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Home » Recipe Collections

24 Slow Cooker Sides That Will Save Your Holiday Dinner

Published: Nov 28, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Slow cooker sides are a game-changer when it comes to holiday dinners, making it easier to juggle all the dishes without breaking a sweat. They’re great for freeing up oven space and giving you time to focus on what really matters—sharing good food with the people you love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or keeping it cozy, these recipes are perfect for taking the stress out of mealtime while still bringing plenty of flavor to the table.

Slow cooker roasted potatoes in a bowl.
Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

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 becomes effortless in the slow cooker, making it perfect for holiday meals. A quick ten-minute prep means more time for other dishes while your oven stays free.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

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 an easy way to achieve creamy, cheesy comfort food. Combine the ingredients, stir occasionally, and let it cook while saving valuable oven space.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

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 streamlines the process, saving time and effort. It frees up your oven and cooks the squash perfectly while you handle other tasks.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash

Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

Top view of crock pot chicken and stuffing in a white plate.
Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Slow cooker chicken and stuffing combines ease with hearty flavors, making it a practical choice for busy days. This dish is especially convenient when your oven is reserved for holiday mains.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

Corn Pudding

Corn Pudding. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Corn pudding in the slow cooker practically takes care of itself, simplifying meal prep. Its creamy, slightly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with holiday feasts or casual weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Corn Pudding

Sausage and Potatoes

Sausage and Potatoes. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This slow cooker sausage and potatoes recipe delivers hearty flavors with minimal effort. Toss the ingredients together and let the slow cooker handle the rest while you focus on other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Potatoes

Corned Beef Hash Au Gratin

Corned Beef Hash Au Gratin. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Corned beef hash au gratin, loaded with potatoes and pepper jack cheese, is a rich and satisfying option. The slow cooker makes this classic comfort food simple and hands-free.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Hash Au Gratin

Pinto Beans

Pinto Beans. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Pinto beans cook perfectly in the slow cooker, making them a practical addition to any meal. A quick prep and oven-free cooking free you to manage other holiday essentials.
Get the Recipe: Pinto Beans

Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole

Slow cooker with green bean casserole topped with fried onions.
Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Using the slow cooker for green bean casserole saves oven space while delivering classic flavors. It’s a smart way to simplify holiday cooking without sacrificing tradition.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole

Easy Roasted Potatoes

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

Slow cooker roasted potatoes are an easy way to achieve a perfectly tender side dish. They require minimal effort and keep your oven open for other holiday essentials.
Get the Recipe: Easy Roasted Potatoes

Chili Mac

Cheese covered slow cooker chili mac in the crock pot with a wooden spoon.
Chili Mac. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chili Mac in the slow cooker blends two hearty favorites into one simple dish. It’s a hassle-free option that’s ready when you are, leaving the oven available for other recipes.
Get the Recipe: Chili Mac

Cranberry Sauce

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

Slow cooker cranberry sauce is quick to prepare and delivers vibrant flavor. It simplifies holiday prep by taking one more task off your stove.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce

Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

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

Garlic and rosemary braised potatoes in the slow cooker are flavorful and tender with minimal effort. This hands-free option frees your oven for more elaborate dishes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes

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

Potatoes and green beans with ham cook effortlessly in the slow cooker, with just ten minutes of prep. This side is a flavorful, hands-off addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes

Secret-Ingredient Black Beans

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

Dried beans in the slow cooker are an easy way to achieve perfectly tender results. This method eliminates the need for constant stovetop monitoring during busy days.
Get the Recipe: Secret-Ingredient Black Beans

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow cooker mac and cheese makes meal prep simple, delivering rich, cheesy results. This practical side dish saves oven space and pairs with a variety of main courses.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Cheesy Ranch Bacon Potatoes

Cheesy Ranch Bacon Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Tender potatoes with cheese and bacon cook easily in the slow cooker, saving time and effort. It’s a crowd-pleasing option that lets the oven focus on the main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ranch Bacon Potatoes

Polenta

Polenta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Creamy polenta is effortless with the slow cooker, requiring just a few pantry staples. This method produces a rich side dish that complements any meal without tying up the oven.
Get the Recipe: Polenta

BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs

Close-up image of bbq grape jelly meatballs.
BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

BBQ grape jelly meatballs cook beautifully in the slow cooker, perfect as a side or appetizer. They’re a hands-off option that frees up oven space for other holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs

Southern Green Beans

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

Smoked pork hock, bacon, sausage, and green beans combine in this Southern-inspired slow cooker dish. It’s flavorful and effortless, letting you focus on other recipes during the day.
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Beans

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole layers beef, beans, and cornbread in one hearty dish. The slow cooker simplifies the process, making it great for potlucks or busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Jalapeño Popper Creamed Corn

Jalapeño Popper Creamed Corn. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Creamy jalapeño corn with bacon and cheddar cooks hands-free in the slow cooker. This sweet and savory side dish saves oven space while adding bold flavors to your table.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Creamed Corn

Easy Kielbasa, Cabbage and Potatoes

Easy Kielbasa, Cabbage and Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Tender textures and savory flavors make this slow cooker side a comforting choice. It’s a practical option that lets you enjoy a hands-free approach to hearty meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Kielbasa, Cabbage and Potatoes

Velveeta Mac and Cheese

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

Velveeta mac and cheese comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker, with no pre-boiling required. It’s a simple way to achieve creamy, cheesy perfection during busy days.
Get the Recipe: Velveeta Mac and Cheese

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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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