Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and, of course, indulging in delicious food! But let’s be real, the last thing you want to do on this special day is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’m all about these scrumptious crockpot sides for Thanksgiving. They’re not just easy to whip up; they’re packed with flavor and can cook while you focus on the main event! Picture this: creamy, cheesy potatoes bubbling away, filling your home with the most mouthwatering aroma. This recipe is a total game-changer, offering a hassle-free way to elevate your holiday table without breaking a sweat. Trust me, your guests will be raving about these sides, and you’ll love how effortlessly they come together!
Ingredients List
- 3 cups diced potatoes – I like to use Yukon Gold for their buttery flavor, but any variety will do!
- 1 cup milk – Whole milk works best for creaminess, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
- 1 cup shredded cheese – Cheddar is my go-to, but a blend can add extra flavor!
- 1/2 cup sour cream – This adds a tangy richness that’s just divine.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions – These give a fresh crunch and a pop of color!
- 2 tablespoons butter – Because butter makes everything better, right?
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t be shy; season it to perfection!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get those delicious crockpot sides for Thanksgiving going! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a creamy, cheesy potato dish that’s sure to impress.
Step-by-Step Guide
- First things first, peel and dice your potatoes into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly, so no one gets a rock-hard chunk later!
- In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes with the milk, shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and butter. Stir it all together until everything is well mixed. It’s like a cozy hug for your potatoes!
- Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! I usually go a bit heavier on the salt since it really enhances the flavors. Taste as you go—this is your dish, after all!
- Now, transfer that creamy mixture into your crockpot. Spread it out evenly so it cooks perfectly.
- Set your crockpot on low and let it work its magic for about 6 to 8 hours. The key here is patience—resist the urge to peek too often! You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are super tender and the cheese is melted.
And there you have it! Just let the crockpot do its thing while you focus on enjoying your Thanksgiving. You’ll be amazed at how effortless this dish is, and the aroma will have everyone gathering around the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation: Just mix everything together and let the crockpot do the work!
- Deliciously creamy: The combination of cheese, sour cream, and butter creates a rich, comforting dish.
- Perfect for gatherings: This dish makes a generous amount, serving up to 6 people, ideal for your Thanksgiving table.
- Time-saving: With 6-8 hours of cooking time, you can focus on your main dish and enjoy quality time with family.
- Customizable: Add in your favorite ingredients like bacon or a mix of cheeses for a personal touch.
- Keep warm feature: It’s the perfect crockpot side that can stay warm until you’re ready to serve!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! This creamy crockpot dish serves up about 1 cup per portion, packing in approximately 250 calories. You’ll also find about 10 grams of fat, 8 grams of protein, and 32 grams of carbohydrates per serving. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. It’s always a good idea to adjust according to your dietary needs while still enjoying this delicious side!
Tips for Success
To take your crockpot sides for Thanksgiving to the next level, here are some pro tips! First off, don’t hesitate to add some cooked bacon for that extra smoky flavor—I mean, who doesn’t love bacon? If you’re feeling adventurous, mix different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda with the cheddar; it creates a delightful depth of flavor. And remember, you can prep everything the night before! Just throw it all in the crockpot in the morning, and you’ll come home to a warm, cheesy delight. Trust me, these little tweaks will make your dish shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’ve got any leftovers from your creamy crockpot sides, don’t worry! Just let them cool down a bit, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If they seem a bit thick, just stir in a splash of milk to bring back that creamy goodness. Trust me, you’ll love having this delicious side ready to go for another meal!
FAQ Section
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it into the crockpot the next day, and you’re set!
What if I don’t have a crockpot? No worries! You can make this dish in a slow cooker on the stovetop or even in the oven at a low temperature, though the cooking time will vary.
Can I add other vegetables? Definitely! Feel free to throw in some broccoli or corn for added color and nutrients. Just make sure to chop them to similar sizes for even cooking.
How do I know when it’s done? Your dish is ready when the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. The cheese should be melted and bubbly—oh, the smell!
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can! Just cool them completely, transfer to an airtight container, and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat gently when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Print
Crockpot Sides for Thanksgiving: 7 Comforting Delights
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy crockpot sides for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 3 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes by peeling and dicing them.
- In a large bowl, combine diced potatoes, milk, cheese, sour cream, green onions, and butter.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until potatoes are tender.
Notes
- Feel free to add cooked bacon for extra flavor.
- Use a mix of cheeses for a different taste.
- This dish can be kept warm in the crockpot for several hours.
- 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: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: crockpot sides for thanksgiving
