On Thanksgiving, oven space is the real bottleneck. These Thanksgiving crockpot recipes move the main, the sides and even dessert into slow cookers, so the oven is free for rolls and pie.
If you have 2 or 3 slow cookers (or can borrow one), you can make most of the meal hands-off.
Quick Picks
- Main: Crockpot Turkey Breast
- Must-have side: Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
- Easiest side: Creamed Corn
12 Thanksgiving Crockpot Recipes
1. Crockpot Turkey Breast
Juicy bone-in turkey breast with herb butter and drippings gravy. Perfect for smaller gatherings.
Get the full crockpot turkey breast recipe
2. Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Cooked in garlic broth, mashed in the crock and held on WARM.
Get the full crockpot mashed potatoes recipe
3. Slow Cooker Stuffing
Saute 1 diced onion and 3 celery ribs in 1/2 cup butter. Toss with 12 cups dried bread cubes, 1 tbsp dried sage, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp salt, 2 1/2 cups chicken broth and 2 beaten eggs. Pack loosely into a greased 6-quart crock and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
4. Green Bean Casserole
Stir 2 lb (900 g) thawed frozen green beans with 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 tsp pepper and 1/2 cup crispy fried onions. Cook on LOW for 4 hours. Top with 1 cup more fried onions before serving.
5. Sweet Potato Casserole
Cook 3 lb (1.4 kg) peeled, cubed sweet potatoes with 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup butter, 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. Mash and top with toasted pecans or mini marshmallows.
6. Creamed Corn
Combine 32 oz frozen corn, 8 oz cubed cream cheese, 4 tbsp butter, 1/3 cup milk, 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp salt. Cook on LOW for 4 hours, stirring once.
7. Cranberry Sauce
Combine 12 oz fresh cranberries, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup orange juice and 1 tsp orange zest. Cook on HIGH for 3 hours, stirring once, then uncover for the last 30 minutes to thicken.
8. Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing
Thanksgiving flavors in one pot for smaller tables.
Get the full crockpot chicken and stuffing recipe
9. Crockpot Baked Potatoes
A no-oven option if you prefer baked to mashed.
Get the full crockpot baked potatoes recipe
10. Crockpot Apple Butter
For warm rolls and biscuits.
Get the full crockpot apple butter recipe
11. Crockpot Hot Chocolate
A cozy after-dinner drink station.
Get the full crockpot hot chocolate recipe
12. Crockpot Swedish Meatballs
An easy appetizer to keep guests happy.
Get the full crockpot swedish meatballs recipe
Thanksgiving Slow Cooker Game Plan
- Make a timeline. Start the turkey breast 6 to 7 hours before dinner and potatoes 4 hours before.
- Use WARM to hold. Sides stay hot for 1 to 2 hours on WARM.
- Label crocks with tape. Write the dish and its start time on each.
- Mind the outlets. Spread slow cookers across circuits to avoid tripping a breaker.
Equipment I Used
- 3-piece ceramic serving bowl set: takes food straight from the crock to the table.
- Stainless steel measuring cups and spoons: for sauces and spice blends.
- Wooden cutting board with handle: for slicing and serving right at the table.
New to slow cooking? The Easy Slow Cooker Recipes guide is a beginner-friendly collection of easy crockpot breakfasts and dinners.
Thanksgiving Crockpot Recipes FAQ
What Thanksgiving dishes can you make in a crockpot?
Turkey breast, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, creamed corn, cranberry sauce and drinks.
Can I cook a whole turkey in a crockpot?
Most whole turkeys are too large. A bone-in turkey breast is the best fit.
How early can I start Thanksgiving sides in the crockpot?
Plan backward from dinner using each recipe’s cook time; most sides take 4 to 6 hours on LOW.
How do I keep sides warm?
Use the WARM setting and stir occasionally.
