Life
How to Use a Crockpot to Cook Your Entire Thanksgiving Dinner, Because You’d Rather Watch the Parade Than a Pot of Water
If you’re anything like me, you’re probably both extremely excited and extremely overwhelmed at the thought of cooking a full Thanksgiving dinner. One year, I spent four hours poring over Thanksgiving recipes until I had a lengthy grocery list, a Pinterest board full of unrealistic recipes, and the number for the local pizza place because, let’s be honest, everyone needs a backup plan. I eventually scaled back, knowing my ambitions would drive me crazy. If I had known back then how to use a crockpot to cook Thanksgiving dinner, I could’ve saved myself so much energy.
Sounds like a pipe dream, I know, but it can be done! Crockpots are pretty much the greatest things ever, especially for busy women. The other bonus? Using a crockpot to cook your Thanksgiving dinner means spending more time watching the Macy’s parade with your kids, more time yelling at the football game, and more time talking to the cousins you haven’t seen in six months. Ask everyone in your family to bring a crockpot and you can have your entire countertop become Thanksgiving food central while you enjoy the time with your loved ones. These nine crockpot Thanksgiving recipes are sure to make dinner prep a breeze and the day much more relaxed for you to gobble up.
Slow Cooker Apple Butter Yeast Rolls
Rolls are a necessity at Thanksgiving dinner, am I right? I mean, how else are you supposed to slop up all that gravy? Thanks to A Spicy Perspective, even these apple butter yeast rolls can be made in your crockpot. Not only are they perfect and delicious, but homemade bread in the slow cooker is a total life changer. You’re welcome.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
Stuffing is one of those amazing Thanksgiving dishes that seems to take forever unless you’re using a boxed favorite. But thanks to Damn Delicious, this slow cooker cranberry pecan stuffing takes away all of the work, but none of the flavor. It’s tart, savory, sweet, and absolutely no fuss.
5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
Corn is always a favorite side dish and this five ingredient slow cooker creamed corn from foodiecrush is perfect for your Thanksgiving table. With cream cheese, Half and Half, and butter, this creamy side dish is going to be worth the wait as it slow cooks while you enjoy some football.
Slow Cooker Spiced Cranberry Chutney
I couldn’t stand cranberry sauce as a kid, but became a fan once I realized not all cranberry toppings come out in the shape of an Ocean Spray can. I can’t wait to try this slow cooker spiced cranberry chutney from Mom on Timeout. Made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, granny smith apples, and pears, it’s a wonderfully tart and sweet addition to your slow cooker Thanksgiving.
Slow Cooker Turkey with No-Fuss Gravy
And for that delicious main course, the perfect slow cooker turkey recipe comes from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe. With a turkey breast as the star, it’s tossed in the crock pot with some veggies and braising liquid to give you a tender, juicy, and flavorful dish.
Creamy Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese
Let’s be real here. Aside from the turkey, the macaroni and cheese is pretty much the star of the Thanksgiving show. Thanks to No. 2 Pencil, you can have creamy crockpot macaroni and cheese with hardly any effort. Made with two types of cheese and two cans of cheddar cheese soup, this is sure to be a family favorite.
Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
This casserole is what makes Thanksgiving, so finding a crockpot version is the best thing ever. From Center Cut Cook, this slow cooker green bean casserole keeps all of the traditional flavors with none of the hassle.
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
Good golly, Miss Molly. Can you imagine how amazing your house is going to smell with this dish in the crockpot? From Chelsea’s Messy Apron, this slow cooker sweet potato casserole is everything you love about the sweet dish without taking up your oven space.
Crockpot Pumpkin Pie
Yep, even everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving dessert can cook away in the crockpot thanks to this crockpot pumpkin pie recipe from Family Fresh Meals. Pies can be stressful enough when you’re trying to make the crust just right and create a fancy design on top. Take out the guesswork and still have a delicious pumpkin pie on the table.
Images: Courtesy of Damn Delicious; A Spicy Perspective; foodiecrush; Mom on Timeout; No. 2 Pencil; Mel’s Kitchen Cafe; Center Cut Cook; Chelsea’s Messy Apron; Family Fresh Meals
