13 Easy Crockpot Thanksgiving Recipes | Sides, Mains & Desserts

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. But let’s be honest — cooking a full feast can be overwhelming. The oven is packed, the stove is covered in pots, and you’re running out of counter space. Something always gets cold while you’re finishing something else.

That’s where the crockpot comes in.

These 13 crockpot Thanksgiving recipes are designed to take the stress out of holiday cooking. From a juicy turkey breast that frees up your oven to creamy mashed potatoes that stay warm for hours, each recipe lets you set it and forget it. Your oven stays free for the things that actually need it, and you get to actually enjoy your own party.

Whether you’re hosting a big crowd or keeping things small, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s get cooking.

MAIN DISHES

1. Crockpot Turkey Breast

Serving Size: 6-8 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

This is the hero of your Thanksgiving table. A perfectly cooked, juicy turkey breast that frees up your oven for everything else. It’s foolproof, flavorful, and so tender it practically falls apart.

Ingredients

• 1 (4-6 lb) bone-in or boneless turkey breast
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup orange juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

1. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, mix the onion soup mix, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and pepper.
3. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, then coat evenly with the seasoning mixture.
4. Pour the chicken broth (and orange juice, if using) into the bottom of the crockpot.
5. Place the turkey breast in the crockpot, skin-side up if using a bone-in breast.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
7. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F, as measured with a meat thermometer.
8. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Pro tip: For extra flavor, add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme on top of the turkey before cooking. If you want that crispy skin, pop it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes after cooking.

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2. Crockpot Ham

Serving Size: 10-12 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

If turkey isn’t your thing — or you want a second protein option — this crockpot ham is the answer. Sweet, savory, and practically foolproof.

Ingredients

• 1 (6-8 lb) spiral-cut ham
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup maple syrup or honey
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• ½ cup pineapple juice or chicken broth

Instructions

1. Place the ham, flat side down, in the crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, maple syrup, and mustard.
3. Spread the glaze evenly over the ham.
4. Pour the pineapple juice or broth into the bottom of the crockpot.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until heated through.
6. Baste with the juices halfway through cooking.

Pro tip: Score the ham in a diamond pattern before glazing to let the flavors penetrate deeper.

SIDE DISHES

3. Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Serving Size: 10 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

These crockpot mashed potatoes are creamy, buttery, and stay warm for hours — the ultimate make-ahead side dish.

Ingredients

• 5 lbs Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ½ cup warm milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place the cubed potatoes and broth in the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours, until tender.
3. Drain any excess liquid. Add the butter, cream cheese, sour cream, warm milk, salt, and pepper.
4. Mash with a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
5. Keep warm in the crockpot on the WARM setting for up to 2 hours.

Pro tip: For the creamiest potatoes, use Yukon Golds and full-fat dairy. It’s Thanksgiving — go all in.

4. Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole

Serving Size: 8-10 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Sweet, creamy, and topped with gooey marshmallows — this is the sweet potato casserole everyone fights over.

Ingredients

• 4 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup milk
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 2 cups mini marshmallows (for topping)

Instructions

1. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Pour the mixture over the sweet potatoes and stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until potatoes are tender.
5. Top with mini marshmallows during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.

Pro tip: For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted pecans over the marshmallows.

5. Crockpot Stuffing

Serving Size: 10-12 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

This stuffing is everything you want — savory, herby, and perfectly moist. And it frees up your oven for the turkey.

Ingredients

• 1 (12 oz) bag dried stuffing cubes
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced celery
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1½ tsp poultry seasoning
• ½ tsp sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Add the stuffing cubes, onion, and celery to the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, chicken broth, eggs, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the liquid over the stuffing and stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until heated through and set.

Pro tip: For a more rustic version, use torn challah or sourdough bread instead of stuffing cubes.

6. Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

Serving Size: 8-10 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

A classic Thanksgiving favorite made even easier. This version is creamy, savory, and topped with crispy fried onions.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 (6 oz) can crispy fried onions

Instructions

1. Place the green beans in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Pour the sauce over the green beans and stir to coat.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until green beans are tender.
5. Top with crispy fried onions during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Pro tip: For a fresher flavor, use homemade cream of mushroom soup instead of canned.

7. Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Serving Size: 8-10 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Creamy, cheesy, and beloved by kids and adults alike. This crockpot mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food side.

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
• 1½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp paprika

Instructions

1. Add the cooked macaroni, shredded cheese, evaporated milk, whole milk, melted butter, salt, pepper, and paprika to the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or HIGH for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until creamy and heated through.

Pro tip: For extra creaminess, use a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a little cream cheese.

8. Crockpot Creamed Corn

Serving Size: 8-10 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes

Rich, creamy, and slightly sweet, this creamed corn is a crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs frozen or fresh corn kernels
• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup sugar (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir well before serving.

Pro tip: For extra richness, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes.

9. Crockpot Glazed Carrots

Serving Size: 8 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Sweet, buttery, and beautifully glazed — these carrots are the perfect pop of color and flavor on your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs baby carrots
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Place the baby carrots in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Pour the glaze over the carrots and stir to coat.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until carrots are tender.

Pro tip: Add fresh thyme during the last 30 minutes for an herbaceous twist.

10. Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes

Serving Size: 8-10 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Ultra-creamy, layered potatoes that cook themselves while you focus on other dishes.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp nutmeg

Instructions

1. Layer half the sliced potatoes in the crockpot. Top with half the garlic, salt, pepper, and cheeses. Repeat.
2. Pour the heavy cream over the top.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until potatoes are tender.

Pro tip: Use a mandoline for perfectly even slices.

11. Crockpot Cranberry Sauce

Serving Size: 10 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes

Fresh, tangy, and infinitely better than canned. This cranberry sauce practically makes itself.

Ingredients

• 2 (12 oz) bags fresh cranberries
• 1½ cups sugar
• ½ cup orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to the crockpot and stir.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
3. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.

Pro tip: Make this a day ahead — it’s even better the next day.

DESSERTS

12. Crockpot Pecan Pie Cobbler

Serving Size: 8-10 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

This is the easiest dessert you’ll make all year. Gooey, nutty, and caramel-y — it tastes like pecan pie without the fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.
2. Pour the mixture into the crockpot.
3. Sprinkle the cake mix and pecans over the top.
4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 1½ to 2 hours.

Pro tip: Top with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert.

13. Crockpot Apple Dump Cake

Serving Size: 8-10 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Warm, spiced apples with a buttery cake topping — this dump cake is the easiest Thanksgiving dessert you’ll ever make.

Ingredients

• 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 6 medium apples)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1 box yellow or spice cake mix
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Add the sliced apples to the crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle over the apples and toss to coat.
3. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top.
4. Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix.
5. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours.

Pro tip: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

FAQs

Can I really make a whole Thanksgiving dinner in a crockpot?

Yes! You can cook turkey breast, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and even dessert all in separate crockpots. It’s the ultimate strategy for a stress-free Thanksgiving.

How many crockpots do I need?

For a full Thanksgiving meal, plan on 3-4 crockpots: one for the turkey, one for mashed potatoes, one for a vegetable side, and one for dessert.

What’s the best way to keep crockpot food warm for a party?

Most crockpots have a WARM setting that keeps food at a safe temperature for up to 2 hours. Just stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

What are the best crockpot Thanksgiving recipes for a crowd?

Mac and cheese, creamed corn, scalloped potatoes, and sweet potato casserole all easily feed 8-10 people.

Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

Absolutely! Many of these recipes (mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole) can be made a day ahead and reheated in the crockpot.

What size crockpot do I need for Thanksgiving?

A 6-quart crockpot is the most versatile size and fits most turkey breasts and crowd-sized side dishes. For larger groups, consider a 7-8 quart model.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be stressful. With these 13 crockpot recipes, you can spend less time hovering over the stove and more time actually enjoying your holiday.

From a perfectly juicy turkey breast to creamy mashed potatoes and gooey pecan pie cobbler, every dish is designed to cook itself while you focus on what really matters — good food, good company, and a whole lot of gratitude.

Your next step: Pick 3-4 recipes from this list, grab your crockpots, and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting. Happy Thanksgiving!