Thanksgiving is all about gathering with family, sharing stories, and of course, indulging in delicious food! One of my favorite ways to make the holiday a little easier is by whipping up easy Thanksgiving side dishes in a crockpot. I love the idea of setting it and forgetting it while spending more time with my loved ones. Picture this: the warm, cheesy aroma wafting through the house as your crockpot does all the work! These dishes not only elevate your Thanksgiving feast but also give you that cozy, home-cooked vibe without the chaotic kitchen hustle. Trust me, once you try these crockpot sides, you’ll wonder how you ever did Thanksgiving without them!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Side Dishes Easy Crockpot
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these amazing Thanksgiving side dishes in your crockpot! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups of diced potatoes – I love using Yukon Golds for their creamy texture!
- 1 cup of chopped onions – they add that perfect savory sweetness.
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese – because who can resist that melty goodness?
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup – this is the secret to that rich, creamy base.
- 1/2 cup of milk – adjust this if you like it extra creamy!
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder – it gives a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t forget to season to your liking!
These simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. You’ll love how easy it is to make this delightful side dish!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Side Dishes Easy Crockpot
Preparing these scrumptious Thanksgiving side dishes in your crockpot is a breeze! Here’s how to get started:
- Begin by placing 4 cups of diced potatoes and 1 cup of chopped onions directly into the bottom of your crockpot. I like to give them a little stir to mix them up a bit!
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
- Now, pour this creamy mixture evenly over the potatoes and onions in the crockpot. Make sure every piece is coated; it really helps with flavor!
- Next, top everything off with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. You can never have too much cheese, right?
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. I often choose low so I can let it simmer while I tackle other Thanksgiving prep!
As it cooks, you’ll start to smell that comforting aroma filling your home. When it’s done, just give it a good stir, and you’re ready to serve a delicious side that everyone will love!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Thanksgiving side dishes in the crockpot turn out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, don’t skip the seasoning—a little extra salt and pepper can elevate those flavors wonderfully, so taste as you go! If you’re aiming for a creamier texture, feel free to add more milk or even a splash of cream; it’ll be worth it! Also, be mindful of the cooking time; if you’re cooking on high, check for doneness a bit earlier to prevent overcooking. And here’s a little secret: you can prepare everything the night before and just pop it in the fridge. In the morning, set it to cook and enjoy the day with zero stress. Trust me, these tips will help you create a delicious side dish that everyone will rave about!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to the nutritional goodness of these easy Thanksgiving side dishes made in a crockpot, here’s what you can expect per serving (about 1 cup). Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Sugar: 2g
This hearty side dish provides a wonderful balance of flavors and textures while being a satisfying addition to your Thanksgiving table. Enjoy every mouthful without worrying too much about the numbers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you!
- Flavorful: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory goodness that everyone will adore.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving: A comforting side dish that complements your holiday feast beautifully.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare it in advance to enjoy stress-free holiday cooking!
- Vegetarian-Friendly: A hearty option that fits into many dietary preferences.
Trust me, this dish will become a staple at your Thanksgiving table!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I get about these easy Thanksgiving side dishes made in a crockpot. Let’s dive in!
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Absolutely! You can use frozen diced potatoes to save a bit of time. Just keep in mind that they might release a little more moisture, so you may want to reduce the milk slightly.
How do I know when it’s done?
If you’re cooking on low, give it about 6-8 hours. On high, check it around the 3-hour mark. The potatoes should be fork-tender when it’s ready!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some carrots or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the cream of chicken soup with a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk. You can also skip the cheese or use a dairy-free version.
What can I serve with these side dishes?
These crockpot sides pair wonderfully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a hearty vegetarian main. They truly complement any Thanksgiving feast!
I hope this clears up any questions you might have about these tasty and easy Thanksgiving side dishes in your crockpot!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
When it comes to these easy Thanksgiving side dishes, there are some fun swaps you can make based on what you have on hand or dietary preferences! For instance, if you’re not a fan of cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian-friendly option. If you want to kick up the flavor, try adding a splash of chicken or vegetable broth instead of milk for a richer taste.
For the cheese, while cheddar is my go-to, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or even a spicy pepper jack for a little heat! And if you’re looking to keep it lighter, you can swap regular milk for almond milk or another non-dairy alternative. Just remember, each swap can slightly change the flavor and texture, so feel free to play around and find what works best for you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious Thanksgiving side dishes from the crockpot, storing the leftovers properly is key to keeping that flavor intact! First, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to save it for later, these tasty sides can also be frozen! Just make sure to place them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for about 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can either pop them back into the crockpot on low until warmed through or transfer them to a microwave-safe dish. Just be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even heating. You might want to add a splash of milk to restore that creamy texture! Enjoy every comforting bite!
Serving Suggestions
These easy Thanksgiving side dishes from the crockpot are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with many holiday favorites! You can’t go wrong serving them alongside a perfectly roasted turkey or a succulent glazed ham. The creamy, cheesy flavor complements the savory notes of the meat wonderfully.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider serving these sides with a hearty stuffed squash or a flavorful mushroom Wellington. For a festive touch, add a colorful cranberry sauce on the side; the tartness really balances the richness of the potatoes! And let’s not forget about a fresh green salad—something light and crisp like a mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette would be a great contrast to the creamy dish. Trust me, these pairings will make your Thanksgiving table shine with deliciousness!
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Thanksgiving Side Dishes Easy Crockpot: 5 Cozy Delights
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Thanksgiving side dishes cooked in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of diced potatoes
- 1 cup of chopped onions
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the diced potatoes and chopped onions in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the potatoes and onions in the crockpot.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning as desired.
- For a creamier texture, add more milk.
- Can be prepared a day in advance and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: thanksgiving side dishes easy crockpot
