Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when the kitchen is filled with warm aromas, and the family gathers around the table in anticipation. I absolutely love this holiday because it’s not just about the food; it’s about sharing moments, laughter, and gratitude. One of my secret weapons for making Thanksgiving stress-free is my trusty crockpot. Seriously, when you whip up *thanksgiving crockpot sides*, you’re not just saving time; you’re freeing yourself to enjoy the company of loved ones. Imagine the joy of walking into the kitchen, greeted by the savory scents of perfectly cooked veggies, while you focus on that pumpkin pie or catching up with family. It’s such a game changer, and I can’t wait for you to experience it, too!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Crockpot Sides
Let’s talk ingredients! For these scrumptious *thanksgiving crockpot sides*, you’ll need a selection of fresh, simple components that come together beautifully. First up, grab 4 cups of diced potatoes—I like to use Yukon Gold for their creamy texture. Next, you’ll need 1 cup of chopped green beans, fresh or frozen, depending on what you have on hand. To bring it all together, you’ll add 2 cups of vegetable broth along with 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup for that rich, comforting flavor. Don’t forget to include 1 cup of shredded cheese—I’m a fan of sharp cheddar. Finally, season with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, plus salt and pepper to taste. That’s it! Simple, right? You’ll love how these ingredients meld together as they cook!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Crockpot Sides
Now, let’s get into the fun part—preparing these amazing *thanksgiving crockpot sides*! It’s super simple, and I promise you, your kitchen will smell incredible. First, start by taking your trusty crockpot and combine all the ingredients. Yes, that’s right—just toss everything in! Begin with your 4 cups of diced potatoes and 1 cup of chopped green beans. Then, pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and stir in 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup. Next, sprinkle in that delicious shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good mix to ensure all those flavors mingle together.
Once everything’s well combined, cover the crockpot and set it to cook. If you’re short on time, go for the high setting and let it cook for about 3 to 4 hours. But if you’ve got the luxury of time, the low setting is your best friend—let it simmer for 6 to 7 hours. Trust me, the longer it cooks, the more flavorful it gets! Remember to check it occasionally and give it a stir to keep everything evenly cooked. When it’s done, you’ll have a warm, cheesy, veggie delight ready to be served!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy—just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work!
- Full of flavor with creamy textures that everyone will adore.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it perfect for all your guests.
- Less time in the kitchen means more time to enjoy with family and friends.
- It’s a comforting side dish that complements any Thanksgiving feast.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *thanksgiving crockpot sides* turn out perfectly, here are some tried-and-true tips I’ve learned over the years. First off, be sure to cut your potatoes evenly—this helps them cook at the same rate, so you don’t end up with some mushy and some still crunchy. Also, don’t skip the seasoning; taste as you go! A little extra salt or pepper can make a world of difference. If you want to kick it up a notch, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Another important tip is to resist the urge to open the lid too often. Each time you lift the lid, heat escapes, and it can really slow down the cooking process. Lastly, if you’re planning to prep this dish a day ahead, go ahead and combine everything in the crockpot insert, cover it, and store it in the fridge overnight. Just pop it in the slow cooker in the morning and let it work its magic!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk storage! If you happen to have any delicious leftovers from your *thanksgiving crockpot sides*, you’ll want to store them properly to maintain that yummy flavor. First, let the dish cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. Just make sure to label it with the date so you don’t forget!
When it’s time to reheat, you have a couple of options. If you’re looking for convenience, just pop it in the microwave; heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through. But if you want to bring back that freshly cooked taste, consider using the crockpot again! Just add a splash of vegetable broth to keep it moist and heat on low for about an hour, stirring occasionally. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for a serving of my *thanksgiving crockpot sides*—just a little estimate to keep you informed! Each serving contains about 250 calories, with 10g of fat (including 5g of saturated fat), 8g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Plus, you’ll get 4g of fiber in there, making it a hearty addition to your holiday feast! Keep in mind, these values can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements.
FAQ Section
Got questions about my *thanksgiving crockpot sides*? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like green beans and potatoes work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to cut them into even sizes for consistent cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything the day before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the crockpot in the morning, and you’ll have a delicious side ready to go!
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to mix it up! Carrots, corn, or even bell peppers make great additions to these *thanksgiving crockpot sides*, adding extra flavor and texture.
Is this dish gluten-free?
As long as you use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, yes! Just double-check the labels to be safe.
Can I double this recipe?
Of course! Just make sure your crockpot is big enough to accommodate the extra ingredients, and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to switch up my *thanksgiving crockpot sides*! For a pop of color and sweetness, try adding carrots or sweet potatoes—they’ll bring a lovely flavor contrast. You could also toss in corn kernels for a bit of crunch. If you want to spice things up, consider adding a pinch of cumin or a dash of paprika for a warm, smoky flavor. And for a fun twist, why not try using different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda? Each variation will give you a unique take on this cozy dish, keeping your Thanksgiving spread exciting!
Serving Suggestions
To create a truly memorable Thanksgiving feast, you’ll want to pair these delightful *thanksgiving crockpot sides* with some classic dishes that everyone loves! Think about serving it alongside a beautifully roasted turkey or a savory glazed ham; they complement each other perfectly. Don’t forget a rich, creamy mashed potato or a tangy cranberry sauce to add that festive touch. For a well-rounded meal, consider adding a fresh, crisp salad or some warm, buttery rolls to soak up all those delicious flavors. Trust me, with these sides on your table, your Thanksgiving spread will be nothing short of spectacular!
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Thanksgiving Crockpot Sides: 5 Joyful Recipes to Share
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy Thanksgiving sides made in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of diced potatoes
- 1 cup of chopped green beans
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Stir well to mix everything.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Check for doneness and stir occasionally.
- Serve warm as a side dish.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- You can add other vegetables like carrots or corn.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: thanksgiving crockpot sides
