25 Crockpot Side Dish Recipes Perfect for Any Meal
There’s something magical about a crockpot. It’s like having your very own personal chef hanging out on your countertop, blending flavors and textures while you go about your day. And when it comes to side dishes, the possibilities are endless. Imagine walking through the door to the aroma of a perfectly cooked side, ready to complement any main dish you have planned.
In this post, I’ll share with you "25 Crockpot Side Dish Recipes Perfect for Any Meal." These recipes are simple, flavorful, and bound to become family favorites. Let’s dive into the world of crockpot culinary delights that will make every meal special.
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1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Everyone loves mashed potatoes, and making them in a crockpot is a game changer.
Ingredients:
- 5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Add potatoes and chicken broth to a crockpot. Cook on high for 4 hours or until tender.
- Drain any excess liquid. Mash potatoes in the crockpot.
- Stir in heavy cream, sour cream, butter, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until creamy and smooth.
2. Green Bean Casserole
A holiday favorite made easy with a crockpot.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups French-fried onions
Instructions:
- Combine green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4 hours.
- Stir in half of the French-fried onions.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Top with the remaining French-fried onions just before serving.
3. Cheesy Cauliflower
This low-carb side is loaded with cheesy goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Place cauliflower florets into the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix together cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream.
- Pour the cheese mixture over the cauliflower.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours until cauliflower is tender.
- Stir well and season with salt and pepper before serving.
4. Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
A tangy and savory veggie side that pairs well with almost any dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Add Brussels sprouts, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and honey to the crockpot.
- Season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
- Cook on low for 3 hours until tender.
- Stir before serving.
5. Garlic Parmesan Risotto
An easy way to make this creamy Italian classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Add rice, chicken broth, white wine, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
- Cook on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once the rice is creamy and tender, stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately.
6. Honey Glazed Carrots
Sweet and buttery carrots that kids and adults will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs baby carrots
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Place baby carrots in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix honey, melted butter, and brown sugar.
- Pour the mixture over the carrots and stir to coat.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours until carrots are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
7. Corn Pudding
A rich and creamy side dish that's perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can creamed corn
- 1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and stir until well mixed.
- Cook on high for 2-3 hours or until the pudding is set.
- Serve warm.
8. Herb-Infused Couscous
A light and fluffy grain side with a hint of herbs.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups couscous
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Add couscous, chicken broth, olive oil, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 2 hours.
- Fluff with a fork before serving.
9. Ranch-Style Potatoes
Potato lovers will adore this flavorful side.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Place potatoes in the crockpot.
- Sprinkle with ranch seasoning mix and drizzle with olive oil.
- Stir to coat the potatoes evenly.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours until tender.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
10. Creamed Spinach
A fancy yet easy side dish that’s super creamy.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Place spinach, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and garlic into the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once creamy and well combined, season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm.
11. Sweet Potato Casserole
A delicious and sweet side dish with a crunchy topping.
Ingredients:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Place sweet potatoes in the crockpot.
- Combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Pour over sweet potatoes and stir to coat.
- Cook on low for 4 hours until tender.
- Top with mini marshmallows and pecans.
- Cook for an additional 15 minutes until marshmallows are melted.
12. Lemon Butter Asparagus
A zesty and buttery treat perfect for spring and summer.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Place asparagus in the crockpot.
- Combine melted butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl.
- Pour over asparagus and stir to coat.
- Cook on low for 2 hours until tender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
13. Stuffed Bell Peppers
An all-time favorite that's convenient to make.
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers, tops removed and seeds discarded
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the bell peppers with the mixture.
- Place the stuffed bell peppers in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours until peppers are tender.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese just before serving.
14. BBQ Baked Beans
A smoky and hearty side dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans navy beans, drained
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and stir well.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm.
15. Garlic Butter Mushrooms
A savory side dish with rich garlic flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs cremini mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Place mushrooms in the crockpot.
- Combine melted butter, minced garlic, and chicken broth in a bowl.
- Pour over mushrooms and stir to coat.
- Cook on low for 3 hours until mushrooms are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
16. Mac and Cheese
Creamy and comforting mac and cheese made effortlessly.
Ingredients:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni, cooked
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Place cooked macaroni in the crockpot.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese, milk, heavy cream, and melted butter.
- Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
17. Spinach Artichoke Dip
A party favorite that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 10 oz fresh spinach, chopped
- 14 oz can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and stir well.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm with chips or bread.
18. Mexican Street Corn
A zesty and cheesy corn side dish with a kick.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups corn kernels
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions:
- Combine corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, and chili powder in the crockpot.
- Stir well and cook on low for 2 hours.
- Add lime juice and stir before serving.
19. Coconut Rice
A sweet and aromatic rice that pairs well with Asian dishes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Combine jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt in the crockpot.
- Stir well and cook on low for 2-3 hours until rice is tender.
- Fluff with a fork before serving.
20. Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy and cheesy potatoes that melt in your mouth.
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Layer potato slices in the crockpot.
- Combine heavy cream, milk, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Pour mixture over the potatoes and stir gently.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours until potatoes are tender and creamy.
21. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
A warm and comforting breakfast side.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups milk
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Combine oats, water, milk, apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in the crockpot.
- Stir well and cook on low for 6-8 hours or overnight.
- Stir before serving.
22. Broccoli Cheese Soup
A creamy and cheesy soup that's perfect for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Combine broccoli, chicken broth, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and onion in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours until broccoli is tender.
- Blend the soup to desired consistency using an immersion blender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
23. Collard Greens
A Southern classic made easy in the crockpot.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs collard greens, cleaned and chopped
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Combine collard greens, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, onion, garlic, and chicken broth in the crockpot.
- Stir well and cook on low for 6-7 hours until greens are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
24. Pineapple Fried Rice
A tropical twist on a classic side dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- 1/2 cup peas and carrots
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
Instructions:
- Combine cooked rice, diced pineapple, peas and carrots, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sesame oil in the crockpot.
- Stir well and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
- Add chopped green onions and stir before serving.
25. Mediterranean Quinoa
A healthy and tasty quinoa side with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups quinoa, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Combine quinoa and vegetable broth in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours until quinoa is tender.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Conclusion
There you have it—25 crockpot side dish recipes that are perfect for any meal. Each one is packed with flavor and easy to make, turning your slow cooker into the MVP of your kitchen. Happy cooking!