Introduction
Hey there, readers! Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, delicious food. If you’re hosting a large crowd this year, you’ll need some easy and delicious side dishes that can feed a lot of people.
That’s where your trusty crockpot comes in! This magical appliance can slow-cook your side dishes to perfection, freeing you up to focus on the rest of the meal. And the best part? Crockpot dishes are incredibly easy to make. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!
Section 1: Classic Side Dishes
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, and they’re just as easy to make in a crockpot as they are on the stovetop. Simply peel and cube your potatoes, then add them to the crockpot with some milk, butter, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. Then, mash them until smooth and creamy.
Stuffing
Stuffing is another classic Thanksgiving side dish that can be easily made in a crockpot. There are endless variations on stuffing, but our favorite is a simple bread stuffing made with celery, onion, and sage. Just combine all of your ingredients in the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the stuffing is cooked through.
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a creamy, cheesy side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. To make it in the crockpot, simply combine green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and cheese in the crockpot. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the green beans are tender and the casserole is bubbly.
Section 2: Unique and Flavorful Side Dishes
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a traditional Thanksgiving side dish, but it can be a bit tart for some people. Our crockpot cranberry sauce is sweetened with honey and maple syrup, making it the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Simply combine cranberries, honey, maple syrup, and water in the crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the sauce has thickened.
Roasted Butternut Squash
Roasted butternut squash is a delicious and healthy side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. To make it in the crockpot, simply peel and cube your butternut squash, then toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the squash is tender and caramelized.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that can be easily made in a crockpot. Simply peel and cube your sweet potatoes, then add them to the crockpot with some milk, butter, sugar, and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbly.
Section 3: Tips for Cooking Side Dishes in a Crockpot
Here are a few tips for cooking side dishes in a crockpot:
- Use low heat. This will help to prevent your dishes from burning or overcooking.
- Add liquid to your dishes. This will help to prevent them from drying out.
- Stir your dishes occasionally. This will help to ensure that they cook evenly.
- Don’t overfill your crockpot. This will help to prevent your dishes from cooking properly.
- Serve your dishes immediately. This will help to keep them warm and flavorful.
Table: Crockpot Side Dish Cooking Times
| Side Dish | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | 6-8 hours |
| Stuffing | 4-6 hours |
| Green Bean Casserole | 2-3 hours |
| Cranberry Sauce | 2-3 hours |
| Roasted Butternut Squash | 4-6 hours |
| Sweet Potato Casserole | 6-8 hours |
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed this article on Thanksgiving side dishes for a crowd crockpot easy. With these recipes, you’ll be able to feed your guests a delicious and satisfying meal without breaking a sweat. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!
And don’t forget to check out our other articles on Thanksgiving cooking, including:
- Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes: Easy and Delicious
- Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Vegetarian and Vegan Options
- Thanksgiving Desserts: Pies, Cakes, and More
FAQ About Thanksgiving Side Dishes For A Crowd Crockpot Easy
1. What are the best crockpot side dishes for a crowd?
Answer: Some of the best crockpot side dishes for a crowd include mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese, and baked beans.
2. How do I make mashed potatoes in a crockpot?
Answer: To make mashed potatoes in a crockpot, simply add peeled and cubed potatoes to the crockpot with some milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. Then, mash the potatoes until smooth.
3. How do I make stuffing in a crockpot?
Answer: To make stuffing in a crockpot, simply add all of the ingredients to the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the stuffing is cooked through.
4. How do I make green bean casserole in a crockpot?
Answer: To make green bean casserole in a crockpot, simply add the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the green beans are tender. Then, stir in the crispy onions.
5. How do I make macaroni and cheese in a crockpot?
Answer: To make macaroni and cheese in a crockpot, simply add the macaroni, cheese sauce, milk, and salt and pepper to the crockpot. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the macaroni is tender and the cheese sauce is melted.
6. How do I make baked beans in a crockpot?
Answer: To make baked beans in a crockpot, simply add the beans, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, and salt and pepper to the crockpot. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the beans are heated through.
7. Can I make these side dishes ahead of time?
Answer: Yes, most of these side dishes can be made ahead of time. Simply cook them according to the directions, then let them cool completely. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them in the crockpot on low until heated through.
8. Can I double these recipes?
Answer: Yes, you can double most of these recipes. Just be sure to use a larger crockpot.
9. What are some other easy crockpot side dishes?
Answer: Some other easy crockpot side dishes include: scalloped potatoes, corn on the cob, creamed spinach, and sweet potato casserole.
10. What are some tips for making crockpot side dishes for a crowd?
Answer: Here are a few tips for making crockpot side dishes for a crowd:
- Start with a clean crockpot.
- Use a liner to make cleanup easier.
- Don’t overfill the crockpot.
- Cook on low for the best results.
- Stir the side dishes occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t add too much liquid.
- Taste the side dishes before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed.