Last Updated on November 10, 2025 by Sophy
The year my oven broke on Thanksgiving morning, I thought the day was ruined. Guests were on the way, the turkey was raw, and panic was setting in. Then I remembered my slow cooker sitting quietly on the counter. Within minutes, I had the turkey breast seasoned and cooking — and somehow, dinner turned out better than ever.
That little moment changed how I cook for the holidays. Now, slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes are my secret to a relaxed and flavorful feast. From tender turkey to creamy sides and warm desserts, everything cooks low and steady while I enjoy time with family. These recipes aren’t just convenient — they bring comfort, warmth, and peace of mind to one of the busiest days of the year.
Table of Contents
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
These creamy crockpot cheesy potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish! Made with frozen hash browns, cheddar cheese, and sour cream, this easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for holidays, potlucks, and busy weeknights. Just mix, pour, and let your crockpot do all the work for perfectly creamy, cheesy potatoes every time.
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen hash browns (do not thaw)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided – 1½ cups for mixture, ½ cup for topping)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1½ cups sour cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and melted butter until smooth and well combined. This creates the rich, creamy sauce that makes these potatoes irresistible.
Step 2: Add Cheese and Seasonings Stir in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese (reserve the remaining ½ cup for topping). Add onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Step 3: Combine with Hash Browns Add the frozen hash browns directly to the cheese mixture (no need to thaw). Gently fold everything together with a spatula until every potato piece is coated with the creamy sauce. The mixture will be thick – this is perfect!
Step 4: Transfer to Crockpot Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the potato mixture into the crockpot and spread it out evenly with a spatula, smoothing the top.
Step 5: Slow Cook Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The potatoes are done when they’re tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this adds time.
Step 6: Add Final Cheese and Serve About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Replace the lid and let it melt into gooey perfection. If using optional toppings like bacon bits or green onions, add them now. Stir gently before serving to combine the melted cheese throughout.
Notes
Storage Instructions: Store leftover crockpot cheesy potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The potatoes will thicken as they cool, which is completely normal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320kcal
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 10g
Keywords: crockpot cheesy potatoes, slow cooker cheesy potatoes, cheesy potato casserole, crockpot hashbrowns, easy side dish, holiday side dish, potluck recipe, comfort food
Why Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Recipes?
Convenience That Changes Everything
The beauty of slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes lies in their incredible convenience. While your turkey breast simmers away, you can focus on other dishes, decorate your table, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee without panic. Your slow cooker works independently, requiring minimal supervision and freeing you to be the relaxed host you’ve always wanted to be.
Deeper, Richer Flavors
Using slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes isn’t just convenient—it’s a flavor powerhouse. The low, gentle heat breaks down proteins beautifully, creating tender meats that practically fall apart. Herbs and spices have hours to infuse into every bite, developing complex, layered tastes that rushed cooking simply can’t achieve. Your guests will notice the difference in every forkful.
Smart Time Management
Here’s a game-changer: most slow cookers have a “warm” setting that keeps food at the perfect serving temperature for hours. This means you can finish cooking well before guests arrive, then relax knowing everything stays hot and ready. No more cold sides or reheating stress—just delicious food waiting when you need it.
Top 10 Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Recipes
Main Course Recipes
1. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Herbs
If you’re cooking for a small crowd, this is perfect. The turkey stays juicy and fragrant.
Ingredients:
- 1 boneless turkey breast (about 4 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- ½ cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Rub the turkey with olive oil and all seasonings.
- Place it in the slow cooker with chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or until tender.
- For a crisp finish, move it to the oven broiler for 5 minutes.
Serve with your favorite gravy. The flavor is rich and comforting, just like a classic roast.
2. Crockpot Honey Glazed beef
This ham recipe fills the house with a sweet aroma and pairs beautifully with any side.
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked spiral-cut beef(6–8 pounds)
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup orange juice
Instructions:
- Mix honey, brown sugar, mustard, and orange juice.
- Pour the glaze over the ham in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 5 hours, basting halfway through.
The glaze caramelizes slightly, giving every slice a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
3. Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies
This one-pot meal is ideal for smaller gatherings or a cozy side option.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 pound baby potatoes
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Melt butter and mix with garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
- Pour half the mixture into the slow cooker.
- Add chicken and vegetables, then drizzle with the rest.
- Cook on low for 6 hours.
The butter soaks into the chicken and veggies, creating rich flavor in every bite.
Side Dishes
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Slow-cooked mashed potatoes stay smooth and flavorful until serving time.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions:
- Place potatoes, butter, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 4 hours.
- Mash directly in the pot, then stir in milk.
Tip: Add a bit of sour cream for extra creaminess. Keep on “warm” until dinner.
2. Slow Cooker Stuffin
Homemade stuffing doesn’t need the oven to be amazing.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed and toasted
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Mix until the bread is evenly coated.
- Simmer for four hours on a low setting, incorporating a single stir after the first two hours.
It comes out moist with a hint of crispness on the edges — a true Thanksgiving classic.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
This dessert-like side adds warmth and sweetness to your table.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Instructions:
- Mix sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla.
- Pour into the slow cooker.
- Combine pecans and brown sugar, then sprinkle on top.
- Cook on low for 3 hours.
The topping becomes slightly crunchy, balancing the soft, creamy base.
Desserts:
1. Warm Apple Crisp
This dessert fills your home with a cozy apple-cinnamon scent.
Ingredients:
- 5 apples, peeled and sliced
- ½ cup oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Mix apples with half the sugar and cinnamon.
- In a bowl, combine oats, remaining sugar, and butter.
- Layer apples on the bottom of the slow cooker and top with the oat mix.
- Cook on high for 2½ hours.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a crowd-pleasing finish.
2. Pumpkin Bread Pudding
A creamy, spiced dessert that captures the flavor of Thanksgiving.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cubed bread
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions:
- Whisk pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, and spices.
- Pour mixture over bread cubes and stir gently.
- Cook on low for 3 hours.
Top with whipped cream or caramel drizzle for a comforting dessert.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Meals
Master these slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes with these essential tips that guarantee success every time.
Prep Ahead for Stress-Free Cooking
The night before Thanksgiving, chop all vegetables, measure spices, and mix any dry ingredients. Store everything in labeled containers in your refrigerator. Morning assembly becomes simple: dump and go. You’ll thank yourself when guests start arriving.
Layer Strategically for Even Cooking
Always place harder vegetables (potatoes, carrots) on the bottom where heat concentrates most. Proteins go in the middle, and delicate items (green beans, fresh herbs) get added toward the end. This layering ensures everything finishes at the same time without anything overcooking.
Master Temperature Control
Don’t lift that lid! Each peek releases heat and adds 15-20 minutes to cooking time. Trust your recipe timing. Also, know your slow cooker—older models run hotter than newer ones. If you notice food consistently overcooking, reduce times by 30 minutes. Finally, always let meats rest for 10 minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite stays moist.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Recipes
Can I cook multiple dishes at once in different slow cookers?
Absolutely! Many Thanksgiving hosts use 2-3 slow cookers simultaneously for their slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes. Keep one for your main protein, another for sides, and a third for dessert. This strategy maximizes your counter space and minimizes oven traffic.
How do I prevent my slow cooker from making food too watery?
Place a clean kitchen towel under the lid during cooking—it absorbs excess moisture. Also, resist adding extra liquid beyond what the recipe calls for. Slow cookers trap moisture, unlike traditional cooking methods.
Can I prepare slow cooker recipes the night before?
Yes, for most recipes! Prep ingredients and store them in your slow cooker insert (covered) in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then start cooking. Don’t pre-cook anything the night before—just prep.
What size slow cooker do I need for Thanksgiving?
For a family of 6-8, a 6-quart slow cooker handles most slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes perfectly. For larger turkeys or hams, consider a 7-8 quart model. Having multiple smaller slow cookers (3-4 quarts) gives you more versatility for sides.
How do I keep dishes warm without overcooking?
Once cooking finishes, switch to the WARM setting. Most slow cookers maintain food at a safe 165°F without continuing to cook. Food can stay on WARM for 2-4 hours safely.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs work great! Use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh (so 1 teaspoon dried equals 1 tablespoon fresh). Add them earlier in cooking to allow flavors to develop fully.
Final Thoughts
These slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes make the holiday calm, flavorful, and fun. You’ll have less kitchen chaos and more time for laughter and conversation. Whether it’s tender turkey or a bowl of apple crisp, each dish brings that comforting homemade touch everyone loves.
So, grab your slow cooker, plan your menu, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a meal made with love — the real spirit of Thanksgiving.
