21 Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Recipes That Free Up the Oven

Thanksgiving dinner is delicious, but preparing an entire holiday feast can become a serious kitchen juggling act. Between the turkey, casseroles, stuffing, vegetables, rolls, and desserts, the oven can feel like the busiest appliance in the house.

That’s where the slow cooker comes in. It can handle everything from creamy mashed potatoes and stuffing to sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, vegetables, soups, and even desserts—leaving valuable oven space available for the dishes that truly need baking. Slow cookers are also useful for keeping fully cooked food hot for serving when used correctly.

These 21 slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes are designed to make your holiday menu easier to manage while still giving you plenty of comforting, festive dishes.

These 21 slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes are designed to make your holiday menu easier to manage while still giving you plenty of comforting, festive dishes.

Food-safety note: Always thaw meat and poultry before putting them into a slow cooker. USDA guidance says hot food should be held at 140°F (60°C) or above, and poultry, stuffing, and casseroles should reach 165°F (74°C).

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1. Slow Cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes

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Creamy mashed potatoes are one of the easiest Thanksgiving sides to move from the stovetop to the slow cooker.

Ingredients

• 4 lb Yukon Gold potatoes
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup cream cheese
• Salt and black pepper
• Chopped chives

Steps

1. Peel and cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces.
2. Place potatoes and garlic in the slow cooker.
3. Pour in the broth.
4. Add butter, salt, and pepper.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours, or until tender.
6. Mash directly in the cooker.
7. Stir in cream cheese and warm cream.
8. Garnish with chives and extra butter.

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2. Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Stuffing

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Free up the oven by letting your slow cooker handle this classic herb-filled stuffing.

Ingredients

• 10 cups cubed day-old bread
• 1½ cups diced celery
• 1½ cups diced onion
• 6 tbsp butter
• 2 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper

Steps

1. Melt butter in a skillet.
2. Sauté onion and celery until softened.
3. Place bread cubes in a large bowl.
4. Add vegetables and herbs.
5. Whisk eggs with broth.
6. Pour over the bread mixture.
7. Transfer to the slow cooker.
8. Cover and cook on LOW for about 3–4 hours, until hot and cooked through.

Tip: Check that the center reaches 165°F before serving.

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3. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

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Sweet potatoes become tender and buttery without taking up oven space.

Ingredients

• 4 large sweet potatoes
• 4 tbsp butter
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup mini marshmallows, optional

Steps

1. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes.
2. Add them to the slow cooker.
3. Add butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Stir well.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours.
6. Mash slightly or leave chunky.
7. Add pecans.
8. Top with marshmallows near the end if desired.

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4. Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Sauce

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This sweet-tart cranberry sauce requires very little attention.

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Steps

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.
4. Stir occasionally.
5. Mash some berries for a thicker texture.
6. Cool slightly before serving.

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5. Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

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Creamy green beans and crispy onions can be prepared without monopolizing the oven.

Ingredients

• 2 lb green beans
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• 1½ cups crispy fried onions

Steps

1. Add green beans and mushrooms to the slow cooker.
2. Mix soup, milk, and seasonings.
3. Pour over vegetables.
4. Stir gently.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.
6. Add crispy onions during the final 15–20 minutes.
7. Serve hot.

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6. Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

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Rich, creamy corn is a simple side that can stay warm while you concentrate on the rest of dinner.

Ingredients

• 6 cups corn kernels
• 4 oz cream cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 3 tbsp butter
• ½ cup Parmesan
• Salt and pepper

Steps

1. Add corn to the slow cooker.
2. Add cream cheese, cream, and butter.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours.
5. Stir until creamy.
6. Add Parmesan before serving.

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7. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

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If you’re cooking a smaller turkey portion, the slow cooker can produce tender, flavorful turkey while the oven stays available.

Ingredients

• 4–5 lb boneless turkey breast
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper

Steps

1. Pat the turkey dry.
2. Rub with butter and seasonings.
3. Place vegetables or herbs underneath if desired.
4. Put turkey breast into the slow cooker.
5. Add broth.
6. Cover and cook according to your appliance and recipe specifications.
7. Check the thickest part with a thermometer.
8. Turkey should reach 165°F.
9. Rest before slicing.

Important: Cooking times vary significantly by size and slow cooker, so use internal temperature rather than time alone.

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8. Slow Cooker Turkey Gravy

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Ingredients

• 4 cups turkey or chicken stock
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp flour
• ½ tsp sage
• ½ tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Steps

1. Melt butter in a skillet.
2. Whisk in flour.
3. Cook until lightly golden.
4. Slowly whisk in stock.
5. Transfer to the slow cooker.
6. Add herbs.
7. Cook on LOW for 2–3 hours.
8. Whisk before serving.

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9. Slow Cooker Butternut Squash

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Ingredients

• 2½ lb peeled butternut squash
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Salt

Steps

1. Cut squash into cubes.
2. Add to the slow cooker.
3. Add butter, maple syrup, and spices.
4. Stir.
5. Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours.
6. Serve chunky or mash until smooth.

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10. Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

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Ingredients

• 2 lb Brussels sprouts
• 6 slices cooked bacon
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper
• Parmesan, optional

Steps

1. Trim and halve Brussels sprouts.
2. Add them to the slow cooker.
3. Add garlic, butter, broth, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.
5. Stir in crumbled bacon.
6. Add Parmesan before serving.

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11. Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

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Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 3 cups cheddar
• 1 cup mozzarella
• 1 can evaporated milk
• ½ cup milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper

Steps

1. Cook macaroni until just tender.
2. Drain thoroughly.
3. Add pasta to the slow cooker.
4. Stir in cheeses, milk, evaporated milk, and butter.
5. Season.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 1–2 hours.
7. Stir occasionally until creamy.

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12. Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Compote

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This versatile apple mixture works as a dessert topping or alongside breakfast.

Ingredients

• 6 apples
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Steps

1. Peel and slice apples.
2. Add everything to the slow cooker.
3. Stir well.
4. Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.
5. Stir before serving.
6. Serve warm with ice cream, pancakes, or pound cake.

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13. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup

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Ingredients

• 4 cups pumpkin purée
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp thyme
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup cream
• Salt and pepper

Steps

1. Add pumpkin, onion, garlic, broth, and herbs.
2. Stir well.
3. Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours.
4. Blend until smooth.
5. Stir in cream.
6. Season to taste.
7. Keep warm until serving.

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14. Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions

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These sweet, deeply flavored onions are excellent with turkey, mashed potatoes, sandwiches, and appetizers.

Ingredients

• 4 large yellow onions
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp brown sugar, optional

Steps

1. Slice onions thinly.
2. Add them to the slow cooker.
3. Add butter, oil, and salt.
4. Cook on LOW for 8–10 hours.
5. Stir occasionally.
6. Add brown sugar during the final hour if desired.

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15. Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots

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Ingredients

• 2 lb carrots
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 3 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley

Steps

1. Peel and slice carrots.
2. Place in the slow cooker.
3. Add maple syrup and butter.
4. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.
6. Stir before serving.
7. Garnish with parsley.

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16. Slow Cooker Sausage and Apple Stuffing

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Ingredients

• 8 cups bread cubes
• ½ lb cooked sausage
• 1 apple, diced
• 1 cup celery
• 1 cup onion
• 2 cups broth
• 1 tsp sage
• ½ tsp thyme
• 2 tbsp butter

Steps

1. Sauté onion and celery.
2. Combine bread, sausage, apple, and vegetables.
3. Add herbs.
4. Pour in broth gradually.
5. Transfer to slow cooker.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for about 3–4 hours.
7. Check that the center reaches 165°F before serving.

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17. Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Mushrooms

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Ingredients

• 2 lb mushrooms
• 4 garlic cloves
• 3 tbsp butter
• ½ cup cream cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan
• Thyme
• Salt and pepper

Steps

1. Clean and halve mushrooms.
2. Add mushrooms and garlic to the slow cooker.
3. Add butter and seasonings.
4. Cook on LOW for 3 hours.
5. Stir in cream cheese and cream.
6. Add Parmesan.
7. Cook for another 20–30 minutes.

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18. Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs

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A sweet-tangy appetizer that’s easy to keep warm during a holiday gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 lb fully cooked meatballs
• 1½ cups cranberry sauce
• ½ cup chili sauce
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Steps

1. Add meatballs to the slow cooker.
2. Whisk together cranberry sauce, chili sauce, orange juice, and sugar.
3. Pour over meatballs.
4. Stir gently.
5. Cook until the meatballs are thoroughly heated.
6. Switch to WARM for serving once fully cooked.

A slow cooker can be used for hot holding after food has been fully cooked; USDA recommends keeping hot food at or above 140°F.

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19. Slow Cooker Creamy Spinach Dip

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Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1 cup chopped artichokes
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup Parmesan
• 2 garlic cloves

Steps

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Stir well.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 1½–2 hours.
4. Stir until smooth.
5. Switch to WARM after the dip is fully heated.
6. Serve with toasted bread or crackers.

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20. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Bread Pudding

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Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed bread
• 1½ cups pumpkin purée
• 3 eggs
• 1½ cups milk
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla

Steps

1. Grease the slow cooker.
2. Add bread cubes.
3. Whisk pumpkin, eggs, milk, sugar, spices, and vanilla.
4. Pour mixture over bread.
5. Let sit for 10 minutes.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.
7. Serve warm with whipped cream or caramel sauce.

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21. Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Dessert

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Ingredients

• 6 apples
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ¼ cup chopped pecans

Steps

1. Peel, core, and slice apples.
2. Place apples in the slow cooker.
3. Add brown sugar, spices, and butter.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.
5. Stir in vanilla and pecans.
6. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

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🦃 How to Use Your Slow Cooker on Thanksgiving

A little planning can make a major difference.

Start With the Longest Recipes

Put dishes such as caramelized onions, mashed potatoes, turkey breast, and stuffing into the slow cooker first.

Use Different Slow Cookers for Different Dishes

If you have multiple slow cookers, designate one for sides, one for appetizers, and another for sauces or desserts.

Don’t Overfill the Cooker

Follow your appliance manufacturer’s recommendations for capacity. Overfilling can interfere with even cooking.

Keep the Lid Closed

Opening the lid repeatedly releases heat and moisture and can extend cooking time. USDA specifically recommends keeping the lid in place except when needed to stir or check doneness.

Use WARM Only After Cooking

The WARM setting is for holding fully cooked food, not for cooking raw ingredients.

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🌡️ Thanksgiving Slow Cooker Food-Safety Tips

Slow cookers are convenient, but safe handling is essential.

• Thaw meat and poultry before slow cooking.
• Use a food thermometer to verify doneness.
• Poultry should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Stuffing and casseroles should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Keep cooked food at 140°F (60°C) or hotter while holding it for serving.
• Don’t use a slow cooker to reheat refrigerated leftovers; reheat them first using an appropriate method and then transfer the hot food to a preheated slow cooker for holding.
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
• Store leftovers in shallow containers for faster cooling.
• Most cooked leftovers should be used within 3–4 days.

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🍂 Conclusion

Your Thanksgiving oven doesn’t have to do all the work.

From creamy mashed potatoes and stuffing to sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, turkey breast, vegetables, appetizers, and desserts, the slow cooker can take over a surprising number of holiday dishes.

The biggest advantage is simple: while your slow cooker handles one dish, your oven remains available for turkey, pies, rolls, or anything else that needs baking. Slow cookers can also help keep fully cooked foods hot for serving when used according to food-safety guidance.

Choose a few recipes that fit your menu, prep ingredients ahead of time, and stagger the cooking schedule. With a little planning, you can serve an impressive Thanksgiving feast without fighting for oven space.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you cook Thanksgiving food in a slow cooker?

Yes. Many Thanksgiving sides, appetizers, sauces, and some desserts can be cooked in a slow cooker. Food Network specifically highlights slow-cooker options as a way to free up oven and stovetop space during Thanksgiving.

2. Can I make mashed potatoes in a slow cooker?

Yes. Potatoes can be cooked until tender and mashed with butter, cream, or cream cheese directly in the slow cooker.

3. Can stuffing be made in a slow cooker?

Yes. Stuffing can be cooked in a slow cooker, but the center should reach 165°F (74°C) before serving.