Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Recipes
These Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Recipes help you free up the stovetop and oven for sides and desserts while serving tender, flavorful mains that taste like you worked all day, even though you didn't!
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Thanksgiving dinner doesn't have to mean juggling oven timers or fighting for stovetop space. These slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes are your ticket to a calm, delicious holiday, where the main course cooks itself while you focus on the stuffing, pie, and maybe even relaxing for once. From melt-in-your-mouth turkey and cranberry-glazed pork to juicy rotisserie-style chicken, each dish brings the comfort and flavor of the season without any chaos!
The Best Slow Cooker Recipes
Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin
This Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin with a maple mustard sauce comes out perfectly tender and juicy every time. Great for a small holiday meal and easy enough for any weeknight.
Crockpot Boneless Turkey Breast
This Crockpot Boneless Turkey recipe comes out juicy and tender every time with less than 5 minutes of prep work! It is the ultimate foolproof recipe for making a delicious turkey breast right in the slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork
Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork is an easy, comforting, and flavorful dish that comes out perfectly tender every time. Great for an easy weeknight meal or holiday dinner.
Slow Cooker Maple Pork Tenderloin
Slow Cooker Maple Pork Tenderloin is a healthy, comforting meal made with a tasty maple and mustard sauce that's sweet and savory.
Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken
Looking for a way to make the best rotisserie chicken at home? Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken is the only recipe you will ever need. Made simply with lemon juice and a flavorful combination of savory spices, this chicken dish is a guaranteed show-stopper.
Best Sides to Serve with These Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Recipes
- Healthy Broccoli Casserole: Fresh broccoli bakes in a creamy mushroom and cheddar sauce topped with golden breadcrumbs and crispy onions, creating a cozy, crowd-pleasing side.
- Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole: Creamy sweet potatoes and butternut squash are mashed with milk, maple syrup, warm spices, then topped with a crunchy oat-pecan crumble.
- Healthy Green Bean Casserole: Tender green beans bake in a creamy mushroom sauce topped with crispy onions, bringing classic comfort and freshness to the holiday table.
- Healthy Cornbread Sausage Stuffing: Golden cornbread, savory sausage, and fresh herbs come together in a rich, comforting stuffing that captures all the best Thanksgiving flavors.
- How To Make Gravy Without Drippings: A silky roux of butter and flour whisks together with flavorful broth, garlic, and onion to create a smooth, savory gravy. No drippings required and ready in just 10 minutes.
- Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: Velvety mashed potatoes and cauliflower get a cozy upgrade with roasted garlic, butter, and milk. It's rich, creamy comfort disguised as a healthier side.
- Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potato cubes get tossed in olive oil, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper, then roasted until caramelized on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Wild Rice and Acorn Squash Salad: Roasted acorn squash, nutty wild rice, tart cranberries, and peppery arugula get tossed in a lemon-tahini vinaigrette for a vibrant fall salad that tastes like harvest in a bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should Thanksgiving meats cook in the slow cooker?
Most turkey tenderloins, boneless turkey breasts, and pork loins cook on low for about four to six hours. Whole chickens may take a little longer depending on size. Always check for safe internal temperatures before serving.
Do I need to brown the meat before putting it in the slow cooker?
No. Browning adds flavor, but it is completely optional. The recipes in this list are designed to be easy and hands off.
What if my slow cooker cooks hotter or cooler than expected?
Slow cookers vary. If you notice the meat cooking faster, switch to warm once it reaches a safe temperature. If it needs more time, keep it on low until tender. The recipes are forgiving, which makes them great for busy holiday kitchens.
Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
Yes. Many slow cooked mains reheat well. Store in airtight containers and warm gently before serving. The sauces and juices help keep everything moist.
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