30 Crockpot Holiday Dish Recipes for Cozy Winter Nights
Winter is officially here, and the chilly nights call for something warm, comforting, and easy to make. Enter the trusty crockpot. It's the unsung hero of holiday cooking, allowing me to whip up delicious, soul-warming meals with minimal effort.
Whether I'm planning a festive feast for family or a cozy night in, "30 Crockpot Holiday Dish Recipes for Cozy Winter Nights" has become my go-to guide. From savory stews to decadent desserts, these recipes are designed to please palates and warm hearts, all while giving me more time to focus on what truly matters—spending time with loved ones.
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1. Slow Cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Rich and creamy, these mashed potatoes are a holiday staple.
Ingredients:
- 5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place potatoes and garlic in a crockpot.
- Add chicken broth, cover, and cook on high for 4 hours.
- Mash potatoes and mix in heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper.
2. Crockpot Turkey Breast
A hassle-free holiday classic that’s perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 boneless turkey breast (approx. 5 lbs)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place turkey breast in the crockpot.
- Pour chicken broth and melted butter over the turkey.
- Add garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
This French-inspired stew is rich, flavorful, and perfect for winter nights.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs stew beef, cubed
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
- Cook bacon in a pan until crispy, then add to crockpot.
- Brown beef in the same pan and transfer to the crockpot.
- Add wine, beef broth, carrots, onion, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
4. Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup
Warm up with this velvety, nutrient-packed soup.
Ingredients:
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place squash, onion, vegetable broth, garlic, and curry powder in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Blend until smooth, then stir in coconut milk, salt, and pepper.
5. Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Ham
A sweet, savory dish that’s perfect for holiday dinners.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-cooked ham (approx. 7 lbs)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
- Place ham in the crockpot.
- Mix honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
- Pour mixture over the ham.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
6. Crockpot Cranberry Sauce
Elevate your holiday meals with this tangy homemade sauce.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and cinnamon in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
7. Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
A beloved holiday side dish made simple in the slow cooker.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans green beans, drained
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup French-fried onions
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Top with French-fried onions and cook an additional 15 minutes.
8. Crockpot Eggnog
Keep it traditional with this creamy, spiced holiday drink.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup sugar
- 12 egg yolks, beaten
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup rum (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine milk, heavy cream, and sugar in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Gradually add warm mixture to beaten egg yolks, then return to the crockpot.
- Stir in vanilla, nutmeg, and rum (if using).
- Cook on low for another hour, stirring occasionally.
9. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet, spiced, and topped with a crunchy pecan streusel.
Ingredients:
- 5 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions:
- Place sweet potatoes in the crockpot.
- Mix brown sugar, heavy cream, melted butter, and cinnamon, then pour over sweet potatoes.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Sprinkle pecans on top before serving.
10. Crockpot Bread Pudding
A warm and comforting dessert, perfect for winter evenings.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups bread cubes
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Place bread cubes in the crockpot.
- Mix milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, then pour over the bread.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
11. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili
A hearty and unique twist on traditional chili, perfect for cozy nights.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 can pumpkin puree
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown ground turkey in a pan, then transfer to the crockpot.
- Add pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, black beans, onion, garlic, bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
12. Crockpot Apple Cider
A warm, spiced drink to fill the house with delightful aromas.
Ingredients:
- 8 cups apple cider
- 1 orange, sliced
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
- Combine apple cider, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and brown sugar in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- Strain before serving.
13. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Comfort food at its finest, perfect for snowy nights.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place chicken, chicken broth, onion, carrots, celery, thyme, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Shred chicken and return to the pot.
- Cut biscuit dough into pieces and drop into the crockpot.
- Cook on high for 1 hour, or until biscuits are cooked through.
14. Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
A warm and creamy appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Combine spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlic in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
15. Slow Cooker Gingerbread Cake
A spiced, moist cake that captures the spirit of the holidays.
Ingredients:
- 1 box gingerbread cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Mix gingerbread cake mix, water, egg, vegetable oil, ginger, and cinnamon.
- Pour into a greased crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
16. Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Rich, creamy, and perfect for warming up after a day in the snow.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Combine milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and vanilla in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
17. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Sweet, savory, and tender chicken that’s perfect for any holiday meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then pour over chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
18. Crockpot Chocolate Fondue
An indulgent dessert perfect for dipping fruit, marshmallows, and more.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Combine chocolate chips, heavy cream, butter, and vanilla in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 1 hour, stirring until smooth.
19. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
A creamy, hearty dish that’s perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place beef, onion, garlic, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, paprika, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
- Stir in sour cream before serving.
20. Crockpot Sausage and Peppers
A simple yet delicious meal that’s great for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Italian sausage
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp oregano
Instructions:
- Place Italian sausage, bell peppers, onion, diced tomatoes, garlic, and oregano in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
21. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Tender and flavorful pulled pork that’s perfect for sandwiches or tacos.
Ingredients:
- 3 lb pork shoulder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place pork shoulder in the crockpot.
- Mix barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper, then pour over pork.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Shred pork before serving.
22. Crockpot Chicken Tacos
An easy and tasty dinner that’s sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 onion, chopped
Instructions:
- Place chicken, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and onion in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Shred chicken before serving in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
23. Slow Cooker Pot Roast
A classic, tender pot roast with veggies for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 3 lb beef chuck roast
- 4 potatoes, quartered
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place beef, potatoes, carrots, onion, beef broth, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
24. Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying pasta dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 lb fettuccine, cooked
Instructions:
- Place chicken, heavy cream, Parmesan, butter, and garlic powder in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Shred chicken and stir in cooked fettuccine before serving.
25. Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
A takeout favorite made easily at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef sirloin, sliced thin
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Place beef, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Add broccoli and cook an additional 30 minutes.
26. Crockpot Hot Spiced Pears
A warm, sweet, and spicy dessert to enjoy on cold nights.
Ingredients:
- 6 pears, peeled and halved
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple juice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Instructions:
- Place pears in the crockpot.
- Mix brown sugar, apple juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then pour over pears.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
27. Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole
A sweet and satisfying breakfast dish that’s great for holiday brunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread, cubed
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Instructions:
- Place bread cubes in the crockpot.
- Mix eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then pour over bread.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
28. Crockpot Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
A comforting and cheesy side dish that complements any meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine broccoli, rice, cheddar cheese, milk, cream of mushroom soup, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
29. Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
A delightful and aromatic holiday drink to keep you warm.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 orange, sliced
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 10 whole cloves
- 1/4 cup brandy
Instructions:
- Combine red wine, honey, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and brandy in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours.
- Strain before serving.
30. Crockpot Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
A light, flavorful, and easy-to-make seafood dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place shrimp in the crockpot.
- Add butter, garlic, lemon slices, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 1-2 hours, until shrimp are cooked through.
Conclusion
There you have it—30 delightful recipes to make your winter nights warm and festive. Enjoy cooking and savor every flavor that these crockpot dishes bring to the table!