Slow Cooker Recipes

By Taryn Chavez

20 Delicious Crock Pot Side Dishes Recipes for Every Occasion

Are you tired of sacrificing flavor for convenience when it comes to side dishes? Look no further! With a little creativity and the right recipes, your slow cooker can become your go-to tool for whipping up delicious, stress-free side dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick and easy solution for a weeknight meal, these 20 mouthwatering crock pot side dishes recipes have got you covered.

From comforting classics like creamy mac and cheese to savory takes on green bean casserole, there’s something on this list for everyone. And the best part? Each recipe requires minimal effort and attention, leaving you free to focus on other things (like enjoying your meal)! In this article, we’ll explore some of our favorite crock pot side dishes recipes that are sure to become new favorites in your household.

Creamy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Creamy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Elevate your macaroni and cheese game with this creamy crock pot recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, flour, and butter until smooth.
3. Add the cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the milk mixture; stir until well combined.
4. Place the cooked macaroni in the crock pot. Pour the cheese sauce over the top.
5. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is coated and the cheese is melted.

Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
A deliciously simple side dish that’s perfect for busy days or special occasions. These creamy, cheesy potatoes are a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs small to medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In the slow cooker, combine potatoes, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and thyme.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
4. Stir gently before serving.

Tips:

– You can adjust the amount of garlic and cheese to your liking.
– For an extra crispy top, broil the potatoes in the oven for a few minutes after cooking.

Easy Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole

Easy Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole
This classic comfort food dish is a staple at many gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying casserole without heating up your kitchen.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup french-fried onions
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Add the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and black pepper to a crock pot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the french-fried onions and shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
4. Continue cooking until the onions are golden brown.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Honey Glazed Carrots in the Slow Cooker

Honey Glazed Carrots in the Slow Cooker
Elevate your side dish game with this simple slow cooker recipe that yields tender, caramelized carrots smothered in a sweet and sticky honey glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!

Ingredients:

– 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In the slow cooker, whisk together honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and cinnamon.
2. Add the sliced carrots to the slow cooker and toss until they’re evenly coated with the glaze.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove from heat when the carrots are tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally if needed.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Crock Pot Cornbread Casserole

Crock Pot Cornbread Casserole
Crock Pot Cornbread Casserole Recipe

A warm and comforting casserole perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup cornbread mix
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 can (14.5 oz) creamed corn
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornbread mix, milk, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
2. Add the creamed corn and stir until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into a 6-quart Crock Pot.
4. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or HIGH for 1 hour.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (LOW) or 1 hour (HIGH)

Cheesy Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes
Elevate your potato game with this indulgent slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights. A rich and creamy bechamel sauce, melted cheese, and tender potatoes come together in a comforting dish that’s sure to please.

Ingredients:

– 3-4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
– 1 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In the slow cooker, combine sliced potatoes.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, butter, and salt. Pour over potatoes.
3. Top with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Just before serving, sprinkle with parsley and season with pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Herbed Crock Pot Rice Pilaf

Herbed Crock Pot Rice Pilaf
Elevate your meal routine with this aromatic and flavorful rice pilaf, perfectly cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add rice, water, olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary to a 6-quart crock pot.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on Low for 4-5 hours or High for 2-3 hours.
4. Fluff the pilaf with a fork before serving.

Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (Low) / 2-3 hours (High)

Slow Cooker Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans

Slow Cooker Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans
Elevate your vegetable game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the natural sweetness of green beans with the savory flavor of bacon. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these tender and flavorful green beans are sure to please.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine green beans, bacon, garlic, and olive oil. Toss until the green beans are evenly coated with the bacon and garlic mixture.
3. Place the green bean mixture in the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional bacon if desired.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)

Crock Pot Sweet Potato Mash

Crock Pot Sweet Potato Mash
Sweet Potato Mash in a Crock Pot: A Deliciously Easy Side Dish!

Savory Slow Cooker Stuffing

Savory Slow Cooker Stuffing
Savory Slow Cooker Stuffing: Elevate your holiday meals with this flavorful and effortless recipe that combines the classic flavors of stuffing with the convenience of a slow cooker.

Ingredients:

– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, sauté the onion, celery, and garlic until tender.
2. Add the bread cubes, melted butter, chicken broth, milk, sage, and poultry seasoning. Toss until the bread is evenly coated.
3. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time:

– Low: 4-6 hours
– High: 2-3 hours

Cheesy Crock Pot Broccoli Rice Casserole

Cheesy Crock Pot Broccoli Rice Casserole
A comforting, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe is easy to prepare and cook, with minimal supervision needed.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Grease a 6-quart crock pot with butter.
2. Add chopped onion, broccoli florets, rice, and cream of chicken soup. Mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese and milk. Pour the mixture over the rice mixture in the crock pot.
4. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
5. Fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)

Slow Cooker Honey Butter Peas and Carrots

Slow Cooker Honey Butter Peas and Carrots
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of peas and carrots with the richness of honey butter, creating a deliciously easy side dish perfect for any meal. Simply toss your favorite veggies in the slow cooker with some savory seasonings and let the magic happen!

Ingredients:

– 1 cup frozen peas
– 2 cups sliced carrots
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a slow cooker, combine peas and carrots.
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter and honey until smooth.
3. Add the honey-butter mixture to the slow cooker and stir to coat the vegetables evenly.
4. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the top.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Serve: Once cooked, use as a side dish or add to your favorite main course.

Crock Pot Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Crock Pot Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Get ready to elevate your mashed potato game with this creamy, cheesy, and loaded recipe!

Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup diced cooked bacon (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (optional)

Instructions:
1. Place the cubed potatoes in the Crock Pot.
2. Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper on top of the potatoes.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
5. If using, sprinkle the diced bacon and chopped scallions on top.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)

Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Mushrooms

Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Mushrooms
Elevate your meal with this simple yet flavorful recipe that brings out the best of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In the slow cooker, combine mushrooms, garlic, olive oil, thyme, and rosemary.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 3 hours.

Crock Pot Cheesy Corn Spoon Bread

Crock Pot Cheesy Corn Spoon Bread
Elevate your comfort food game with this easy and delicious recipe that combines the flavors of corn, cheese, and creamy goodness. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a side dish for your favorite meals.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup creamed corn
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup cornbread mix

Instructions:

1. In the Crock Pot, combine creamed corn, shredded cheese, milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
2. Add the cornbread mix on top of the corn mixture and stir gently to combine.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)

Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Transform humble Brussels sprouts into a sweet and tangy masterpiece with this easy slow cooker recipe.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the Brussels sprouts in a slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic glaze, olive oil, and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the glaze mixture over the Brussels sprouts, ensuring they’re coated evenly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
6. Just before serving, garnish with chopped nuts if desired.

Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)

Crock Pot Creamed Spinach

Crock Pot Creamed Spinach
Add a rich and creamy twist to your spinach with this Crock Pot Creamed Spinach recipe. Perfect as a side dish or incorporated into recipes like pasta, risotto, or chicken parmesan.

Ingredients:

– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In the Crock Pot, combine spinach, heavy cream, butter, and garlic.
2. Cook on Low for 4-5 hours or High for 2-3 hours.
3. Stir in salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (Low) or 2-3 hours (High)

Slow Cooker Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

Slow Cooker Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Slow Cooker Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower: A creamy, cheesy twist on traditional roasted cauliflower that’s perfect for a cozy evening.

Ingredients:

– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a large bowl, toss cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and garlic over the cauliflower; toss to combine.
4. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and cook for 6-8 hours or overnight.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours

Crock Pot Butternut Squash Risotto

Crock Pot Butternut Squash Risotto
Transform your favorite Italian dish into a comforting, slow-cooked delight with this easy recipe. This creamy butternut squash risotto is perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening.

Ingredients:

– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup Arborio rice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. In the Crock Pot, combine squash, broth, rice, oil, onion, garlic, and wine (if using). Stir well.
2. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in Parmesan cheese.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apples

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apples
Cozy up to a comforting treat that’s perfect for any time of the year. This recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy tender, cinnamon-infused apples without heating up your kitchen.

Ingredients:

– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions:

1. In a slow cooker, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve warm, garnished with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Summary

Get ready to elevate your mealtime with these 20 delicious crock pot side dishes recipes! From comforting classics like Creamy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese and Easy Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole, to savory options like Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes and Cheesy Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes. You’ll also find creative twists on traditional sides, such as Honey Glazed Carrots in the Slow Cooker and Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight side or a show-stopping dish for special occasions, these recipes are sure to impress!

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