. Just ten minutes of prep, and the slow cooker takes care of the rest.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash cooks perfectly in a slow cooker, simplifying prep and saving oven space. It’s a hands-free way to focus on other tasks while preparing a wholesome side.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash
Mac and Cheese
Slow cooker mac and cheese makes creamy, cheesy comfort food with minimal effort. Add the ingredients and stir occasionally for a stress-free, oven-free dish.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese
Jalapeño Popper Creamed Corn
Creamy jalapeño corn with bacon, cheddar, and garlic becomes an easy side dish thanks to the slow cooker. This sweet and savory option doesn’t use up your oven space.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Creamed Corn
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Preparing mac and cheese in the slow cooker streamlines the process and delivers rich, cheesy flavor. It’s a practical way to serve this classic while keeping the oven clear.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole in a slow cooker keeps holiday meal prep stress-free. You’ll enjoy traditional flavors without taking up valuable oven space.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole
Sausage and Potatoes
Sausage and potatoes in the slow cooker require little effort but deliver great flavor. This dish practically cooks itself, giving you time to focus on other recipes.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Potatoes
Velveeta Mac and Cheese
Velveeta mac and cheese is a slow cooker recipe that skips pre-boiling and saves time. It’s an easy way to enjoy a creamy, cheesy dish with no oven needed.
Get the Recipe: Velveeta Mac and Cheese
Chili Mac
Slow cooker chili mac combines two favorites—chili and mac & cheese—into one hearty dish. It’s simple to prepare and doesn’t take up your oven.
Get the Recipe: Chili Mac
Cheesy Ranch Bacon Potatoes
This slow cooker side features tender potatoes, cheese, and bacon, all made easily. It’s a flavorful dish that keeps the oven free for main courses.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ranch Bacon Potatoes
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce in the slow cooker is a quick-prep option with vibrant flavor. It’s one less thing to monitor while you juggle holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce
Polenta
Creamy polenta in the slow cooker uses basic ingredients and minimal effort. The oven-free method produces a versatile side that complements any meal.
Get the Recipe: Polenta
Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing
Chicken and stuffing come together easily in a slow cooker, emphasizing convenience. It’s a flavorful dish that saves oven space for other recipes.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing
Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes
Garlic and rosemary braised potatoes in the slow cooker are flavorful and tender. This method is easy and frees up the oven for other cooking needs.
Get the Recipe: Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes
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