Home Gear Appliances Slow Cooker
Julie MeyersUpdated: Jan. 12, 2024
Save space in your oven this Thanksgiving by using your slow cooker to whip up holiday favorites like turkey, sides, easy apps, cozy desserts and more.
1/68
Slow-Cooked Pumpkin Apple Cobbler
This spiced cobbler with apples and cranberries is sure to please all of your holiday guests. It is perfect for fall but can be made year-round since it uses fresh or frozen cranberries. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Go to Recipe
2/68
Slow-Cooker Turkey Breast
Try this wonderfully flavored, easy-to-fix slow-cooker turkey breast when you're craving something delicious. It makes a great holiday dish for smaller families, too. —Maria Juco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
3/68
Butterscotch Mulled Cider
Only five minutes of preparation is needed for this dynamite slow-cooked drink. You will love the sweet taste of butterscotch and cinnamon in the hot apple cider. —Karen Mack, Webster, New York
Go to Recipe
4/68
Slow-Cooked Sausage Dressing
This savory dressing gets amped up with apples and pecans. It cooks easily in a slow cooker so the stove and oven are free for the other dishes you're preparing. —Raquel Haggard, Edmond, Oklahoma
Go to Recipe
5/68
6/68
Pumpkin Spice Custard
Here's a traditional slow-cooker pumpkin spice custard with some espresso powder for a latte effect. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Go to Recipe
7/68
8/68
Slow-Cooked Mac 'n' Cheese
Slow-cooked mac and cheese—the words alone are enough to make mouths water. This is comfort food at its best: rich and extra cheesy. —Shelby Molina, Whitewater, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
9/68
Slow-Cooker Cran-Apple Chutney
My clan isn’t crazy for cranberries, but they can’t get enough of this delicious chutney. I recommend it for Thanksgiving as it tastes amazing paired with turkey, but it's also good on its own. —Raquel Haggard, Edmond, Oklahoma
Go to Recipe
10/68
Autumn Pumpkin Chili
We have this turkey pumpkin chili often because everyone loves it, even the most finicky grandchildren. It’s a definite keeper in my book! —Kimberly Nagy, Port Hadlock, Washington
Go to Recipe
11/68
Caramel and Pear Pudding
Here is a lovely winter dessert that uses fresh seasonal pears. It's easy to fix and a comforting treat after any meal. I enjoy snacking on it while sitting by the fireplace. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Go to Recipe
12/68
Slow-Cooker Creamed Corn with Bacon
Every time I take this super rich corn to a holiday potluck or work party, I leave with an empty slow cooker. It's decadent, homey and so worth the splurge. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
Go to Recipe
13/68
Jazzed-Up Green Bean Casserole
After trying many variations of this old standby, I decided to give it a little kick. The crunchy texture from the veggies combines with bacon and melt-in-your-mouth cheese to make this dish a hit at any holiday get-together. —Stephan-Scott Rugh, Portland, Oregon
Go to Recipe
14/68
Butterscotch Pears
This grand finale simmers during dinner and impresses as soon as you bring it to the table. Serve as is, or with vanilla ice cream and a slice of pound cake. Leftover pear nectar is heavenly when added to sparkling wine or simply poured over ice. —Theresa Kreyche, Tustin, California
Go to Recipe
15/68
Slow-Cooker Cheese Dip
I brought this slightly spicy cheese dip to a gathering with friends and it was a huge hit. The spicy pork sausage gives the dip plenty of zip! —Marion Bartone, Conneaut, Ohio
Go to Recipe
16/68
Cranberry-Apple Spritzer
This is an easy five-ingredient drink to make for your guests for the holidays. Serve it hot or cold. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
17/68
This recipe renders some of the juiciest turkey I have ever eaten. High in lean protein, it’s a smart entree for a special occasion. —Jessica Kunz, Springfield, Illinois
Next: Check out our 100 most-shared slow cooker dinners.
18/68
Sausage-Herb Dressing
To make time for last-minute Thanksgiving essentials, I prep the sausage part of this recipe a day or two ahead of time, then finish the dressing in my slow cooker on the big day. It has stood the test two years running! —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Like this? You won’t want to miss our best-ever stuffing recipes for Thanksgiving.
Go to Recipe
19/68
20/68
21/68
Cranberry-Apple Red Cabbage
When I was looking for something new, I started playing with flavors and came up with this very tasty dish. My German grandmother would be impressed, I think! The colorful side dish is just right with pork. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Go to Recipe
22/68
Scalloped Taters
This creamy, comforting slow-cooked side tastes marvelous with almost any main dish and is a snap to assemble with frozen hash browns. It's a good way to make potatoes when your oven is busy with other dishes. —Lucinda Wolker, Somerset, Pennsylvania
Go to Recipe
23/68
Apple Betty with Almond Cream
I love making this apple betty for friends during the peak of apple season. I plan a quick soup and bread meal, so we can get right to the dessert! —Elizabeth Godecke, Chicago, Illinois
Go to Recipe
24/68
Very Vanilla Slow-Cooker Cheesecake
Cinnamon and vanilla give this cheesecake so much flavor. —Krista Lanphier, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
25/68
Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Soup
I love that I can top this creamy soup with anything my heart desires, which means I can eat it several days in a row without ever having to have it the same way twice. You can substitute fresh onions and celery in this recipe if you prefer, but using the dried version makes it easy to throw together on a weekday morning. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Go to Recipe
26/68
Slow-Cooked Wild Rice
This recipe has become such a family heirloom that I asked my mother's permission before passing it along. It has traveled to weddings, landmark birthdays and wedding anniversaries—and it always makes people happy. —Janet Mahowald, Rice Lake, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
27/68
Slow-Cooked Broccoli
This family-favorite side dish is quick to fix and full of flavor. Because it simmers in a slow cooker, it frees up my oven for other things. That's a tremendous help when I'm prepping a big meal at home. —Connie Slocum, Antioch, Tennessee
Go to Recipe
28/68
Slow-Cooker Apple Cider
There's no last-minute rush before the party when you simmer this slow-cooker apple cider. It has all the tantalizing flavors of fall. —Alpha Wilson, Roswell, New Mexico
Go to Recipe
29/68
Stuffing from the Slow Cooker
If you're hosting a big Thanksgiving dinner this year, add this simple slow-cooked stuffing to your menu to ease entertaining. The recipe comes in handy when you run out of oven space at large family gatherings. I use this Crock Pot dressing recipe often. —Donald Seiler, Macon, Mississippi
Go to Recipe
30/68
Italian Mushrooms
Only four ingredients create a rich and flavorful side dish that goes well with beef and mashed potatoes. —Kim Reichert, Fargo, North Dakota
Go to Recipe
31/68
Potluck Macaroni and Cheese
You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Go to Recipe
32/68
Pumpkin Cranberry Bread Pudding
Savor your favorite fall flavors with this scrumptious bread pudding, served warm with a sweet vanilla sauce. Yum! —Judith Bucciarelli, Johnson, New York
Go to Recipe
33/68
Butternut Squash with Whole Grains
Fresh thyme really shines in this hearty slow-cooked side dish featuring tender butternut squash, nutritious whole grain pilaf and vitamin-packed baby spinach. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Go to Recipe
34/68
Pumpkin-Lentil Soup
I was really craving a hot delicious soup—something filling and healthy. I looked around my kitchen for a few ingredients, then created this recipe. Pumpkin adds creamy richness and body. —Amy Blom, Marietta, Georgia
Go to Recipe
35/68
Spiced Sweet Potato Soup
This Thanksgiving serve your spuds as soup. It makes a unique first course, and guests will love the creamy texture and flavors of ginger, cinnamon and curry. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Go to Recipe
36/68
37/68
New England Indian Pudding
This recipe was inspired by traditional New England Indian pudding. My version is made in the slow cooker instead of being baked for hours in the oven. If the molasses flavor is too strong, cut the amount to 1/3 cup. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Go to Recipe
38/68
When I've got a lot going on, my slow cooker is my go-to tool for cooking veggies. The sweetness of the squash and carrots really complements the spicy seasonings. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Go to Recipe
39/68
Gingerbread Pudding Cake
Super-moist cake gets all spiced up in this scrumptious slow-cooked dessert. If you want it a little sweeter, drizzle it with maple syrup. —Barbara Cook, Yuma, Arizona
Go to Recipe
40/68
Fresh Pumpkin Soup
This appealing soup harvests the fall flavors of just-picked pumpkins and tart apples and is sure to warm you up on a crisp autumn day. I top the creamy puree with a sprinkling of toasted pumpkin seeds. —Jane Shapton, Irvine, California
Go to Recipe
41/68
Saucy Scalloped Potatoes
For old-fashioned flavor, try these scalloped potatoes. They cook up tender, creamy and comforting and chopped ham adds a hearty touch. —Elaine Kane, Keizer, Oregon
Go to Recipe
42/68
Brown Sugar Sweet Potatoes with Apples
This foolproof winner is easy to prepare and makes a beautiful alternative to traditional sweet potatoes. To save time, make it ahead, allow it to cool and refrigerate it up to two days. Put the mashed potatoes back in the slow cooker set to low for about two hours before serving. Add a bit of apple cider or water if needed. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Go to Recipe
43/68
Honey-Butter Peas and Carrots
This classic combination of peas and carrots is enriched with a handful of flavor enhancers. Slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld for maximum richness. —Theresa Kreyche, Tustin, California
Go to Recipe
44/68
Cheese-Stuffed Sweet Onions
These onions are cooked in vegetable broth and stuffed with a delicious blend of cheeses. Experiment to find the blend you like. Instead of goat cheese, try cream cheese or mascarpone. You could substitute Gorgonzola cheese for the blue cheese, and in place of Romano, you could use Parmesan. Any blend is delicious! —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Go to Recipe
45/68
Corn Spoon Bread
This slow-cooked spoon bread is more tender than corn pudding made in the oven, and the cream cheese is a nice addition. —Tamara Ellefson, Frederic, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
46/68
Slow Cooker Bacon-Mushroom Dressing
My favorite stuffing uses a slow cooker, which helps when your oven's busy. It goes with everything from turkey to game hens. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio
Go to Recipe
47/68
48/68
Creamed Corn
Five ingredients are all you'll need for my popular creamed corn recipe. It's wonderful no matter what the occasion is. Try it on a barbecue buffet or holiday menu. —Barbara Brizendine, Harrisonville, Missouri
Go to Recipe
49/68
Cheesy Cauliflower Soup
When a chill is in the air, I like to make soups for the family. Cheese adds flavor and heartiness to this one, which is my own recipe. —Ruth Worden, Mossena, New York
Go to Recipe
50/68
Pumpkin Pie Pudding
My husband loves anything pumpkin, and this creamy, comforting pumpkin pudding recipe is one of his favorites. We make our easy pudding all year long, but it's especially nice in the fall. —Andrea Schaak, Bloomington, Minnesota
Go to Recipe
51/68
Moist Corn Spoon Bread
Enjoy this easy take on a southern specialty that utilizes the convenience of a slow cooker. It's an excellent side dish for your next summer party or any special feast. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Go to Recipe
52/68
"Everything" Stuffing
My family goes crazy for this stuffing that I make in the slow cooker. It freezes well so we can enjoy it long after Thanksgiving has passed. —Bette Votral, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Go to Recipe
53/68
Nicole's Slow-Cooker Broccoli
My sister is a huge inspiration to me and an amazing force behind who I have become. This is one of her favorite dishes. It’s a tasty side. Typically, little to none of it is ever left over! —Toni Ann Moschello, Manahawkin, New Jersey
Go to Recipe
54/68
Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Sour cream and cream cheese give richness to these smooth make-ahead potatoes. They are wonderful for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner since there's no last-minute mashing required. —Trudy Vincent, Valles Mines, Missouri
Go to Recipe
55/68
56/68
Hot Spiced Wine
My friends, family and I enjoy this spiced wine during cold-winter gatherings. This warm drink will be a special treat for anyone who enjoys dry red wines. —Noel Lickenfelt, Bolivar, Pennsylvania
Go to Recipe
57/68
58/68
Apple Pie Oatmeal Dessert
Warm and comforting oatmeal desserts bring back memories of times spent with my family around the kitchen table. I serve this dish with sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream as a topper. —Carol Greer, Earlville, Illinois
Go to Recipe
59/68
Slow-Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Every year my Mom made cream cheese mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving. I tailored the recipe to my family's taste and carried on the tradition. I make them a day ahead and use my slow cooker to free up oven space for other dishes. —Ann Nolte, Tampa, Florida
Go to Recipe
60/68
Slow-Cooker Apple Pudding Cake
A satisfying dessert like this is a superb treat on a chilly night. It has three layers—apples, cake and sauce—and I like to serve it in a bowl. It's comfort food for the soul. —Ellen Schroeder, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
61/68
Butternut Squash Soup with Cinnamon
The golden color, smooth and creamy texture, and wonderful taste of this soup make it welcome on a chilly fall day. It has a slightly tangy flavor from the cream cheese, and the cinnamon really comes through. —Jackie Campbell, Stanhope, New Jersey
Go to Recipe
62/68
Whenever I go to an event, I'm always asked to bring this hot dip. Five types of cheese make it a standout and oh-so delicious. I love its party-ready convenience—I serve it straight from the slow cooker, so set-up and cleanup are a breeze! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Go to Recipe
63/68
Spiced Acorn Squash
Working full time, I found I didn't always have time to cook the meals my family loved, so I re-created many of those dishes in the slow cooker. This treatment for squash is one of our favorites. —Carol Greco, Centereach, New York
Go to Recipe
64/68
Moist Corn Spoon Bread
Enjoy this easy take on a southern specialty that utilizes the convenience of a slow cooker. It's an excellent side dish for your next summer party or any special feast. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Go to Recipe
65/68
Hot Spiced Cranberry Drink
I serve this rosy spiced beverage at parties and family gatherings during the winter. Friends like the tangy twist it gets from Red Hots. It's a nice change from the usual hot chocolate. —Laura Burgess, Ballwin, Missouri
Go to Recipe
66/68
Slow-Cooker Baked Apples
Coming home to this irresistible dessert on a dreary day is just wonderful; it’s slow-cooker easy. — Evangeline Bradford, Erlanger, Kentucky
Go to Recipe
67/68
Apricot-Apple Cider
Dried apricots give this comforting cider a marvelous twist. Add cranberries, cinnamon, allspice and cloves for the perfect hot drink to sip on cool nights. —Ginnie Busam, Pewee Valley, Kentucky
Go to Recipe
68/68
Tomato Apple Chutney
During the fall and winter, I love to make different kinds of chutney to give as hostess gifts. Cook this chutney in a slow cooker, and you don't have to fuss with it until you are ready to serve it. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Go to Recipe
Originally Published: November 21, 2022