Thanksgiving sides are just as important as the turkey, but let’s be real—oven space is always tight. That’s where your slow cooker comes in to save the day. From classic flavors to crowd-pleasers, these side dishes let you free up the oven while keeping things simple and stress-free. Whether you're hosting a feast or bringing a dish to share, these recipes make it easy to keep everyone happy without juggling too many pots and pans. Let’s make Thanksgiving a little easier this year.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.
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
Easy Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes in the slow cooker are a hassle-free way to create a great side dish. The oven stays open while the potatoes cook to perfection.
Get the Recipe: Easy Roasted Potatoes
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Cowboy cornbread casserole combines beef, beans, and veggies under a cornbread crust. The slow cooker makes this hearty dish easy for gatherings or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Corn Pudding
Corn pudding practically cooks itself in the slow cooker and makes a creamy side dish. It’s perfect for holiday meals while the oven handles other recipes.
Get the Recipe: Corn Pudding
BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs
BBQ grape jelly meatballs are a slow cooker crowd-pleaser that doubles as a main or appetizer. It saves oven space while delivering bold, sweet-savory flavors.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs
Easy Kielbasa, Cabbage and Potatoes
This combines hearty, savory flavors with a tender texture and effortless preparation. Made in the slow cooker, it’s ready to enjoy without using the oven.
Get the Recipe: Easy Kielbasa, Cabbage and Potatoes
Pinto Beans
Slow-cooked pinto beans make a flavorful side dish with minimal hands-on time. They cook effortlessly while keeping the oven free for other recipes.
Get the Recipe: Pinto Beans
Southern Green Beans
Southern-inspired beans with smoked pork hock, bacon, and sausage are easy to prepare in a slow cooker. It’s a flavorful addition without tying up the oven.
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Beans
Secret-Ingredient Black Beans
Cooking dried beans in a slow cooker yields tender results without stovetop monitoring. It’s a straightforward way to prepare beans while saving oven space.
Get the Recipe: Secret-Ingredient Black Beans
Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes
Slow cooker potatoes and green beans with ham combine flavor and ease. With just ten minutes of prep, it’s a hands-free dish perfect for busy holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes
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