Posted: 9/27/25
Updated: 8/28/25
The holidays are joyful, but let’s be honest, they can also be hectic! Between hosting, decorating, and keeping up with family traditions and obligations, saving time in the kitchen can be priceless. This time of year is when my slow cookers come off the shelves and earn their keep!
These holiday slow cooker recipes help relieve stress and decrease the time needed to prep those holiday meals. We’ve pulled together a variety of slow cooker options from breakfast to appetizers, side dishes to main courses, these are hands-off meals so you’ll have more time to focus on things that are important during the holiday season!
Here are a few reasons to love your slow cooker this holiday season:
- No need to worry about pots boiling over
- The Keep Warm setting lets you prep some meals ahead of time
- It frees up valuable oven and stovetop space
- You can set it, forget it, and let it work its magic all day long (my personal favorite reason)
What slow cooker should I use?
I admit, I have several different slow cookers. During the holidays, I may be using 3-4 to cook or keep things warm for a large family meal.
1. Breakfast Recipes
While breakfast might not be the first thing you think of when you look at your slow cooker, it’s a really convenient and hands off way to cook it.
Crockpot French Toast Casserole
This crockpot french toast casserole is the perfect brunch recipe for Easter, Mother’s Day, or just a regular Sunday! Assemble it the night before, and cook the next day, for a super hands-off brunch recipe.
Check out this recipe


Crockpot Breakfast Casserole
Set your slow cooker the night before and wake up in the morning to a delicious crockpot breakfast casserole. With eggs, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers and cheese!
Check out this recipe


2. Appetizers and Drinks
The slow cooker is perfect for cooking and keeping appetizers warm while you entertain!
Slow Cooker Chai Tea Latte
This slow cooker chai tea latte is a cozy after dinner drink for the holidays that is caffeine-free, vegan, keto-friendly, and alcohol-free. Full of warming spices, it is so easy to make!
Check out this recipe


Lil Smokies
This easy Lil Smokies Recipe uses the crock pot for a no-fuss appetizer. Under 4 carbs for this classic potluck and party favorite!
Check out this recipe


3. Side Dishes
Without a doubt, the crockpot is my go-to for holiday side dishes.
Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
These Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes require a few basic ingredients and no prep! Simply dump the ingredients for these cheesy potatoes in a slow cooker, mix, and forget it! This is the best side dish recipe!
Check out this recipe


Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries, Pecans and Butternut
Make the holidays easier with these slow cooker Brussels sprouts with butternut, pecans and cranberries. Instructions to prepare them in a slow cooker or on a sheet pan, so you can maximize your oven space!
Check out this recipe


Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
Save space in the oven this year with this delicious Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole! This Thanksgiving side dish recipe is made even easier with the crock pot.
Check out this recipe


Ultra Creamy Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes
How to make ultra creamy crock pot sweet potatoes that are perfect for meal prep. 5 minutes prep, one ingredient, plus 10+ delicious ways to use them up!
Check out this recipe


Crock Pot Potatoes
These easy crock pot potatoes cook up with olive oil and herbs and save room in your oven or on the stove. The easiest side dish that takes minutes to toss into the slow cooker.
Check out this recipe


Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is the perfect comfort food! Frozen hashbrowns are paired with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and ham to make the ultimate side dish! This simple potato recipe requires no prep work and can be made in the crock pot or oven!
Check out this recipe


4. Main Courses
The slow cooker is also great for cooking main course options. Here are some easy and flavorful ideas!
Crock Pot Ham
Crock pot ham with spiced honey is an easy hands-off recipe to prepare for your holiday table! Made with spiral cut ham, honey, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg – this recipe only requires ten minutes of prep work!
Check out this recipe


Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
This Crockpot Turkey Breast is the perfect foolproof turkey recipe! This turkey breast is smothered in an herb butter and comes out perfectly tender and juicy every single time!
Check out this recipe


Crockpot Whole Chicken & Veggies
Crockpot whole chicken with a rotisserie-style rub, potatoes, vegetables, and a delicious gravy to drizzle over everything. Perfect for meal prep or for Sunday dinner!Crockpot whole chicken with a rotisserie-style rub, potatoes, vegetables, and a delicious gravy to drizzle over everything. Perfect for meal prep or for Sunday dinner!
Check out this recipe


5. Desserts
Yes, we’ve got desserts too! These crockpot desserts are super easy and delicious!
Crockpot Apple Butter
Step by step directions for making easy crockpot apple butter! This tasty fall treat has no sugar added, and is made with apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. It’s gluten-free, vegan, and freezer-friendly.
Check out this recipe


Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spiced Apples
These Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spiced Apples are the ultimate autumn comfort food! Serve these warm spiced apples with vanilla ice cream and toasted pecans for the perfect Fall dessert!
Check out this recipe


Crockpot Candy
This low carb Chocolate Almond Crock Pot Candy is the perfect make-ahead dessert! Only 4 ingredients required, easy to store, and only 2.5 net carbs per piece!
Check out this recipe


Holiday Leftovers
Homemade Bone Broth Recipe
This bone broth recipe is a nutritional superhero that is packed full of vitamins, minerals, and collagen. Learn how to make it with beef, chicken, or turkey bones, and how to cook it on the stove, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot.
Check out this recipe


Leftover Turkey Bone Broth
Leftover turkey bone broth is the perfect way to use up your turkey leftovers! Nutrient-dense, immune-boosting, and the best way to use every part of the turkey.
Check out this recipe

