When it comes to holidays that are stressful to prepare for, Thanksgiving probably ranks No. 1 on the list. For one thing, roasting a turkey isn’t exactly the easiest thing to perfect. Not to mention the fact that other staples like impeccably seasoned stuffing and rich homemade gravy rank pretty high up on the difficult scale. And then there’s the sheer number of items you’re expected to prepare. How the hell is one person supposed to have sufficient counter space, room in the oven and, oh, enough arms to whip up a bird, mashed potatoes and half a dozen festive pies?
With a slow cooker that’s how. We don’t usually associate a crock pot or slow cooker with Turkey Day, but it’s a handy dandy device that can help add some ease into your cooking when you’re trying to time everything out perfectly.
And why spend your Thanksgiving toiling away when you can slow-cook your way to success?
Originally published November 2015. Updated October 2017.
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Slow cooker spinach & artichoke dip
Image Credit: Damn Delicious/Pinterest An effortless appetizer everyone will love. Bonus: You can eat it straight from the pot!
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Creamy herbed polenta with mushrooms
Image Credit: Williams Sonoma/Pinterest Creamy polenta and meaty mushrooms make for the perfect fall side dish.
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Slow-cooked cinnamon apples
Image Credit: Julia's Eats & Treats/Pinterest Slow-cooked cinnamon apples over ice cream make for a very delicious deconstructed pie à la mode.
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Slow cooker creamed corn
Image Credit: Damn Delicious Slow cooker creamed corn is a classic and comforting dish that goes perfectly with all your fixin’s.
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Slow cooker pumpkin pie
Image Credit: Claire Gallam/SheKnows The saying “easy as pie” has never been more true than with this pumpkin pie recipe.
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Slow cooker garlic mashed potatoes
Image Credit: The Pinning Mama Save room on your stovetop with these cheesy, garlicky, slow cooker mashed potatoes.
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Slow cooker Brussels sprouts
Image Credit: Moms with Crockpots These Brussels sprouts get a flavor boost from bacon, pimentos and diced bell pepper.
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Slow cooker turkey breast
Image Credit: Innocent Delight A moist, delicious, slow cooker turkey breast is perfect for small Thanksgiving gatherings.
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Slow cooker dinner rolls
Image Credit: Plain Chicken These pillowy soft dinner rolls take all the fear out of bread-baking.
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Slow cooker green bean casserole
Image Credit: Pass the Sushi Skip the canned condensed soup, and make this super-easy slow cooker green bean casserole instead.
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Slow cooker pumpkin bread pudding
Image Credit: The Gunny Sack You won’t have to stress about dessert when you have this slow cooker bread pudding in your repertoire.
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Slow cooker cranberry-pecan stuffing
Image Credit: The Creative Bite Savory, nutty and just a little sweet, this slow cooker stuffing is sure to be a hit.
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Slow cooker wild rice
Image Credit: Simple Nourished Living A traditional wild rice dish cooks up like a dream in the slow cooker.
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Vegan butternut squash macaroni
Image Credit: Healthy Slow Cooking This creamy, “cheesy,” vegan butternut macaroni makes for a great side dish and a plant-based entrée.
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Slow cooker gluten-free cornbread dressing
Image Credit: Weary Chef This gluten-free cornbread dressing is a cinch to make in the slow cooker, and everyone can enjoy it.
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Slow cooker turnip greens
Image Credit: Add a Pinch Getting nutritious greens on the table couldn’t be easier thanks to this slow-cooker turnip greens recipe.
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Slow cooker sweet potato casserole
Image Credit: I Wash You Dry Is it a dessert or a side? The debate rages on, but either way, sweet potato casserole should be on your menu.
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Slow cooker glazed carrots
Image Credit: Fabulessly Frugal These sweet and tender glazed carrots will brighten up your holiday table.
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Slow cooker turkey breast with cranberry sauce
Image Credit: The Creative Bite Kill two birds with one stone, and make your cranberry sauce and turkey in the slow cooker at the same time.
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Slow cooker caramel apple pie dip
Image Credit: Mom by the Beach This sweet caramel apple pie dip is an unexpected addition to your appetizers or dessert table.
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Slow cooker sausage-apple stuffing
Image Credit: Number 2 Pencil This classic stuffing gets a slow cooker makeover in this tasty recipe.
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Sticky caramel-pumpkin cake
Image Credit: Platter Talk This ooey, gooey slow cooker cake will upstage any pie that dares to be part of your Thanksgiving spread.
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Slow cooker cranberry butter
Image Credit: The View from Great Island This silky cranberry butter is great served with dinner or spread on an epic Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich.
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Slow cooker winter root vegetables
Image Credit: A Year of Slow Cooking Hearty root vegetables like rutabaga, carrots and parsnips cook up beautifully in the slow cooker.
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