Thanksgiving in the Crock Pot

Thanksgiving dinner preparation can be difficult and time-consuming. Often, the cook spends all day in the kitchen, slaving away. Making Thanksgiving dinner in the Crock Pot saves time and allows the host(ess) to truly enjoy the company that is over and still end up with a delicious dinner.

Here are the best of the Thanksgiving basics cooked in the slow cooker.


1. Turkey
Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Turkey - Allrecipes.com
EatingIndy says of the slow cooker turkey recipe, "Throw this together before work in your slow cooker, and come home to the smells of Thanksgiving! This could not be any easier. Just whip up a few side dishes and you're set!"

2. Stuffing/dressing
Crockpot Dressing Recipe - Southern Food About.com
"This dressing recipe is great for Thanksgiving or any big dinner, since it doesn't need oven space," says About.com Guide Diana Rattray.

3. Cranberry sauce
Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce - Food.com
Author Mia Hiker notes, "Cranberry sauce is easy to make, but this recipe you don't even have to watch! And my 10 year old made it while I was busy slaving over the pies on Thanksgiving eve. The lime zest is a great little touch! And I left the slow cooker out for the morning when I mulled my cider for my guests - yum!"

4. Gravy
Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy - Allrecipes.com
"I discovered this excellent Thanksgiving gravy recipe years ago! It is gravy that, unlike most, can be made AHEAD of time. The gravy will keep for 3 months when frozen in an airtight container," says SUE1956.

5. Mashed potatoes
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes - Allrecipes.com
BWAYE, recipe author, asks, "These are melt in your mouth mashed potatoes, and what could be better than potatoes in the slow cooker?"

6. Green bean casserole
Green Bean Casserole - MyRecipes.com
The description of this recipe reads, " Go beyond the standard "recipe on the can" casserole by adding Alfredo sauce instead of cream of mushroom soup, water chestnusts, Parmesan cheese and toasted pecans."

7. Pumpkin pie
Crock Pot Pumpkin Pie Pudding - Food.com
Deb M notes, " Just in time for the holidays. A family favorite."