24 Thanksgiving Crockpot Side Dish Recipes for 2024

I love cooking for a crowd at Thanksgiving and being able to watch my loved ones all enjoy a special meal around the table, but there’s no denying that with so many dishes to prepare, and often more mouths to feed than usual, things can very quickly get stressful in the kitchen! 

That’s exactly why my trusty crockpot comes out at this time every year. It frees up more space in the oven and on the stove, and I’ve found it’s the perfect solution for creating delicious side dishes, from creamy mashed potatoes, to classic sausage and apple stuffing. 

I’ve created this collection of 24 of my favorite Thanksgiving crockpot side dish recipes, and I hope you’ll love them just as much as I do. They’re fabulous for inspiring your Thanksgiving menu ideas, so without any further ado, let’s get going… 

1. Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are creamy, buttery, and infused with the perfect amount of garlic. They’re a classic Thanksgiving side dish that’s even easier to make in the crockpot, freeing up your stovetop for other dishes.

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh chives, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the potatoes in the crockpot and cover with water. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the crockpot.
3. Add the butter, heavy cream, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes until smooth.
4. Keep warm in the crockpot until ready to serve. Garnish with fresh chives.

2. Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple

This Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple is savory, sweet, and packed with flavor. The sausage adds a rich, hearty taste, while the apples bring a touch of sweetness, making it a perfect complement to your Thanksgiving turkey.

Serves: 10

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 apples, peeled and chopped
• 8 cups cubed bread, toasted
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tsp poultry seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and celery until softened.
3. In a large bowl, combine the sausage, onion, celery, apples, bread cubes, chicken broth, melted butter, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Transfer the mixture to the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve warm.

3. Crockpot Turkey Gravy

This Crockpot Turkey Gravy is rich, flavorful, and the perfect finishing touch to your Thanksgiving dinner. Using the turkey drippings ensures that this gravy is packed with savory goodness!

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 4 cups turkey drippings (or chicken broth)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In the crockpot, melt the butter on the sauté setting (or in a saucepan if your crockpot doesn’t have this setting).
2. Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for 2-3 minutes to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the turkey drippings, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens.
5. Adjust seasoning before serving.

4. Crockpot Cranberry Sauce

This Crockpot Cranberry Sauce is a sweet and tangy side that’s a must-have for any Thanksgiving meal. The slow cooking process allows the cranberries to burst and meld with the orange juice, creating a sauce that’s both fresh and flavorful.

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup erythritol or sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
3. Stir occasionally and mash the cranberries slightly with a spoon if desired.
4. Serve warm or chilled.

5. Crockpot Honey Glazed Carrots

Crockpot Honey Glazed Carrots are tender, sweet, and have a hint of cinnamon that makes them perfect for Thanksgiving. The honey and butter glaze gives them a beautiful shine and irresistible flavor.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs baby carrots
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the carrots in the crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, mix the honey, melted butter, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Pour over the carrots and stir to coat.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until the carrots are tender. Keep an eye to make sure they don’t burn. You can add some extra liquid to the pot if necessary. 
4. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

6. Crockpot Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

These Crockpot Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are a savory, smoky side dish that’s sure to be a hit. The Brussels sprouts are cooked to perfection in the crockpot, absorbing the rich flavors of the bacon and garlic. Sprouts often get a bit of a bad rap, but I promise they’re delicious when they’re prepared like this! 

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs Brussels sprouts, halved
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the Brussels sprouts, bacon, garlic, and chicken broth in the crockpot.
2. Season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until the Brussels sprouts are tender.
4. Stir before serving and garnish with extra cooked bacon if desired.

7. Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms

These Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms are rich, buttery, and full of flavor. The combination of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs makes these mushrooms an irresistible side dish.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs button mushrooms, cleaned
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the mushrooms in the crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour over the mushrooms and stir to coat.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until the mushrooms are tender and coated in the sauce.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

8. Crockpot Balsamic Glazed Caramelized Onions

Crockpot Balsamic Glazed Caramelized Onions are sweet, tangy, and add a rich depth of flavor to your Thanksgiving table. The slow cooking process brings out the natural sweetness of the onions, which are then enhanced by the balsamic glaze. They’re also great piled on a sandwich made with leftovers! 

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the sliced onions in the crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, mix the balsamic vinegar, melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour over the onions and stir to coat.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized.
4. Serve as a side dish or use as a topping for meats or vegetables.

9. Crockpot Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

This Crockpot Garlic Mashed Cauliflower is a lighter, low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that’s just as creamy and satisfying. The garlic adds a delicious depth of flavor, making it a great side dish for Thanksgiving.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh chives, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the cauliflower and garlic in the crockpot.
2. Add a little water (about 1/4 cup) to help steam the cauliflower.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until the cauliflower is tender.
4. Drain any excess water, then mash the cauliflower with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh chives before serving.

10. Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

This Crockpot Green Bean Casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that’s creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor. The green beans are cooked in a rich mushroom sauce and topped with crispy onions.

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs green beans, trimmed
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fried onions
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the green beans in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Pour over the green beans and stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until the green beans are tender.
4. Just before serving, stir in the fried onions and cook for an additional 10 minutes to heat through.

11. Crockpot Apple Sauce

This Crockpot Apple Sauce is sweet, tangy, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon. It’s an easy side dish that pairs well with savory Thanksgiving dishes and can also be served as a dessert.

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 6 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Place the chopped apples in the crockpot.
2. Add the water, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until the apples are soft.
4. Mash the apples with a potato masher for a chunky sauce or blend for a smoother consistency.

12. Crockpot Mac and Cheese

This Crockpot Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The crockpot makes it easy to prepare and keeps it warm until it’s time to serve.

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Crunchy breadcrumbs, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In the crockpot, mix the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy.
4. Serve warm, garnished with crunchy breadcrumbs. 

13. Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole

This Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole is sweet, rich, and topped with a crunchy pecan streusel. It’s a classic Thanksgiving dish that’s made even easier with the help of your crockpot.

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

For the Sweet Potatoes:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup brown sugar 
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the Pecan Streusel:

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Place the sweet potatoes in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Pour over the sweet potatoes and stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until the sweet potatoes are tender.
4. In a small bowl, mix the pecans, almond flour, melted butter, and brown sugar. Sprinkle over the sweet potatoes in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

14. Crockpot Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

This Crockpot Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is a real delight. The cauliflower is cooked until tender in a creamy cheese sauce, making it a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the cauliflower florets in the crockpot.
2. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream, cream cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper over medium heat until smooth.
3. Pour the cream mixture over the cauliflower and stir to coat.
4. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until the cauliflower is tender.
5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

15. Crockpot Cranberry-Orange Relish

This Crockpot Cranberry-Orange Relish is a bright, tangy alternative to traditional cranberry sauce. The combination of cranberries and oranges creates a refreshing side dish that’s perfect for balancing rich Thanksgiving flavors.

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Orange slices and rosemary, to garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until the cranberries burst and the relish thickens.
3. Stir occasionally and mash the cranberries slightly with a spoon if desired.
4. Serve warm or chilled, with garnish. 

16. Crockpot Garlic Butter Green Beans

These Crockpot Garlic Butter Green Beans are a simple, yet delicious side dish. The green beans are cooked with garlic and butter until tender, making them a perfect accompaniment to any Thanksgiving meal.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs green beans, trimmed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the green beans in the crockpot.
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
3. Pour the garlic butter over the green beans and stir to coat.
4. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until the green beans are tender.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

17. Crockpot Creamed Spinach

This Crockpot Creamed Spinach is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. The spinach is cooked in a velvety sauce made with cream cheese and Parmesan, making it an indulgent side dish for Thanksgiving.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 16 oz fresh spinach
• 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the spinach in the crockpot.
2. In a saucepan, heat the cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper over medium heat until smooth.
3. Pour the cream mixture over the spinach and stir to coat.
4. Cook on low for 2-3 hours until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is creamy.

18. Crockpot Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes

These Crockpot Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes are sweet, tender, and full of holiday flavor. The maple syrup glaze gives them a rich, caramelized taste that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. These are a real crowd pleaser! 

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the sweet potatoes in the crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, melted butter, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Pour over the sweet potatoes and stir to coat.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until the sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Serve warm.

19. Crockpot Roasted Butternut Squash

This Crockpot Roasted Butternut Squash is a simple yet flavorful side dish. The butternut squash is cooked with olive oil, garlic, and herbs until tender and caramelized.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the butternut squash in the crockpot.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and add the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until the butternut squash is tender and caramelized.
4. Serve warm.

20. Crockpot Baked Beans

These Crockpot Baked Beans are smoky, sweet, and perfect for Thanksgiving. They’re made with bacon and a rich, tangy sauce that’s slow-cooked to perfection.

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 4 cups canned navy beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar or erythritol
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. In the crockpot, combine the beans, cooked bacon, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, onion, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the sauce is thick and flavorful.
4. Serve warm.

21. Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. The broccoli is cooked until tender in a rich cheese sauce, making it a delicious and comforting side dish for Thanksgiving.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the broccoli florets in the crockpot.
2. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream, cream cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper over medium heat until smooth.
3. Pour the cream mixture over the broccoli and stir to coat.
4. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until the broccoli is tender.
5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

22. Crockpot Caramelized Butternut Squash and Apples

This Crockpot Caramelized Butternut Squash and Apples is a sweet and savory side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. The combination of squash and apples creates a beautiful balance of flavors and textures.

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup brown sugar 
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the butternut squash and apples in the crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Pour over the squash and apples and stir to coat.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until tender and caramelized.
4. Serve warm.

23. Crockpot Lemon Garlic Asparagus

This Crockpot Lemon Garlic Asparagus is a light and flavorful side dish. The asparagus is cooked with lemon, garlic, and olive oil, making it a bright and refreshing addition to your Thanksgiving table.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the asparagus in the crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Pour over the asparagus and stir to coat. Dot with the butter. 
3. Cook on low for 2-3 hours until the asparagus is tender.
4. Serve warm with extra lemon zest if desired.

24. Crockpot Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

These Crockpot Parmesan Roasted Potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The potatoes are cooked with Parmesan, garlic, and herbs, making them a delicious and easy side dish for Thanksgiving.

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs baby potatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the halved potatoes in the crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour over the potatoes and stir to coat.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until the potatoes are tender and golden.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

These 24 crockpot side dish recipes are sure to make your Thanksgiving meal easier to manage, and even more delicious. Whether you’re looking for something cheesy, savory, or sweet, there’s a recipe here that will perfectly complement your holiday feast. What’s your favorite easy side dish for Thanksgiving? Leave a comment below and share your ideas!