Crockpot Holiday Recipes (Thanksgiving + Christmas)

Making Holiday Cooking Easier with Crockpot Recipes

Holiday meals are synonymous with rich flavors, multiple dishes, and often stressful cooking schedules. The good news? The crockpot is a game-changer for Thanksgiving and Christmas menus. It allows you to prepare several dishes simultaneously without crowding the oven or stove, freeing up precious time and space.

From comforting mashed potatoes to sweet-glazed carrots, hearty stuffing, and velvety soups, crockpot holiday recipes offer the convenience of slow cooking without compromising on flavor or festivity. They’re especially helpful for families juggling busy schedules or hosting large gatherings.

---

Why Use the Crockpot for Your Holiday Meals?

• Saves oven and stove space so you can cook multiple dishes at once.

• Hands-off cooking allows you to focus on other preparations or relax.

• Enhances flavors as slow cooking melds ingredients beautifully.

• Keeps food warm for hours without drying out.

• Perfect for potlucks and gatherings as dishes can be transported easily.

---

Essential Crockpot Holiday Recipes to Try

Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Servings: 8
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on low

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk)

• 4 tbsp butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Chopped chives for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place potatoes and garlic in the crockpot and pour broth over them.

2. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.

3. Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash potatoes in the crockpot.

4. Stir in butter and milk gradually until creamy.

5. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with chives before serving.

Tips: For extra richness, swirl in sour cream or cream cheese before serving.

---

Maple-Glazed Crockpot Carrots

Servings: 6
Cook Time: 3–4 hours on low

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs baby carrots

• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• Salt to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place carrots in the crockpot.

2. In a small bowl, mix maple syrup, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt.

3. Pour mixture over carrots and stir to coat evenly.

4. Cook on low for 3–4 hours until tender and glazed.

5. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

---

Slow Cooker Holiday Stuffing

Servings: 8
Cook Time: 4 hours on low

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of day-old bread, cut into cubes

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 celery stalks, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup vegetable broth

• 1/4 cup butter, melted

• 2 tsp dried sage

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, sauté onion, celery, and garlic in butter until softened.

2. In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper.

3. Add vegetable broth and mix well.

4. Transfer mixture to the crockpot and cover.

5. Cook on low for 4 hours, stirring halfway through.

Serving Suggestion: Serve alongside roasted vegetables or holiday turkey substitute.

---

Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup

Servings: 6
Cook Time: 6 hours on low

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)

Instructions:

1. Place squash, onion, garlic, broth, cumin, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.

2. Cook on low for 6 hours, until squash is tender.

3. Using an immersion blender, puree soup until smooth.

4. Stir in coconut milk if desired, and adjust seasoning.

---

Green Bean Almondine in the Slow Cooker

Servings: 6
Cook Time: 3 hours on low

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed

• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

• 1/4 cup butter

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place green beans in the crockpot.

2. Melt butter and mix with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over green beans.

3. Cook on low for 2.5 hours until beans are tender but still crisp.

4. Toast almonds in a dry skillet until golden and sprinkle on top before serving.

---

Sides and Extras to Round Out Your Holiday Meal

• Cranberry Sauce: Make a simple slow-cooker cranberry sauce by simmering fresh cranberries with orange zest and honey.

• Dinner Rolls: While rolls aren’t made in a crockpot, warm them in the slow cooker wrapped in foil to keep soft and ready for serving.

• Roasted Root Vegetables: Prep ahead and roast in the oven for a colorful and hearty side.

---

Tips for Successful Crockpot Holiday Cooking

• Plan your cooking schedule: Start longer cooking dishes early, like soups and mashed potatoes, and add quicker sides later.

• Avoid overfilling your crockpot: Leave room for steam to circulate for even cooking.

• Stir dishes occasionally when possible, especially stuffing and vegetables, to ensure even cooking.

• Use the warming function: Keep dishes warm for hours without drying out before serving.

• Prep ingredients the day before to save time on the big day.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare crockpot holiday dishes ahead of time?
Yes, many dishes can be assembled the day before and refrigerated. Just add cooking time if starting with cold ingredients.

How do I keep crockpot dishes warm during the meal?
Most crockpots have a warming setting. Use this to keep dishes at serving temperature without overcooking.

Are these recipes suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets?
Most can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth and skipping butter or substituting with plant-based alternatives. Vegan options are easily achievable by using dairy substitutes.

What if I don’t have a large crockpot?
You can double recipes and cook in batches, or use smaller slow cookers if available.

---

Conclusion: Celebrate the Holidays with Ease and Flavor

Crockpot holiday recipes are a lifesaver when it comes to preparing festive meals. They reduce stress, free up kitchen space, and deliver comforting, flavorful dishes your family and friends will love. Whether it’s creamy mashed potatoes, sweet maple carrots, or savory stuffing, these slow cooker recipes bring warmth and ease to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table.

Enjoy the holidays knowing your crockpot has you covered!