Christmas is a magical time of year, but it can also be stressful for busy moms trying to prepare a festive feast. Luckily, the trusty crockpot comes to the rescue!
Don't lose this article. Enter your email below, and I'll send it to you right now. Plus a little encouragement and inspiration from me, straight to your inbox.
This handy kitchen tool lets you whip up delicious holiday dishes without spending all day in the kitchen.
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Stainless Steel Slow Cooker
Check PriceUsing a crockpot for Christmas cooking frees up time to enjoy the season with family and friends.
From savory main courses to sweet treats, there are many tasty recipes that can be made with minimal effort.
Let’s explore some easy crockpot ideas that will make your holiday meal prep a breeze.
Table of Contents
- 1 1) Creamy Garlic Chicken
- 2 2) Spiced Apple Cider
- 3 3) Savory Beef Brisket
- 4 4) Honey-Glazed Ham
- 5 5) Butternut Squash Soup
- 6 6) Maple Bourbon Sweet Potatoes
- 7 7) White Chocolate Bread Pudding
- 8 8) Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake
- 9 9) Chestnut Stuffing
- 10 10) Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
- 11 11) Orange-Cranberry Sauce
- 12 12) Cinnamon Roll French Toast
- 13 13) Eggnog Bread Pudding
- 14 14) Peppermint Hot Chocolate
- 15 15) Gingerbread Pudding Cake
- 16 16) Roasted Red Pepper Dip
- 17 17) Rosemary Pork Tenderloin
- 18 18) Holiday Mulled Wine
- 19 19) Mint Chocolate Lava Cake
- 20 20) Herbed Butter Mashed Potatoes
- 21 21) Cherry Chocolate Cobbler
- 22 22) Sausage and Spinach Tortellini
- 23 23) Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken
1) Creamy Garlic Chicken
This tasty dish is perfect for busy holiday cooks. It’s easy to make and full of flavor.
Creamy garlic chicken starts with seasoned chicken breasts. They get a quick sear before going in the slow cooker.
The sauce is a mix of cream, broth, and lots of garlic. It cooks with the chicken for about 3 hours on low.
The result is tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s great over pasta or rice.
Moms can set it up in the morning and have a yummy dinner ready later.
2) Spiced Apple Cider
Moms, get ready for a festive treat! Crockpot spiced apple cider is a holiday favorite that’s super easy to make.
Just toss the ingredients in and let the slow cooker work its magic.
The warm, cozy aroma will fill the house, making everyone feel merry. Kids and adults alike will love this sweet and spicy drink. It’s perfect for holiday parties or quiet family nights by the fire.
For a grown-up twist, add a splash of brandy or cinnamon whiskey. It’s sure to be a hit at any Christmas gathering!
3) Savory Beef Brisket
Busy moms will love this savory slow cooker brisket recipe. It’s perfect for Christmas dinner with minimal fuss.
The meat gets rubbed with spices like paprika and turmeric. Then it’s browned in a skillet before going into the crockpot.
Onions and garlic add flavor as the brisket cooks low and slow. The result? Tender, juicy beef that’s sure to impress holiday guests.
This dish is a real time-saver. Moms can set it up in the morning and forget about it until dinnertime.
4) Honey-Glazed Ham
Moms, get ready for a fuss-free holiday ham! The slow cooker is your secret weapon for a juicy, flavorful centerpiece.
Pop a spiral-sliced ham into the crockpot with a splash of water. Whip up a quick glaze with honey, brown sugar, and butter. Brush it on and let the magic happen!
In 5-6 hours on low, you’ll have a tender, glazed ham that’ll wow the family. The best part? Your oven stays free for all those yummy sides!
5) Butternut Squash Soup
Moms, get ready for a cozy Christmas treat! Slow cooker butternut squash soup is perfect for chilly winter days.
Toss cubed squash, apples, onion, and garlic into the crockpot. Add some cinnamon and ginger for festive flavor. Pour in veggie broth and let it simmer all day.
Before serving, blend until smooth and stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream. The kids will love this sweet and creamy soup!
6) Maple Bourbon Sweet Potatoes
Moms, get ready for a holiday side dish that’s both easy and impressive! These Maple Bourbon Sweet Potatoes are a perfect addition to any Christmas dinner.
The crockpot does all the work, letting busy moms focus on other holiday prep. Sweet potatoes cook until tender, then get mashed with butter, maple syrup, and a splash of bourbon for grown-up flavor.
Kids will love the sweetness, while adults appreciate the subtle kick. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and cheer to the table.
7) White Chocolate Bread Pudding
This decadent dessert is perfect for Christmas morning. It’s easy to make and smells amazing while cooking.
To prepare, simply cube bread and place it in the slow cooker with white chocolate. Mix eggs, milk, and vanilla, then pour over the bread.
Cook on low for 3-4 hours until set. The result is a warm, gooey treat that everyone will love. It’s great on its own or topped with whipped cream.
8) Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake
Craving a festive dessert that doesn’t hog the oven? Try a slow cooker pumpkin cheesecake. It’s creamy, spicy, and oh-so-easy.
Just mix cream cheese, pumpkin, and warm spices. Pour into a graham cracker crust right in the Crock-Pot. Cook on high for 3 hours, then let it cool.
The result? A velvety smooth cheesecake with all the cozy flavors of fall. Top with whipped cream for an extra special touch.
9) Chestnut Stuffing
Crockpot chestnut stuffing brings a festive touch to the Christmas table. This dish combines the rich flavor of chestnuts with classic stuffing ingredients.
Moms can prep the bread cubes the night before to save time. Simply cut bread into 1-inch pieces and let them dry out overnight.
The next day, toss the bread with sautéed veggies, chestnuts, and broth. Pop it all in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you focus on other holiday tasks.
This stuffing turns out moist and flavorful, with the chestnuts adding a sweet, nutty taste. It’s sure to become a new family favorite at Christmas dinner.
10) Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts get a tasty makeover in this easy crockpot recipe. The slow cooker does all the work, making these balsamic-glazed sprouts a perfect side dish for busy holiday cooks.
Simply toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper in the crockpot. A pat of butter adds richness. After cooking, drizzle with a quick homemade balsamic reduction for a tangy, caramelized finish.
Even Brussels sprouts skeptics might be won over by this flavorful, fuss-free version. It’s a great way to add some green to the holiday table without any extra stress.
11) Orange-Cranberry Sauce
Making cranberry sauce for Christmas dinner just got easier. With a crockpot, you can whip up a tasty orange-cranberry sauce without much fuss.
This recipe needs only five ingredients. Toss cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and zest into the slow cooker. Let it cook for a few hours until the berries pop.
Don't lose this article. Enter your email below, and I'll send it to you right now. Plus a little encouragement and inspiration from me, straight to your inbox.
Give it a good stir and mash the cooked cranberries. The sauce will thicken as it cools. It’s a simple way to add a festive touch to the holiday table.
12) Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Moms can whip up a delicious Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll French Toast with ease. This yummy breakfast treat combines two favorite morning dishes into one.
The slow cooker does most of the work. Simply toss in cut-up cinnamon rolls, pour over an egg mixture, and let it cook.
The result is a gooey, cinnamon-y delight that kids and adults will love.
For extra flavor, try adding chopped apples to the mix. The slow-cooked apples blend perfectly with the cinnamon and create a cozy holiday breakfast.
13) Eggnog Bread Pudding
This festive dessert brings holiday cheer to the slow cooker. It combines cubed bread, eggs, and eggnog for a rich, creamy treat.
Cinnamon and nutmeg add warm spice notes. The pudding cooks on low for 6-8 hours, filling the house with cozy aromas.
Top with a drizzle of rum sauce for an extra special touch. It’s perfect for Christmas morning or as an easy make-ahead dessert.
14) Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Moms can warm up their families with this festive slow cooker peppermint hot chocolate. It’s perfect for cozy nights or holiday gatherings.
The recipe uses milk, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and peppermint extract. Kids can help measure ingredients and stir.
After simmering for 90 minutes, the hot chocolate is ready to serve. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes for extra cheer.
15) Gingerbread Pudding Cake
Moms, get ready for a festive treat that’s as easy as can be! This gingerbread pudding cake is a holiday dream come true.
Just mix the ingredients, pop them in the slow cooker, and let the magic happen. The warm spices will fill the house with the scent of Christmas.
Kids and adults alike will love this gooey, spicy-sweet dessert. It’s perfect for busy holiday gatherings or cozy family nights. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch.
16) Roasted Red Pepper Dip
This roasted red pepper dip is a tasty and easy appetizer for holiday gatherings. Moms can toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it simmer while they tackle other tasks.
The dip blends roasted red peppers with cream cheese and spices for a warm, flavorful spread. It’s great with veggies, crackers, or pita chips.
Kids and adults alike will love this festive red dip. It’s a nice change from typical holiday appetizers and adds a pop of color to the snack table.
17) Rosemary Pork Tenderloin
Moms, here’s a festive dish that’s both elegant and easy! Rosemary pork tenderloin cooks up beautifully in the crockpot.
Start by rubbing the pork with fresh rosemary, garlic, and a touch of salt and pepper. Pop it in the slow cooker with some onions and let it work its magic.
The result? Tender, juicy pork infused with aromatic rosemary. It’s a crowd-pleaser that frees up oven space for other holiday goodies. Serve it with roasted veggies for a complete Christmas meal that’s sure to impress!
18) Holiday Mulled Wine
Moms, get ready for a cozy Christmas treat! Traditional mulled wine in the crockpot is perfect for holiday gatherings.
Just toss red wine, brandy, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and cloves into the pot. Add sliced lemons and oranges for a citrusy kick.
Let it simmer for about 3 hours until warm and fragrant. The house will smell amazing! Serve this festive drink to guests and enjoy stress-free entertaining.
19) Mint Chocolate Lava Cake
Moms will love this festive twist on a classic dessert. This mint chocolate lava cake cooks right in the crockpot, leaving the oven free for other dishes.
Start with a chocolate cake mix and add peppermint extract for that cool mint flavor. Pour the batter into a greased slow cooker.
For the gooey center, mix hot water with cocoa powder and sugar. Pour this over the cake batter. Cook on low for about 4 hours until the edges are set but the center is still soft.
20) Herbed Butter Mashed Potatoes
Moms can make holiday mashed potatoes extra special with herbs and butter. The slow cooker does the work while they focus on other tasks.
Herbed butter mashed potatoes are creamy and flavorful. Garlic, basil, and fennel add a festive twist to this classic side dish.
For busy moms, the crockpot method is a game-changer. They can set it and forget it while preparing other Christmas dishes. The result? Perfectly cooked, velvety potatoes that everyone will love.
21) Cherry Chocolate Cobbler
This yummy dessert is a breeze to make in the slow cooker. Just toss in cherries, chocolate, and a simple batter.
Let it cook while you open presents or enjoy family time. In a few hours, you’ll have a warm, gooey treat.
The slow cooker does all the work, leaving more time for holiday fun. Kids and adults alike will love this sweet combo of cherries and chocolate.
Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch. It’s sure to become a new Christmas favorite!
22) Sausage and Spinach Tortellini
This tasty soup is perfect for chilly winter days. Moms will love how easy it is to throw together in the slow cooker.
Just brown some Italian sausage and toss it in with broth, spinach, and cheese tortellini. The slow cooker does all the work, simmering everything to perfection.
The result is a hearty, flavorful soup that’s sure to warm everyone up. Kids and adults alike will gobble up the cheesy pasta and savory sausage. It’s comfort food at its finest!
23) Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken
This festive dish brings a burst of holiday flavor to the table. The crockpot does all the work, leaving more time for gift wrapping and cookie decorating.
Juicy chicken thighs simmer in a sweet-tart pomegranate sauce. The meat turns tender as it cooks low and slow.
A final glaze gives the chicken a beautiful ruby sheen.
Serve this pomegranate chicken over rice or alongside roasted veggies for an easy Christmas dinner.
The kids will love the fruity taste, and moms will appreciate the simple prep.