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These set-it-and-forget-it side dishes won’t heat the kitchen and can be made the morning of for a less stressful evening. Crockpot side dishes are delicious and easy. Win-win!
More Collections: Crock Pot Appetizers, Easy Slow Cooker Recipes, Crockpot Dinner Ideas
We Love Sides!
Crock Pots are not just for main dishes. Soup and salad make great sides, but sometimes you want something a bit more warm, cozy, and filling.
Why we love the crock pot:
- Variety. From green beans to mac and cheese, you can make a variety of side dishes in the slow cooker.
- Space saver. Free up oven space for things like turkey, and still get warm, savory sides.
- Ease. Just add the ingredients, and forget about it for hours.
- Feeds a crowd. You can easily fit large side dishes in a slow cooker for big parties or gatherings.
- On the go. Easily transport your side dishes and keep them warm!
I have an entire list of crockpot recipes that I love to make, but before I lay them all out, I have some tips!
Transporting Slow Cooker Dishes
- Use the built-in locking lid.
- No locking lid: use heavy-duty rubber bands. String around the handles and over the lid to hold it in place.
- To keep the pot from sliding around, place it in a sturdy laundry basket or box, then make it snug with a towel.
- Or buy a carrier – we have two favorites: the Hamilton Beach Travel Case and the Homest Slow Cooker Bag. Both make transport so easy!
COMMON MISTAKES FOR CROCKPOT USE
Keep these tips in mind when working with your slow cooker. They will help you make delicious crockpot sides!
- Temperature. HIGH heat takes about half as long as LOW heat, so time accordingly.
- Activate aromatics. Onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic are typically sautéed in a pan to get their flavor going and then added to the pot.
- No peeking. Avoid removing the lid, unless otherwise noted. When the lid is lifted it will take up to 20 minutes for the pot to return to the correct cooking temperature.
- Don’t overfill. Foods don’t cook properly if there is too little or too much for the size of the pot. Be careful with adding excess liquid. For the most even cook fill your pot ½ to ⅔ full. Note that most recipes are designed for a 5-6 quart pot.
- Don’t overcook. Some crockpots have a timer that will automatically switch to the warm mode. If yours doesn’t, remember to do it manually.
- Easy cleanup. Crockpot liners are great for easy cleanup.
- Veggies. Tossing in veggies too early can make for an undesired mushy texture.
- Vegetables such as peas, asparagus, spinach, and mushrooms can become a flavorless, mushy mess in a slow cooker.
- Stick to heartier root vegetables like potatoes, onions, yams, carrots, and sweet potatoes, or wait to add the tender vegetables until the last 30 minutes or so of cooking time.
Favorite Crockpot Sides
There are so many easy crockpot side dishes that we love to make for dinner and the holidays – especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. We have our go-to sides that make an appearance at most family gatherings. So enjoy our faves!
1 Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe
Recipe Video
Get the recipe2 Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
3 How to Cook Rice in a Crock Pot
4 Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
5 Crockpot Green Beans Recipe
6 Crockpot Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Recipe Video
Get the recipe7 Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe
8 Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Recipe Video
Get the recipe9 Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Recipe Video
Get the recipe10 Crockpot Spanish Rice Recipe
More Crock Pot Side Dishes
Need even more ideas?! Check out these delicious sides that are tasty, easy, and also made in a crock pot!
11 Crock Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe
12 Crock Pot Pinto Beans Recipe
13 Baked Beans Recipe
14 Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
15 BBQ Meatballs Recipe
Perfect Sides for Any Meal!
Using your slow cooker not only frees up oven space, it is also a great way to make deliciously easy slow cooker side dishes that will stay nice and warm. We’re sure you’ll find some new favorites on this list!
Be sure to check out all of our Side Dish Recipes.
More Collections: Vegetable Side Dishes, Potato Side Dishes, Easy Side Dishes
I didn’t know so may things could be made in crock pot. I’ve made the baked beans several times and they are always a hit.
These side dishes are perfect for our turkey this Thanksgiving. I’ve always loved your recipes and this one is always a hit!
Exactly what I was looking for, I am so happy I found this! Thank you!
this has become a game changer for the holidays and planning thanksgiving dinner or even christmas dinner! the assortment of side dishes makes for easy work
We make your crock pot mac & cheese all the time!! Love crock pot recipes!! They are super easy & always taste great!
The variety of side dishes on this site are amazing. They all look so good and simple. Can hardly wait to try them.