During the holidays, your oven choreography rivals that of the Rockettes. But who wants to wake up at 4 a.m. to make sure the turkey has enough time to roast before you have to swap it out for the stuffing and potatoes? (Not us.) Putting your slow cooker to work on side dishes is a total no-brainer—it frees up space in the oven and on the stove, keeps things warm until you’re ready to serve and lets you do the hard work ahead of time.
14 Holiday Side Dishes You Can Make in a Slow Cooker
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Published Nov 21, 2018
Slow-cooker Cranberry Sauce
Don’t bother buying scented candles—simmering this deliciousness all day will make your house smell like the holidays.
Slow-cooker Garlic-herb Mashed Cauliflower
Resist holiday carb overload by swapping the mashed potatoes for this low-cal, low-carb (and still totally delicious) alternative.
Five-ingredient Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
We’re signing up to bring this super-easy dish by Coterie member Heidi Larsen to our next holiday potluck.
Slow-cooker Sausage Stuffing
Soft, buttery and with plenty of texture from the celery and sausage—this is any stuffing lover’s dream come true.
Spiced Crock Pot Pear Sauce
A wintery take on a perennial fall favorite.
No-boil Slow-cooker Mashed Potatoes
Sometimes you just can’t beat a classic—especially when it’s this easy.
Slow-cooker Black Eyed Peas
In the South, this hearty side is eaten on New Year’s for luck. But we’ll take the luck—and the super crave-worthy beans—all holiday season.
Slow-cooker Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries, Butternut Squash And Pecans
Basically all of our favorite holiday ingredients in one easy dish. Sign us up.
Slow-cooker Four Cheese Mac And Cheese
We’ll eat healthier in January. Until then, bring on all the gooey cheese.
Slow-cooker Sweet And Spicy Cranberry Meatballs
These might be more of a starter than a side, but we guarantee they’ll be welcome at any holiday table.
Slow-cooker Pear And Sausage Stuffing
We never would’ve thought to put pear in our stuffing. Now we’re total converts.
Slow-cooker Glazed Carrots
Channel your inner Bugs Bunny.
Slow-cooker Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
There’s less than ten minutes of prep time (which means more time to watch The Holiday for the 50th time).
Slow-cooker Green Beans With Bacon
Who needs a green bean casserole when you have bacon?