Crockpot Side Dishes for Holidays

The holidays are a time for joy, gratitude, and sharing meals with the people you love. But let’s face it—holiday cooking can be a high-stress juggling act, especially when oven space is limited and everything needs to be hot at once. That’s where the crockpot comes in.

Using your slow cooker to make side dishes is a game-changer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other special gatherings. You can set it and forget it, keep food warm for hours, and free up space for roasting the turkey or baking pies.

This collection of crockpot holiday side dish recipes focuses on classic, comforting, and crowd-pleasing flavors—all without the need for pork, bacon, or alcohol-based ingredients. These recipes are easy to prep, hold well during serving, and are sure to become seasonal staples in your home.

Why Use the Crockpot for Holiday Sides?

• Frees up your oven for the main dish and desserts

• Keeps food warm throughout the meal without reheating

• Hands-off cooking reduces stress and last-minute chaos

• Great for transport if you’re bringing a dish to someone else’s celebration

• Easier cleanup with slow cooker liners or removable inserts

If you’re hosting or even just contributing one dish to a potluck-style feast, crockpot side dishes offer convenience without sacrificing flavor.

Best Crockpot Side Dishes for Holidays

These side dishes bring warmth, richness, and tradition to the table. Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving buffet, a Christmas dinner, or a winter gathering, these slow cooker recipes will round out your menu beautifully.

Buttery Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Servings: 8–10
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours on high

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1½ cups whole milk or half-and-half

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: sour cream or cream cheese for added creaminess

Instructions:

1. Add potatoes and a pinch of salt to the crockpot. Cover and cook on high for 3½ to 4 hours or until fork tender.

2. Drain excess liquid if necessary. Mash potatoes directly in the crockpot using a hand masher or electric mixer.

3. Stir in butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

4. Keep on warm setting until ready to serve.

Optional Add-Ins: Roasted garlic, chives, shredded cheese, or a spoonful of sour cream for extra richness.

Slow Cooker Maple-Glazed Carrots

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours on low

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs baby carrots

• ¼ cup pure maple syrup

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Place carrots in the slow cooker.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in maple syrup and cinnamon. Pour mixture over carrots.

3. Cover and cook on low for 2½ to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

4. Serve warm and drizzle with any extra glaze from the pot.

Why It Works:
Naturally sweet and kid-friendly, this dish brings a festive pop of color to your holiday table.

Creamy Crockpot Corn Casserole

Servings: 8–10
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours on low

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained

• 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn

• 1 cup sour cream

• ½ cup melted butter

• 1 box (8.5 oz) corn muffin mix

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients until fully combined.

2. Spray the crockpot insert with nonstick spray.

3. Pour mixture into the crockpot and smooth the top.

4. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until set and golden around the edges.

5. Switch to warm for serving.

Serving Tip:
This one stays moist and fluffy even on the warm setting—perfect for buffets and big family meals.

Crockpot Green Bean Almondine

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2½–3 hours on low

Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs fresh or frozen green beans

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ½ cup sliced almonds

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add green beans and butter to the crockpot.

2. Sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper.

3. Cover and cook on low for 2½ to 3 hours until beans are tender.

4. Toast almonds in a dry skillet, then sprinkle on top before serving.

Why It’s Great for Holidays:
A light, elegant side dish that complements heavier mains like roast turkey or beef.

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Mash

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours on low

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• ½ cup milk or coconut milk

• ¼ cup maple syrup or brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons butter

• Cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Add sweet potatoes and a splash of water to the crockpot. Cook on low for 3½ to 4 hours.

2. Drain any excess liquid. Mash with butter, maple syrup, milk, and spices.

3. Stir until creamy and smooth. Keep warm for serving.

Optional Garnishes: Mini marshmallows, pecans, or a brown sugar streusel topping.

Crockpot Garlic Herb Stuffing (No Meat)

Servings: 10–12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours on low

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf day-old bread, cubed (about 10 cups)

• 3 cups vegetable broth

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning or dried sage

• 4 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions and celery in butter until softened.

2. In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed veggies, broth, and seasoning.

3. Transfer to the crockpot and press down gently.

4. Cook on low for 3½ to 4 hours, stirring once or twice.

5. Leave uncovered the last 30 minutes for a slightly crisp top.

Bonus Tip:
You can easily make this gluten-free with gluten-free bread.

Tips for Crockpot Holiday Success

• Use liners for quick cleanup

• Start early so sides are ready before guests arrive

• Double up – use more than one crockpot to serve multiple dishes hot

• Keep lids closed as much as possible to retain heat and moisture

• Use the warm setting to keep food hot without overcooking

Holiday Menu Pairing Ideas

Mains:

• Roast turkey

• Baked chicken

• Stuffed squash (for vegetarians)

Crockpot Sides:

• Buttery mashed potatoes

• Green bean almondine

• Creamy corn casserole

• Maple-glazed carrots

• Sweet potato mash

• Garlic herb stuffing

Desserts (non-crockpot):

• Apple pie

• Pumpkin bars

• Cranberry crumble

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these sides ahead of time?
Yes! Many can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge. Let them come to room temp before slow cooking.

Can I double these recipes for larger crowds?
Yes, as long as your crockpot isn’t overfilled (no more than ¾ full). Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Can I keep sides warm for hours?
Absolutely. Most crockpots have a “warm” setting that keeps food at safe serving temperatures for 2–4 hours.

What size crockpot should I use?
A 6-quart crockpot is ideal for most holiday side dishes. Smaller ones work well for dips or small portions.

Can I use frozen ingredients?
Yes, just adjust the cooking time slightly. For example, frozen green beans or corn may need 30–60 extra minutes.

Final Thoughts

Holiday cooking doesn’t have to mean chaos in the kitchen. By letting your crockpot handle the sides, you free up space, reduce stress, and ensure your dishes are warm, flavorful, and ready when the main event hits the table.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another special gathering, these crockpot side dishes bring tradition and ease together beautifully. From creamy mashed potatoes to festive glazed carrots, your slow cooker can help you serve a holiday feast without the last-minute scramble.

Let your oven rest this season—your crockpot’s got it covered.