15+ Holiday Slow Cooker Recipes

split image of 4 holiday slow cooker recipes

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.

I love a large, programmable slower cooker like this one. That said, for most meals, this 7-quart slow cooker would work just fine.
I also have multiple of these 2-quart slow cookers for half batches, dips, etc.

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.

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side view of a piece of french toast casserole on a white plate with blueberries on top and syrup behind it

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!

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close up shot of crockpot breakfast casserole with fresh tomatoes

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!

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three cups of chai tea latte and a cup of cinnamon sticks on wood tray

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!

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close up image of lil smokies in a white bowl

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!

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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!

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slow cooker filled with brussels sprouts cranberries butternut squash and pecans

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.

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slow cooker sweet potato casserole in a black crockpot with a wooden spoon

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!

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overhead shot of whole sweet potatoes in crock pot

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.

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overhead shot of a pile of herb and olive oil crock pot potatoes

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!

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overhead image of hashbrown casserole in a slow cooker

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!

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ham sliced with spiced honey in crock pot

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!

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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!

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overhead shot of a whole chicken and veggies in a crockpot

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.

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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!

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slow cooker apples in a bowl with a scoop of ice cream and a spoon

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!

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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.

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three mason jars filled with bone broth on a wood board

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.

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three glass stacked mason jars filled with turkey bone broth