18 Christmas Eve Crock-Pot Recipes You Can Set & Forget — Until Dinnertime

As German Food Guide explained, pea soup is traditionally served on Christmas Eve in Germany, so this easy pea soup recipe from Family Fresh Meals is definitely an appropriate choice for dinner on December 24. Plus, you'll love that the aroma of thyme will fill your house as it cooks all day.

It's a Polish tradition to have Pierogis on Christmas Eve, as Culture.pl reports, but I'd be making this crock-pot cheesy pierogi and kielbasa casserole from The Country Cook even if it wasn't because it sounds delicious. Smart hack: make it without the kielbasa if you're looking for a non-meat dish.

These Crock-Pot fire-roasted tomato shrimp tacos courtesy of Cotter Crunch are a fun and creative way to stick with the fish theme. Psst: there's a Paleo option on Cotter Crunch's site if you need it.

Cookies and Cups' chocolate-y peppermint treats would make the perfect snack to munch on while you wrap those final few presents.

For anyone who doesn't have qualms about eating meat on Christmas Eve, you'll love the subtle beer flavor of this hearty beef stew from Baked By Rachel. It takes about four hours to cook, so pop the ingredients in and let the ambrosia of meat and spices fill your kitchen while you get into the holiday spirit.

Salmon is a go-to for an easy fish dinner, and this slow cooked salmon with citrus from Clean Cuisine gets even easier with your Crock-Pot. Say hello to a delicious and refreshing dinner in just 45 minutes.

Lentil soup is a German classic for Christmas Eve according to the German Food Guide, so A Beautiful Plate's slow cooker winter vegetable soup with split red lentils seems like just the ticket for a chilly Christmas Eve night.

Lasagna is one of the ultimate comfort foods, and I think it would feel extra homey on Christmas Eve. This recipe courtesy of Climbing Grier Mountain features a festive pumpkin sauce and uses pork instead of beef, so it'll be a nice twist on the classic.

You deserve Christmas cookies just as much as Santa, and thanks to this cookie cake recipe from BakingQueen74, getting your cookie cake fix has never been easier. Top with ice cream for even more deliciousness.

You might want to keep it lighter for Christmas Eve dinner so you can eat as many cookies as you want, which would make this slow cooker broccoli cheese soup from Well Plated perfect for your family.

Combining pumpkin and crab might seem like a strange move, but this flavorful chowder from The Urban Poser will have you feeling those holiday vibes in no time. The coconut milk definitely adds a little something too.

Looking for an easy side dish for your Christmas Eve feast? Mom Endeavors has your back. This slow cooker corn casserole will serve a crowd and only requires five minutes of prep from you, so it's a no brainer for any Christmas Eve host.

I love that this healthy chili recipe courtesy of Two Peas and Their Pod is made with lean turkey rather than beef and that you'll only have to do ten minutes of prep. It serves eight to ten, so you can make it for a larger group or keep the leftovers for Christmas day lunch.

Eggnog could probably be the official food (beverage?) mascot of Christmas, and the combination of eggnog and bread pudding is almost too festive. This recipe courtesy of Samantha at Five Heart Home can be served as a dessert or a delicious brunch treat, so you really have no reason not to make it.

Say hello to the most adorable after dinner treat for Christmas Eve. This slow cooker peppermint hot chocolate from The Cookie Rookie has all the flavors of Christmas, and it's the perfect drink to sip on while you tell the kids the story of Santa.

Usually, you would need to utilize your entire oven to roast a chicken. If you’re short on space or don’t want to leave the oven on for hours, follow Browne Eyed Baker’s Crock-Pot roast chicken that’s infused with thyme, tomatoes, garlic, and white wine (which cooks off). Prep your bird and let the slow cooker work it’s magic for 4 hours.

Half Baked Harvest’s Crock-Pot three-cheese mashed potatoes recipe is the perfect option if you’re looking for a rich and hearty side to make during the holidays. The best part is, it eliminates the need to boil the potatoes on a stove (which can take forever). You only need fifteen minutes of prep time before loading your potatoes into the Crock-Pot to cook.

Mom On Timeout knows that the thought of steaming your dessert might seem odd, but this slow cooker peanut butter brownie recipe will leave you with a super moist and gooey treat your family will devour. It only takes five minutes to prep your ingredients before letting the brownies cook for three hours. You can also leave your brownies in the slow cooker once they’re done so long as you keep the lid on.