When it comes to cooking for a crowd, having a few reliable and delicious side dish recipes up your sleeve can make all the difference. That’s why we’re excited to share our collection of 20 mouthwatering Crock Pot side dishes that are perfect for every occasion – from family gatherings and holiday meals to casual weeknight dinners.
From comforting classics like Creamy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese and Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, to innovative twists on traditional favorites like Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Green Beans and Crock Pot Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts, we’ve got you covered. And the best part? Each of these recipes is designed to be easy to make and requires minimal effort – just toss everything in your Crock Pot and let it do the work for you.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each of our 20 delicious Crock Pot side dishes and share the simple steps to bring them to life. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your next family dinner or seeking some new ideas to impress your guests, you won’t want to miss these must-try recipes.
Creamy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Elevate your comfort food game with this creamy, cheesy, and incredibly easy crock pot macaroni and cheese recipe. With minimal effort, you’ll be rewarded with a warm, satisfying dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In the crock pot, combine milk, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, flour, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
3. Add cooked macaroni to the crock pot mixture. Stir gently to combine.
4. Dot the top with butter.
5. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Transform plain potatoes into a rich and savory dish with this easy recipe! With the convenience of your slow cooker, you can enjoy tender and flavorful potatoes all day long.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/2 cup garlic butter (softened)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the cubed potatoes, garlic butter, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil to your slow cooker.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips:
– You can adjust the amount of garlic butter to your liking, but keep in mind that it will mellow out during cooking.
– Consider adding some diced onions or bell peppers for added flavor and color.
Easy Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole
Easy Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole
This classic comfort food recipe is a twist on the traditional oven-baked version, made simple and convenient for busy days with the help of your crock pot. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a creamy, green bean-filled casserole that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 cup french-fried onions
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and milk to your crock pot.
2. Stir until well combined.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the french-fried onions over the top.
5. Season with black pepper and salt (if using).
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Savory Crock Pot Cornbread Dressing
Elevate your holiday meal with this moist and flavorful cornbread dressing, cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. This recipe combines the warmth of spices with the comforting taste of cornbread, making it a perfect addition to your turkey or chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cornbread, crumbled
– 1/2 cup chopped celery
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat the crock pot to low heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, chopped celery, and chopped onion.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, poultry seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour over the cornbread mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Add chicken broth and mix until the dressing reaches your desired consistency.
5. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1 hour.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low) or 1 hour (high)
Cheesy Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes
A comforting, creamy side dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal effort, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the potatoes do their magic.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the crock pot, create a layer of overlapping potato slices.
2. Sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the potatoes.
3. Drizzle with half of the milk and dot with half of the butter.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 to create a second layer.
5. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Carrots
Sweeten up your mealtime with this effortless slow cooker recipe that brings out the natural sweetness of carrots. This dish is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious, stress-free side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine carrot slices, honey, brown sugar, olive oil, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir occasionally to ensure even glazing.
4. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Elevate your mashed potato game with this comforting Crock Pot recipe, loaded with cheese, sour cream, and chives. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
Instructions:
1. Place the cubed potatoes, salt, and pepper in the Crock Pot.
2. Add the shredded cheese on top of the potatoes.
3. Dot the surface with butter.
4. Pour in the sour cream.
5. Sprinkle the chopped chives over the top.
6. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
7. Mash the potatoes with a fork or potato masher until desired consistency is reached.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Herbed Crock Pot Wild Rice Pilaf
This hearty pilaf combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the savory aroma of fresh herbs, perfect for a comforting and easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice blend
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the wild rice blend, chicken broth, olive oil, onion, garlic, thyme, and rosemary to a crock pot.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Fluff the pilaf with a fork before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Buttery Herb Mushrooms
Slow Cooker Buttery Herb Mushrooms: A rich and savory side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe is a great way to bring out the natural flavors of mushrooms, with the added bonus of being incredibly easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a slow cooker, combine sliced mushrooms, butter, garlic, thyme, and chicken broth.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
- Salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Cooking Time: 1-4 hours
Crock Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice
A creamy and comforting side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe combines the flavors of broccoli, cheese, and rice to create a deliciously simple meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and add it to the Crock Pot.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, broccoli, and shredded cheese. Pour the mixture over the rice.
3. Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper to the Crock Pot. Stir until the butter is melted and the cheese is well coated.
4. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 2-5 hours
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
This comforting casserole is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any day you need a warm and satisfying side dish. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious sweet potato casserole to enjoy.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup of brown sugar
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Marshmallows or pecans for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add sweet potatoes, cream of chicken soup, brown sugar, heavy cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Top with marshmallows or pecans, if desired.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Bacon Ranch Potatoes
Elevate your potato game with this creamy, savory, and smoky recipe that’s perfect for a crowd-pleasing side dish or a comforting snack. With the magic of slow cooking, these potatoes will melt in your mouth!
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup ranch dressing
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the sliced potatoes in the Crock Pot.
2. Add the crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, salt, and pepper on top of the potatoes.
3. If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the potato mixture.
4. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Green Beans
This recipe transforms green beans from a plain side dish to a mouthwatering main attraction, all thanks to the magic of slow cooking and a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for an extra burst of flavor)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, and chicken broth until smooth.
3. Add the green beans to the slow cooker and pour in the garlic butter sauce.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on top of the green beans during the last hour of cooking.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Creamed Spinach
Elevate your mealtime with this simple and delicious Crock Pot Creamed Spinach recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend brunch. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll be enjoying a rich and creamy spinach dish in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach (14 oz), thawed and drained
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add spinach, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese to the Crock Pot.
2. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Cheesy Corn Casserole
A creamy, comforting casserole perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. This easy-to-make recipe combines the sweetness of corn with the richness of cheese, all in a slow cooker.
Ingredients:
• 1 (15 oz) can creamed corn
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine creamed corn, cheddar cheese, milk, melted butter, and paprika.
2. Add the thawed corn kernels and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions or chives if desired. Enjoy!
Crock Pot Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Elevate your side dish game with this easy and delicious recipe that combines the natural sweetness of maple syrup with the savory flavors of garlic and thyme.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or frozen Brussels sprouts, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the Brussels sprouts, maple syrup, olive oil, garlic, and thyme 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. Stir the mixture halfway through cooking time to ensure even glazing.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Elevate your cauliflower game with this easy and flavorful slow cooker recipe that yields a deliciously roasted vegetable dish.
Ingredients:
• 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Place the cauliflower mixture in the prepared slow cooker.
4. Cook for 6-8 hours or until the cauliflower is tender and caramelized.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves if desired.
6. Serve hot, perhaps alongside a hearty pasta dish or as a side to your favorite protein.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Crock Pot Herb and Garlic Bread Pudding
Perfect as a side dish or dessert, this bread pudding is infused with the savory flavors of herbs and garlic, making it a great accompaniment to your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
– 6 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Crock Pot to Low.
2. In a large bowl, combine bread, melted butter, parsley, thyme, garlic, and sugar. Toss until the bread is evenly coated.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and mix until the bread is well saturated.
4. Cook on Low for 2-1/2 hours or High for 1 hour.
5. Serve warm, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours (Low) or 1 hour (High)
Slow Cooker Balsamic Roasted Vegetables
Elevate your meal with this easy and flavorful recipe that brings out the best in roasted vegetables, all without heating up your oven!
Ingredients:
– 2-3 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2-3 Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 large yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add chopped vegetables, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil to a slow cooker.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips:
– Adjust cooking time based on your desired level of tenderness.
– You can customize the recipe by using different vegetables or adding other seasonings.
Crock Pot Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this creamy, cheesy casserole that’s easy to make and perfect for a crowd.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of frozen hash browns, thawed
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Grease a 6-quart Crock Pot with butter.
2. Add the hash browns, spread evenly.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the cheesy mixture over the hash browns in the Crock Pot.
5. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) / 2-3 hours (high)
This casserole is perfect for a family gathering, potluck, or even just a quick and easy breakfast. Enjoy!
Summary
Get ready to elevate your mealtime with these 20 mouthwatering crock pot side dishes recipes! From comforting classics like Creamy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese and Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, to savory twists like Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes and Herbed Wild Rice Pilaf, there’s something for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for a hearty side dish or a delicious addition to your favorite main course, these easy-to-make recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
