28 Crockpot Thanksgiving Recipes for Effortless Holiday Feasts
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, but let’s be honest—it can be a bit overwhelming. The shopping, the prepping, the cooking, and don't even get me started on the cleanup! That's why this year, I'm turning to my trustworthy crockpot to do the heavy lifting.
With these 28 Crockpot Thanksgiving Recipes for Effortless Holiday Feasts, I’m planning to spend more time enjoying the company of my loved ones and less time stressing in the kitchen. Whether you're hosting a huge family gathering or having an intimate dinner, these recipes will ensure you serve a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort. Ready to make Thanksgiving stress-free? Let’s dive into these crockpot wonders.
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1. Crockpot Turkey Breast
A juicy, flavorful turkey breast that requires minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 3 lb. turkey breast
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. thyme
- 1 tsp. rosemary
Instructions:
- Place the turkey breast in the crockpot.
- Pour the chicken broth over the turkey.
- Add onion, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the turkey is cooked through.
- Remove the turkey breast and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
2. Crockpot Stuffing
Your classic stuffing, made right in the slow cooker.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 tsp. sage
- 1 tsp. thyme
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
Instructions:
- Place the bread cubes, onion, and celery in the crockpot.
- Pour the chicken broth and melted butter over the mixture.
- Add sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything to mix well.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes without boiling water.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place potatoes in the crockpot.
- Add chicken broth and cover.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or until potatoes are tender.
- Mash the potatoes right in the crockpot.
- Stir in milk, butter, salt, and pepper until creamy.
4. Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
This creamy, crunchy classic gets an easy slow-cooked makeover.
Ingredients:
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 cups green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup fried onions
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
Instructions:
- Combine cream of mushroom soup and milk in the crockpot.
- Stir in green beans and black pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
- Sprinkle fried onions on top just before serving.
5. Crockpot Sweet Potatoes
Sweet, spiced delights that caramelize beautifully in the slow cooker.
Ingredients:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions:
- Place sweet potatoes in the crockpot.
- Pour orange juice and melted butter over them.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
6. Crockpot Cranberry Sauce
Fresh, zesty cranberry sauce that beats anything out of a can.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz. fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Stir to mix well.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir occasionally until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
7. Crockpot Gravy
Rich, savory gravy that cooks itself while you relax.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a small saucepan, add flour to make a roux.
- Place the roux in the crockpot.
- Stir in chicken broth and diced onion.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Stir well before serving, adding salt and pepper to taste.
8. Crockpot Cornbread
Fluffy, moist cornbread, perfect for sopping up gravy.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup oil
Instructions:
- Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and oil.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter into a greased crockpot.
- Cook on high for 2-3 hours until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Crockpot Carrots
Tender, sweet, and slightly caramelized carrots.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. baby carrots
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Instructions:
- Place carrots in the crockpot.
- Pour orange juice over them.
- Add brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
10. Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
- Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
- Stir to mix well.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
11. Crockpot Brussel Sprouts
Perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts without the oven.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Place in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
12. Crockpot BBQ Pulled Turkey
A fun twist on your traditional Thanksgiving turkey.
Ingredients:
- 3 lb. turkey breast
- 1 bottle BBQ sauce
- 1 onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place turkey breast in the crockpot.
- Pour BBQ sauce over it.
- Add diced onion, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Shred turkey with a fork before serving.
13. Crockpot Mushroom Risotto
Creamy risotto without all the stirring.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup white wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine rice, mushrooms, chicken broth, and white wine in the crockpot.
- Cook on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add milk, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
14. Crockpot Apple Pie Filling
All the flavor of apple pie without the fuss.
Ingredients:
- 6 apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Stir to coat apples well.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours until apples are tender.
15. Crockpot Brown Sugar Ham
Sweet and savory ham that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-cooked ham (6-8 lbs.)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp. mustard
Instructions:
- Place ham in the crockpot.
- Mix brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, and mustard.
- Pour mixture over ham.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
16. Crockpot Orange Cranberry Sauce
A tangy, citrus twist on classic cranberry sauce.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz. fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Mash cranberries for a smoother texture.
17. Crockpot Herb Butter Salmon
Succulent salmon perfect for a lighter option.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 tsp. dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place salmon fillets in the crockpot.
- Dot with butter and arrange lemon slices on top.
- Sprinkle dill, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours.
18. Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup
Warm and velvety, with just the right balance of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp. thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine butternut squash, onion, and chicken broth in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Puree the soup using an immersion blender.
- Stir in heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper before serving.
19. Crockpot Sausage Cranberry Stuffing
A delicious twist on classic stuffing that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. sausage
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp. sage
- 1/2 tsp. thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook sausage in a skillet, then add to the crockpot with bread cubes, cranberries, and onion.
- Pour chicken broth and melted butter over the mixture.
- Add sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to mix well.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally.
20. Crockpot Pumpkin Pie Pudding
All the flavors of a pumpkin pie, no crust required.
Ingredients:
- 1 can pumpkin puree
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup Bisquick mix
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp. cloves
- 1/4 tsp. ginger
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients except whipped cream in the crockpot.
- Stir to mix well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream.
21. Crockpot Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
A low-carb option that’s just as satisfying as mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place cauliflower and chicken broth in the crockpot.
- Add minced garlic.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours.
- Mash cauliflower in the crockpot.
- Stir in butter, salt, and pepper until well combined.
22. Crockpot Maple Bacon Green Beans
Sweet and savory green beans that will disappear in no time.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups green beans, trimmed
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place green beans and bacon in the crockpot.
- Pour maple syrup over the mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
23. Crockpot Glazed Carrots
Sweet and tender carrots with a delicious glaze.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. baby carrots
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Instructions:
- Place carrots in the crockpot.
- Combine honey, brown sugar, orange juice, butter, and cinnamon.
- Pour over the carrots.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
24. Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
A creamy, cheesy dip that's perfect for appetizers.
Ingredients:
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Stir to mix well.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm with crackers or bread.
25. Crockpot Spiced Apples
Sweet and aromatic, these spiced apples are a perfect fall treat.
Ingredients:
- 6 apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Stir to coat apples well.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
26. Crockpot Cherry Pie Filling
An easy and delicious filling for pies or as a dessert topping.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Stir to mix well.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
27. Crockpot Honey Glazed Carrots
The perfect sweet side dish for your Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. baby carrots
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/2 tsp. ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place carrots in the crockpot.
- Combine honey, orange juice, and ginger.
- Pour over the carrots.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
28. Crockpot Hot Apple Cider
Warm, spiced apple cider, perfect for greeting guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1 orange, sliced
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp. whole cloves
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Stir to mix well.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- Serve warm.
Conclusion
With these 28 Crockpot Thanksgiving Recipes for Effortless Holiday Feasts, I know this year's celebration will be stress-free and delicious. Whether it's the main course, sides, or even dessert, the crockpot has got us covered. Here's to enjoying more and worrying less. Happy Thanksgiving!