Thanksgiving Crockpot Recipes

Okay, picture this: Is it Thanksgiving morning? What are some of the best ways to cook a turkey in the oven? What are some of the best Thanksgiving crockpot recipes? Is it like a Thanksgiving miracle worker? What are some Thanksgiving side dishes made from slow cooker pulled pork? What is it all about, the warm, comforting holiday flavor? I swear, once you try a crockpot Thanksgiving, you’ll wonder how you ever did it any other way.

What are some good crockpot recipes for Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving Crockpot Recipes are essentially your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes, reimagined for a modern Thanksgiving. What is slow cooker? What’s better, mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth, and stuffing that is perfectly moist and creamy? Is cranberry sauce bursting with tartness and sweetness? What is the best way to take the stress out of Thanksgiving cooking? The beauty of slow cooker is that it does all the work, allowing you to focus on other things. What is it like to enjoy a glass of wine while watching the parade? What is the best way to keep food warm during cooking? How do I juggle everything

Why you’ll love these recipes?

What are some of the best Thanksgiving Crockpot Recipes? What makes you stand out?

Flavor:What are the flavors in a slow cooker? The stuffing is infused with all the savory herbs and broth, and the potatoes become mashed potatoes. Is this a creamy dish? I think the flavors are even better than when I make them in the oven or stovetop.
Simplicity:Can Thanksgiving be a stressful day? What are some of the easiest recipes to cook in the crockpot? Minimal effort, maximum reward!
Cost-Most of the ingredients are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. No fancy, expensive ingredients required! If you free up oven space, you might even save a bit on your energy bill.
Versatility: You can easily adapt these recipes to your own preferences. Add different herbs and spices to the stuffing, use different types of potatoes for the mashed potatoes, or add a splash of orange juice to the cranberry sauce. The possibilities are endless! And just like my famous slow cooker mac and cheese recipe, these are always a crowd pleaser!

What I love about these recipes is that they allow me to actually enjoy Thanksgiving Day. Instead of spending the whole day glued to the stove, I can relax, spend time with my family, and enjoy the company of friends. How do you enjoy your holiday?

How do I make a crockpot Thanksgiving dinner?

Quick Overview

What are some easy Thanksgiving crockpot recipes? What is slow cooker cooking? Let it cook until it’s done. No babysitting required! How do you use the right amount of liquid to prevent food from drying out and to adjust the temperature of the food? How long does it take for a slow cooker to cook? Is it easier than you think?

Ingredients

For the Crockpot Mashed Potatoes:
* 5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
I always splurge on good quality butter for these. It really makes a difference!

For the Crockpot Stuffing: Is
* 1 loaf of bread, cubed and dried (I use sourdough) * 1/2 cup chopped celery * 1/4 cup diced onion * 1/2 cup butter, melted * 4 cups chicken broth * 1 tsp thyme * Salt and pepper to taste * Add a pinch of salt to your taste. * Optional: taste * optional: 1/2 cup dried cranberries or chopped walnuts Don’t skip the drying step for bread! It prevents stuffing from getting mushy.

How do I make crockpot cranberry sauce?
* 12 oz fresh cranberries
* 1 cup sugar
* 1/2 cup water
* 1/4 cup orange juice
* 1 tsp orange zest
* Pinch of cinnamon
I sometimes add a splash of Grand Marnier for an extra kick. Shhh!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel and quarter the potatoes. Place them in the crockpot. Add the heavy cream, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until potatoes are very tender.

Step 2: Mash the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are cooked, mash them with a potato masher or an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix, or they’ll get gluey. I like my buttercream extra creamy. I add more cream or butter if needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing

In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, celery, onion, melted butter, chicken broth, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. If you’re using cranberries or walnuts, add them now.

Step 4: Cook the Stuffing

Pour the stuffing mixture into the crockpot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the stuffing is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. I like to fluff it with a fork halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Prepare the Cranberry Sauce

In the crockpot, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, and cinnamon.

Step 6: Cook the Cranberry Sauce

Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce is smooth. Has the sauce thickened? Stir occasionally. Let it cool slightly before serving. The sauce will thicken as it cooks.

Step 7: Keep Warm and Serve

Once everything is cooked, keep the crockpots on the “warm” setting until serving time. How do I coordinate everything else? What are some of the best Thanksgiving Crockpot Recipes?

5. What to Serve It With

What should I serve it with?

These Thanksgiving Crockpot Recipes are amazing on their own, but they’re even better when paired with the right accompaniments:

For Thanksgiving dinner: Obviously, you’ll want to serve these alongside your roasted turkey or ham. A simple green salad and some dinner rolls complete the meal.

For Leftovers:What are some good leftover recipes? I love to use the mashed potatoes to make shepherd’s pie, and the stuffing for making waffles. What is the best way to try it What are some good ways to serve cranberry sauce on a turkey sandwich?

For Holiday Parties:What are some of the best holiday recipes for potlucks? They’re easy to transport and keep warm, and they’ve always been a crowd pleaser. Just make sure to bring serving spoons!

My family loves to have these as a side dish during twilight meal! What is Thanksgiving like?

How do I make a perfect Thanksgiving crockpot recipe?

What are some of the best ways to make a crockpot for Thanksgiving?

Potato Choice:Yukon Gold potatoes are my go-to for mashed potatoes. What are some of the best buttery butters? If you like to experiment with other types of potatoes, like ruthless or red potatoes feel free to do so.

Bread Drying:Don’t skip the drying step for bread in the stuffing! Why is stuffing mushy? Can you dry bread in the oven or let it sit overnight?

Broth Amount: Adjust the amount of chicken broth in the stuffing based on the dryness of the bread. You want the stuffing to be moist but not soggy.

Cranberry Tartness If you prefer a less tart cranberry sauce, add more sugar or a splash of maple syrup.

Spice it Up: Add different herbs and spices to customize the flavors. Rosemary, thyme, and sage are all great options. A little bit of garlic powder or onion powder can also add a nice touch.

Crockpot Size: Use the correct size crockpot! It will affect cooking times. A smaller one will require a lower temp or shorter cooking time.

Butter Type: Salted vs unsalted butter depends on your personal preference! I like to use salted, but you can change the salt depending on the one you choose.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to store and reheat your Thanksgiving Crockpot Recipes:

Mashed Potatoes: Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk or cream to rehydrate them if they’ve dried out. I tested this recipe using almond milk as well and it worked great!

Stuffing: Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven. Add a little bit of chicken broth to moisten it up.

Cranberry Sauce: Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Freezing: You can also freeze these recipes for longer storage. Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating. Just make sure to thaw them completely before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This is a great way to save time on Thanksgiving Day.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in the cranberry sauce. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Can I double the recipes?

Yes, you can easily double these recipes to serve a larger crowd. Just make sure you have a large enough crockpot! You may also need to increase the cooking time slightly.

What if my crockpot cooks too fast?

Every crockpot is different, so it’s important to keep an eye on the food while it’s cooking. If you find that your crockpot cooks too fast, try reducing the cooking time or using the “warm” setting.

Can I add meat to the stuffing?

Yes, you can add cooked sausage or bacon to the stuffing for extra flavor. Just make sure to cook the meat before adding it to the crockpot.

Final Thoughts

These Thanksgiving Crockpot Recipes are a game-changer for anyone who wants to enjoy a stress-free holiday. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and they free up your oven for the main course. Plus, they’re a great way to keep the food warm until serving time. If you’re looking for more easy Thanksgiving recipes, be sure to check out my other posts. And most importantly, happy Thanksgiving! I can’t wait to hear how your Thanksgiving Crockpot Recipes turn out. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think!