In recent years, the slow cooker or crockpot has emerged as an indispensable kitchen appliance. Its versatility allows for a wide range of dishes, both main courses and sides, to be prepared with ease.
Whether you’re making cornbread, potatoes, or macaroni and cheese, this device makes cooking a straightforward process. The best part? Dishes turn out so delicious that guests will assume you’ve spent hours in the kitchen – when in reality, you’ve been enjoying the convenience of your slow cooker.
If you’ve recently acquired one but are unsure where to start, consider exploring our list of top 27 simple and easy crockpot side dish recipes for inspiration.
Italian Mushrooms
With just three ingredients, this delectable dish may seem surprisingly straightforward, yet it yields a complex, savory result that’s perfect for accompanying hearty grilled meats like steak, or even adding a burst of flavor to fresh green salads. What sets it apart is the unconventional cooking method: by using an Italian-inspired crockpot recipe, you can achieve tender, flavorful mushrooms without ever needing to fire up a skillet.
Colonial Hot Buttered Rum
Transforming your slow cooker into a bartender’s best friend is a clever idea that yields surprisingly delightful results! By combining the ingredients for this hot rum cocktail with whipped cream and spices in the appliance, you can create a unique after-dinner drink that serves itself directly from the crockpot. Simply set the temperature to ‘warm’ and have an iced bowl of whipped cream at the ready to add a dollop of creamy goodness on top.
Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Take advantage of the power of cheesy goodness by incorporating an abundance of dairy into your vegetable dish! One surefire way to do this is to smother a variety of vegetables – such as tender broccoli – in a rich and creamy sauce, leaving no leaf unturned. As the velvety cheese melts and spreads evenly across the surface, you can almost guarantee that both young and old alike will be clamoring for seconds, if not thirds!
Cornbread
For those who crave a rich, flavorful cornbread experience, this recipe is sure to please. By preparing it in a slow cooker, you’ll achieve a moist and tender texture that’s simply bursting with flavor. Just be sure to line the pot with foil beforehand, as this will make the removal process effortless and stress-free.
Corn On The Cob
Savoring the simplicity of this buttery corn recipe, you’ll be delighted by its ease of preparation and swift cooking time. The process begins with a gentle simmer of the corn in water, much like the step taken with potatoes. Once the corn is tender, it’s a simple matter to add melted butter, allowing the rich flavors to meld together. This versatile side dish shines at backyard barbecues or pairs perfectly with a rotisserie chicken for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Creamed Corn
Indulge in a game-changing twist on traditional creamed corn – this sweet and savory masterpiece is set to become your new obsession! The combination of buttery goodness and creamy richness might just make you wonder how you ever lived without it. And the best part? This delectable dish can be effortlessly cooked to perfection using a slow cooker, eliminating the stress and hassle of stovetop cooking.
Gone are the days of constant monitoring to avoid burning – simply add all your ingredients to the slow cooker and let the magic unfold.
Mashed Potatoes
When the day is done and all you want to do is unwind, cooking should be the last thing on your mind. That’s why this recipe for mashed potatoes is a game-changer – not only are they incredibly delicious, but they’re also ridiculously easy to make and leave minimal cleanup in their wake.
Imagine being able to whip up a batch of creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes that pair perfectly with any main dish you can think of. It’s the ultimate comfort food solution.
The secret to these standout spuds?
Cooking them in rich stock infused with the savory flavor of rosemary, then mashing them with melted cheeses and butter until they’re silky smooth. It’s a simple yet effective trick that will elevate your mashed potato game to new heights.
Green Beans And Bacon
Green beans, often considered a bland vegetable, can be transformed into a crowd-pleaser when combined with savory ingredients in a low-temperature oven. The key is to slow-cook the bacon and onions until they’re crispy and caramelized, then add potatoes, stock, and green beans to create a harmonious medley of flavors. With this method, you have the flexibility to adjust the saltiness or pungency to suit your taste preferences.
Rosemary Honey Beets
Cooking beets in a slow cooker is a game-changer for unlocking their rich flavor and tender texture. This method eliminates the need for constant monitoring, making it an ideal choice when preparing multiple ingredients at once. By allowing the beets to simmer away for several hours, you’ll achieve a beautifully soft consistency that’s hard to replicate with traditional roasting methods.
Sweet Potato Wedges
For an unparalleled outcome when cooking large quantities of sweet potatoes, look no further than this tried-and-true method. The resulting tubers will be tender, flavorful, and boast a delightful sweetness. A key factor in achieving this success lies in the clever combination of orange juice and maple syrup, which imbues each wedge with a tantalizingly tangy finish. If you’d prefer to minimize the citrus notes, simply substitute in your preferred stock instead. The best part?
Your sweet potatoes will be ready to devour in mere hours, making them an ideal option for busy days. And should you find yourself with leftovers, consider repurposing them as a puree for a scrumptious sweet potato pie – it’s the perfect way to enjoy every last bite!
Glazed Carrots
When it comes to pairing side dishes with roasted chicken, pork loin, or meatloaf, spiced carrots glazed to perfection are a match made in heaven. Not only do they add an appealing visual touch, but their scrumptious flavor and healthy credentials make them an attractive option. As the carrots cook, they’ll achieve a tender consistency that’s simply divine.
To intensify the glaze, simply remove the lid from the pot during the final 15 to 20 minutes of cooking time – this will allow the glaze to thicken beautifully. Once cooked, transfer the carrots to a large serving dish and drizzle with honey before serving for an added touch of sweetness.
Hot Chocolate With White Sugar
As winter’s chill sets in, a mug of rich, sweet hot chocolate by the fire becomes the ultimate cozy experience. But what about those who crave something different from traditional holiday drinks like dark and indulgent hot chocolate? Enter this delightful alternative, made with condensed milk, white chocolate cocoa, and an extra touch of sweetness. Yes, you read that right – this hot chocolate is significantly sweeter than your average mix!
And let’s be real, when is there ever a better time to indulge in something sugary during the holiday season?
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
In this recipe, whole potatoes are cooked to perfection, diverging from traditional methods of thorough mashing. This approach offers greater convenience while allowing the potatoes to retain the rich flavors of the dish. Specifically, baby potatoes with their ideal texture are used in combination with cream cheese and nutmeg to craft a creamy side dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. With its ease of preparation and undeniable appeal, this garlic smashed potato recipe is a must-try.
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
With minimal effort required, this straightforward preparation involves combining apples, brown sugar, spices, apple juice, and cornstarch in a slow cooker. As the ingredients simmer for three to four hours, the apples will tenderize and release their natural juices, while the sauce thickens and develops a rich, glossy consistency.
Lipton Onion Potatoes
The flavor profile of these garlic and onion-roasted potatoes can vary greatly depending on the type of onions used, ranging from a subtle sweetness to a bold pungency. The dish is highly adaptable, allowing you to unleash your creativity when presenting it. While some may opt for intricate spiral patterns, others may choose a simpler yet still visually appealing arrangement. Regardless, be sure to coat the pot with oil to prevent anything from sticking and ensure a smooth cooking process.
Potatoes Ranch Style
Ranch dressing enthusiasts will surely appreciate this warm potato dish, which shares similarities with classic potato salad. This comforting side dish combines tender red potatoes, melted cheese, pungent garlic, and a generous drizzle of creamy ranch dressing. While the potatoes do require some time to cook, the payoff is well worth it – simply combine the remaining ingredients with the cooked potatoes and serve.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a dish that can be finicky to prepare. One common issue is that the potatoes in the center of the dish often remain undercooked, despite the exterior being nicely browned. This is because it’s challenging to achieve a fluffy interior without also achieving a crispy exterior. However, with the help of a slow cooker, this problem can be easily resolved. The even heat distribution ensures that every potato is fully cooked, eliminating the risk of raw or undercooked potatoes.
For an added layer of flavor and texture, you can finish the dish under the broiler for a few minutes to achieve a crispy top. This simple trick can elevate your scalloped potatoes from good to great.
Boston Baked Beans
Indulge in these luscious baked beans, infused with the deep flavors of chunky, savory goodness. The perfect blend is achieved through the subtle balance of sweet and smoky notes. And let’s not forget the crowning glory – crispy, smoked bacon adds a satisfying texture to each bite. If you’re lucky enough to have smoked bacon on hand, be sure to use it for an unparalleled depth of flavor. To get started, simply reduce the volume of the bacon and onions in a skillet before adding them to the pot.
For an added layer of complexity, consider substituting black corn syrup for molasses if it’s not readily available.
Stuffing
Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations wouldn’t be complete without a delicious side dish of stuffing. This classic recipe is a staple at many holiday gatherings, and for good reason – it’s easy to make in large quantities using a slow cooker, ensuring that everyone gets a satisfying serving. To achieve the perfect texture, use stale bread as the base ingredient, allowing it to absorb the maximum amount of flavorful liquid.
Simply mix all the ingredients together and let the slow cooker do the work over four hours on low heat.
Creamed Spinach
The synergy between vegetables and cheese is undeniable. The harmonious blend of cream cheese, stock, mushroom soup, and Italian dressing yields a mouthwatering side dish that’s sure to please. In contrast to fresh spinach, frozen spinach offers a more practical solution for cooking, as it maintains its volume better during the cooking process. This means you can easily prepare a larger batch, ensuring everyone in your household gets their fair share.
Mac & Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a quintessential American comfort food that has captured hearts and stomachs worldwide. The classic dish, often passed down through generations, takes on new dimensions when slow-cooked, allowing each ingredient to meld together in perfect harmony.
Preparing this beloved recipe allows for flexibility – consider doubling or tripling the ingredients to ensure a surplus of creamy goodness, allowing you to indulge in leftovers and relive the experience.
Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, macaroni and cheese is sure to satisfy.
Rice
When faced with limited storage space, the temptation to accumulate expensive gadgets can be overwhelming. However, for those who already own a slow cooker, the need to purchase additional appliances, such as a rice cooker, is alleviated. The versatility of rice in various recipes makes it a practical choice to cook and store large quantities in the refrigerator, ready for use at a moment’s notice.
Using the slow cooker ensures that the rice cooks evenly, eliminating concerns about burning or overcooking, which can be a common issue when cooking on the stovetop.
Red Cabbage
Indulge in the vibrant colors and tantalizing flavors that this red cabbage recipe has to offer! With its medley of textures and tastes, it’s no wonder this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The perfect blend of sweet and spicy notes will have everyone reaching for seconds. And the best part? You can easily customize the flavor profile to suit your personal taste preferences by adjusting the ingredients to your liking.
German Potato Salad
This classic potato salad recipe yields tender, flavorful potatoes cooked to a perfect doneness. The tangy sauce, crafted with sautéed onion, crispy bacon, cider vinegar, and savory seasonings, is thickened with a hint of flour for an ideal consistency. Once everything comes together, you’ll have a warm, inviting side dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
When it comes to cooking Brussels sprouts, slow cooking is a fantastic alternative to roasting – especially if your sprouts tend to burn during the latter process. Adding some crispy bacon and thinly sliced onions can elevate the dish even further. If you’re already satisfied with the flavor, you might not need to bother with the balsamic reduction after all. But, if you do choose to use it, you’ll find that it adds an extra layer of complexity to the dish.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole requires minimal effort, similar to making mashed potatoes. When peeling the sweet potatoes, exercise caution as the skins can be harsh and affect the dish’s texture. The addition of pumpkin spice is a great idea, but feel free to adjust the spices to your taste by adding more or less ginger, cinnamon, or allspice. After cooking and mashing the potatoes, spread butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans over the top and let them melt into the potatoes.
This combination creates a rich and creamy dish.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.