When oven space runs out and the to-do list keeps growing, my slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes are the answer. I’ve curated this list from my most tested holiday recipes, including sides, mains, and everything in between, so you can free up the oven and actually enjoy the day. From no-fuss slow cooker turkey breast to hands-off mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce, each recipe is designed to deliver big flavor with minimal effort. For more slow cooker holiday inspiration, my slow cooker sides collection has everything you need to round out the table.

Side shot of sliced turkey breast drizzled with gravy with sage leaves scattered around.
5 stars (5 ratings)

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Juicy + Set‑and‑Forget!)

This slow cooker turkey breast is moist, tender, and comes together with simple ingredients. Just set it, forget it, and enjoy a comforting, no-fuss dinner that’s perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients: boneless turkey breast, spices, butter.
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Overhead shot of a white oval serving plate with a serving fork and sliced ham surrounded by orange slices and fresh herbs. Plate is surrounded by oranges, herbs, white serving plates, and a bowl of orange marmalade.
5 stars (2 ratings)

Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

Juicy slow cooker ham with a simple brown sugar glaze. Five minutes of prep, no oven needed, and it comes out tender and caramelized every time.
Ingredients: brown sugar, orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, ham, pineapple juice.
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Creamy smashed potatoes in a large slow cooker with a large metal spoon.
5 stars (3 ratings)

Slow Cooker Mashed Red Potatoes (No Boil)

Creamy, rustic slow cooker mashed red potatoes with no boiling and no peeling. Just set it, forget it, and mash!
Ingredients: red potatoes, olive oil, salt, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, chives
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Big scoop of sweet potato casserole topped with pecans in a slow cooker.
5 stars (8 ratings)

Easy Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole (w/ Pecan Topping!)

Cozy and so easy to prepare, this simple crockpot sweet potato casserole is a hands-off, dump-and-go slow cooker recipe. And with an easy (and addictive) pecan topping, it will have everyone going back for seconds!
Key ingredients: sweet potatoes, orange juice, butter, pecans, brown sugar.
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Uncooked cranberries in a crockpot with granulated sugar and brown sugar sprinkled on top.
5 stars (3 ratings)

Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce (Easy & Make-Ahead!)

Easy slow cooker cranberry sauce with fresh or frozen berries, orange juice, and brown sugar is bright, tart-sweet, and perfect to make ahead for the holidays!
Ingredients: cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, pure cane sugar, pure vanilla extract
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A wooden spoon rests in a slow cooker filled with spinach artichoke dip.
5 stars (1 rating)

Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip (No Mayo)

Creamy, melty spinach artichoke dip made right in the slow cooker with no mayo, and no pre-cooking, just dump everything in and let the crockpot do the work. Perfect for parties, game day, or the holidays.
Ingredients: artichoke hearts, spinach, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, Parmesan, mozzarella, granulated garlic, salt, and black pepper.
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Overhead shot of cooked green beans in a slow cooker.
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Slow Cooker Green Beans (w/ Bacon!)

Packed with flavor, these super easy slow cooker green beans are a simple side dish slow cooked to tender perfection. Using fresh green beans and smokey bacon it's a mostly hands-off recipe fit for the holiday table or as a delectable vegetable side!
Key ingredients: Green beans, bacon, chicken stock, garlic, smoked paprika, butter.
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A black slow cooker filled with cooked butternut squash halves.
5 stars (1 rating)

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash (Tender, Easy, Hands-Off!)

Slow cooker butternut squash made easy. Simply cook whole halves for stuffing or blend into a buttery, creamy purée. Hands-off, tender, and perfect for make-ahead sides.
Ingredients: butternut squash, olive oil, salt, pepper, butter, heavy cream, brown sugar.
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top down view of slow cooker potatoes in a black crockpot topped with fresh parsley
4.93 stars (42 ratings)

Slow Cooker Potatoes

These slow cooker potatoes are the definition of simple and delicious. All you need are a handful of pantry ingredients and a crockpot. Easy prep for weeknight dinners, but this classic, cozy recipe makes a great addition to the holiday table too!
Ingredients: small potatoes, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and salt.
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Close up of sliced baked sweet potatoes topped with butter in a black slow cooker.
5 stars (3 ratings)

Easiest Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes

Nearly effortless to prepare, slow cooker sweet potatoes are an easy side dish for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or for the holidays. This is my absolute favorite way to cook whole sweet potatoes, with just one ingredient and three hours!
Ingredients: sweet potatoes.
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close up of slow cooker baked potatoes in a black crockpot with chives and sour cream on top
5 stars (2 ratings)

Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes (No Foil, Fluffy & Hands-Off!)

Yes, you can make the perfect baked Russet potatoes in the slow cooker! With just 3-ingredients, this is the easiest, hands-off method to make fluffy, steamy slow cooker jacket potatoes with almost no effort, and no foil required.
Ingredients: Russet potatoes, olive oil and salt.
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Overhead shot of cooked collard greens with a ham hock in a black slow cooker.
5 stars (2 ratings)

Slow Cooker Collard Greens

This easy slow cooker collard greens recipe combines humble collard greens with simple spices for a lusciously tender and delicious side dish you’ll want to make on repeat.
Key ingredients: collard greens, chicken stock, ham hock, apple cider vinegar.
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A chip being dipped into a crockpot bean dip.
5 stars (2 ratings)

Easy Slow Cooker Taco Dip (w/ Ground Beef!)

This ultra-easy slow cooker taco dip recipe is made with ground beef, cream cheese, Rotel and cheese; making for the easiest and tastiest taco dip you've ever had. Trust me, make this and watch your friends and family absolutely devour it in no time flat.
Ingredients: ground beef, Rotel, cream cheese, shredded Mexican cheese blend, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, lime juice, hot sauce and salt.
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A spoonful of apple slices in a sauce over a slow cooker with apple slices in a sauce.
5 stars (8 ratings)

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apples (Easy & Cozy!)

Slow cooker cinnamon apples with brown sugar, warm spices, and vanilla. They're tender, sweet, and perfect for a cozy, easy fall dessert or breakfast topping.
Ingredients: apples, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, salt, vanilla bean paste, cornstarch, butter, lemon juice.
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