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. 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
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
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
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
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
