With all the holiday cooking do you think you could handle more holiday traffic when you have guests over? Well then I have the answer for you! It’s the crockpot! These 23 recipes will help you get the cooking done right while you wrap presents, referee your kids, and with any luck have a bit of holiday fun yourself! These are the kind of holiday cooking we all need!

1) Creamy Garlic Chicken

Go ahead and pat yourself on the back for preparing the chicken dinner. In reality, you put little effort into it because it only required you to walk away for four hours.

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Creamy Garlic Chicken

Tender slow-cooked chicken breasts in a creamy sauce made with garlic and Parmesan. You will want to make sure you have some mashed potatoes on the side.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 6 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Method

 

1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Scatter the minced garlic over the chicken and pour in the chicken broth.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan, then cover and cook 20 more minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken and serve hot.

Notes

Shred the chicken right in the sauce if you'd rather serve it over pasta.

2) Spiced Apple Cider

No need to get on a plane, because the second you add this to the slow cooker, your entire home will smell like a Christmas market!

Spiced Apple Cider

Warm apple cider is gently mixed with cinnamon, cloves, and orange until it becomes spiced, cozy, and hard to walk by.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 cups

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 cups apple cider
• 1 whole orange sliced
• 4 sticks cinnamon
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 3 whole star anise
• 2 tbsp brown sugar

Method

 

1. Pour the apple cider into the crockpot.
2. Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and brown sugar.
3. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours to let the spices infuse.
4. Stir, then strain out the whole spices and orange slices before serving.
5. Ladle into mugs and serve warm, garnishing with a fresh cinnamon stick if you like.

Notes

Keep it on the warm setting all evening so guests can help themselves.

3) Savory Beef Brisket

I only use the slow and low method for making brisket and with a crockpot, it's pretty much idiot proof.

Savory Beef Brisket

Succulent beef brisket tender and fall-apart with the tender touch of a fork. Braised for an entire day in a broth and onion gravy, it truly is a marvel.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 lb beef brisket
• 2 large yellow onions sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Method

 

1. Rub the brisket all over with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Layer the sliced onions across the bottom of the crockpot and set the brisket on top.
3. Whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire, and garlic, then pour it over the brisket.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
5. Transfer the brisket to a cutting board, slice against the grain, and spoon the onion gravy over the top to serve.

Notes

Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing so the juices settle.

4) Honey-Glazed Ham

Yes! Christmas ham can be done without the hassle of an oven! The crockpot keeps it juicy and the glaze does the showing off!

Honey-Glazed Ham

The spiral ham is slow cooked until each slice is glossy, sweet, and tender under a sticky honey-brown sugar glaze.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 7 lb bone-in spiral ham
• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp ground cloves

Method

 

1. Place the spiral ham cut-side down in the crockpot.
2. Whisk together the honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon, and cloves.
3. Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, working some between the slices.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, basting with the glaze once or twice if you can.
5. Transfer to a platter and spoon the thickened glaze over the slices before serving.

Notes

If your ham is too tall for the lid, trim the bottom to help it sit flat.

5) Butternut Squash Soup

This one is super easy to make and is going to feel like a hug in a bowl. It's silky and gold!

Butternut Squash Soup

For the holidays, we offer a fresh butternut squash soup, slow simmered with apples and warm, cozy spices, then blended to velvety perfection.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 lb butternut squash peeled and cubed
• 1 large apple peeled and chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Method

 

1. Add the squash, apple, onion, broth, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt to the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours, until the squash is completely soft.
3. Stir in the coconut milk.
4. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the crockpot until smooth and creamy.
5. Ladle into bowls and serve warm with a swirl of extra coconut milk.

Notes

No immersion blender? Blend in batches in a regular blender, venting the lid.

6) Maple Bourbon Sweet Potatoes

These are the sweet potatoes that everyone fights over at the table, and they are so easy to make.

Maple Bourbon Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are maple-bourbon glazed, slow cooked and have buttery pecan crunchies mixed in.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 lb sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup butter melted
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt

Method

 

1. Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the crockpot.
2. Whisk together the maple syrup, bourbon, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt, then pour over the potatoes and toss to coat.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top and gently stir.
5. Serve warm, spooning the glaze from the bottom over each portion.

Notes

Swap the bourbon for a splash of orange juice to keep it kid-friendly.

7) White Chocolate Bread Pudding

A dessert that cooks itself while you have dinner upstairs? The slow cooker has definitely earned its keep again.

White Chocolate Bread Pudding

The warm vanilla cream pairs perfectly with the melted white chocolate chips and rich, custardy bread pudding.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 cups cubed brioche day-old
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt

Method

 

1. Grease the crockpot and add the cubed brioche and white chocolate chips.
2. Whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt.
3. Pour the custard evenly over the bread and press down so it soaks in.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
5. Let it cool for 15 minutes, then scoop warm and drizzle with extra cream sauce.

Notes

A clean toothpick from the center means it's ready to pull.

8) Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake

A cheesecake made in a crockpot is like magic! You get creamy slices without any cracks, every single time!

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake

Pumpkin spice cheesecake with a smooth graham cracker crust, wonderfully steamed in the slow cooker for an unbeatable creamy texture.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 55 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup butter melted
• 16 oz cream cheese softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

 

1. Stir the graham crumbs and melted butter together, then press into the bottom of a greased springform pan that fits your crockpot.
2. Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then mix in the pumpkin, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla.
3. Pour the batter over the crust and cover the pan loosely with foil.
4. Set the pan on a foil ring inside the crockpot, add an inch of water around it, cover, and cook on high for 2.5 hours.
5. Turn off the heat, let the cheesecake cool, then chill in the fridge at least 4 hours before slicing.

Notes

The 4-hour chill is what sets the cheesecake, so don't skip it.

9) Chestnut Stuffing

Save your oven space for the turkey and let the slow cooker do the work for the stuffing.

Chestnut Stuffing

Chestnuts and celery are combined with buttery herb stuffing, then slow cooked to a perfect golden edge and a moist substructure.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 10 cups cubed bread dried
• 1.5 cups roasted chestnuts chopped
• 1 cup celery diced
• 1 medium onion diced
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2.5 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp fresh sage chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Method

 

1. Saute the onion and celery in the butter until soft, about 5 minutes.
2. In the greased crockpot, combine the bread cubes, chestnuts, and the sauteed vegetables.
3. Pour in the broth and sprinkle with sage, salt, and pepper, then toss until evenly moistened.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, stirring once halfway through.
5. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.

Notes

Use pre-roasted, peeled chestnuts from a jar to save a step.

10) Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Even people who usually do not like Brussels sprouts love them when they are glazed with sweet-and-sour balsamic sauce.

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts become tender as they slowly cook with a balsamic-maple glaze. The sprouts become caramelized, and glossy, and they become a tad bit sticky.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lb Brussels sprouts halved
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Method

 

1. Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the crockpot.
2. Whisk together the balsamic, maple syrup, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the glaze over the sprouts and toss until well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring once, until the sprouts are tender.
5. Toss again to coat in the reduced glaze and serve warm.

Notes

Cook on the lower end of the time if you like them with more bite.

11) Orange-Cranberry Sauce

I promise that once you make cranberry sauce in the crockpot, you will never go back to the canned stuff.

Orange-Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce that simmers slowly with fresh oranges and a touch of cinnamon. The sauce has a jammy texture and a wonderful jewel-toned color.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 whole orange juiced and zested
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 stick cinnamon

Method

 

1. Add the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, water, and cinnamon stick to the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, until the cranberries burst and soften.
4. Remove the cinnamon stick and mash to your preferred consistency.
5. Let it cool, then chill before serving — it thickens as it sits.

Notes

It firms up in the fridge, so make it a day ahead and relax.

12) Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Set up your Christmas breakfast the night before so it’s ready when the kids stampede downstairs!

Cinnamon Roll French Toast

French toast casserole with a swirl of sweet cream cheese drizzle and baked pillowy cinnamon roll pieces.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls quartered
• 5 large eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

 

1. Grease the crockpot and add the quartered cinnamon roll pieces, reserving the icing tubs.
2. Whisk together the eggs, cream, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla.
3. Pour the mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces and toss gently to coat.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, until the center is set and puffed.
5. Warm the reserved icing and drizzle generously over the top before serving.

Notes

Cooks faster in some crockpots, so check at 2.5 hours for a set center.

13) Eggnog Bread Pudding

Eggnog desserts are the reason you have that leftover eggnog.

Eggnog Bread Pudding

Bread pudding becomes even more custardy in the slow cooker when spiced eggnog and nutmeg are added. It comes out soft and warm and just set.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 cups cubed challah day-old
• 3 cups eggnog
• 3 large eggs
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup raisins

Method

 

1. Grease the crockpot and add the cubed challah and raisins.
2. Whisk together the eggnog, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg.
3. Pour the custard over the bread and press down to soak it through.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, until the center is set.
5. Cool slightly, then scoop warm and dust with extra nutmeg.

Notes

A drizzle of warm caramel takes this over the top.

14) Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Having a crockpot full of peppermint hot cocoa is like having a hug station at the party.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Melted chocolate adds a decadent touch to your slow-cooker hot chocolate. Topped with marshmallows for that creamy and dreamy touch!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 cups

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp peppermint extract

Method

 

1. Add the milk, cream, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and sugar to the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, whisking occasionally, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
3. Stir in the peppermint extract.
4. Whisk well to combine and keep on the warm setting for serving.
5. Ladle into mugs and top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.

Notes

Start with 1/2 tsp peppermint and add more to taste — it's strong.

15) Gingerbread Pudding Cake

Magic of the slow cooker! It creates an entire bottom layer of warm sauce while cooking.

Gingerbread Pudding Cake

A self-saucing gingerbread cake that has a soft, spiced crumb with gooey caramel pudding hiding below.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 cups flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter melted
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1.5 cups hot water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar for topping

Method

 

1. Whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and baking powder in the greased crockpot.
2. Stir in the molasses, milk, and melted butter to form a thick batter and spread it evenly.
3. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar over the batter, then gently pour the hot water over everything without stirring.
4. Cover and cook on high for 2.5 hours, until the top is set and a sauce forms below.
5. Scoop warm, making sure to spoon up the caramel sauce from the bottom.

Notes

Resist stirring after the water goes in — that layer becomes the sauce.

16) Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Get this dip ready before guests show up and it'll be the first thing to disappear from the snack table.

Roasted Red Pepper Dip

A dip that has roasted red peppers, garlic, and Parmesan that has been slowly melted into a creamy and scoopable dip.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz roasted red peppers drained and chopped
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Method

 

1. Add the roasted red peppers, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, sour cream, and paprika to the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine as much as you can.
3. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring once halfway through.
4. Stir well until the dip is smooth and bubbly.
5. Keep on warm and serve with crackers, bread, or veggies.

Notes

Top with extra Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes for color.

17) Rosemary Pork Tenderloin

An elegant main may appear like it takes a lot of effort, but it really just needs a decent rub and a few hours of your time.

Rosemary Pork Tenderloin

Rosemary, garlic, and broth-infused pan-style gravy deliciousness with juicy pork tenderloin cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2.5 lb pork tenderloin
• 3 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Method

 

1. Rub the pork tenderloin all over with olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the tenderloin in the crockpot and whisk the broth with the Dijon, then pour it around the meat.
3. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours, until the pork is tender and reaches at least 145F.
4. Transfer the pork to a board and let it rest 10 minutes before slicing.
5. Slice and spoon the rosemary pan juices over the top to serve.

Notes

For a thicker gravy, simmer the juices in a pan with a splash of cornstarch slurry.

18) Holiday Mulled Wine

A slow cooker keeps mulled wine nice & cozy for an entire party!

Holiday Mulled Wine

Red wine warmed with citrus, cinnamon, and star anise makes a grown-ups fragrant holiday drink.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 cups

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 bottles dry red wine
• 1 whole orange sliced
• 4 sticks cinnamon
• 4 whole star anise
• 6 whole cloves
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brandy

Method

 

1. Pour the red wine into the crockpot.
2. Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and honey.
3. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, keeping it below a simmer so it doesn't boil off.
4. Stir in the brandy just before serving.
5. Strain out the spices and ladle the warm mulled wine into mugs.

Notes

Don't let it boil — gentle warming keeps the alcohol and flavor intact.

19) Mint Chocolate Lava Cake

Your slow cooker creates the dramatic effect of a gooey center, and combined with a cool minty edge, you have a delicious molten chocolate cake.

Mint Chocolate Lava Cake

This chocolate cake is super rich and has a melty mint-chocolate center that leaks out the moment you dig in with a spoon.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup milk
• 1/3 cup butter melted
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup mint chocolate chips
• 1.5 cups hot water
• 1/2 cup sugar for topping

Method

 

1. Whisk the flour, 1 cup sugar, half the cocoa powder, and baking powder in the greased crockpot.
2. Stir in the milk, melted butter, and peppermint extract until smooth, then fold in the mint chocolate chips.
3. Sprinkle the remaining cocoa powder and 1/2 cup sugar over the top, then gently pour the hot water over everything without stirring.
4. Cover and cook on high for 2.5 hours, until the top is set and a molten layer forms below.
5. Scoop warm so the gooey chocolate center spills out, and serve right away.

Notes

Best served warm within 30 minutes while the center is still molten.

20) Herbed Butter Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are an incredible holiday hosting miracle because they are quick and easy to make and can be kept warm for hours!

Herbed Butter Mashed Potatoes

Fluffy mashed potatoes are slow-cooked, then whipped together with herb butter and cream, to create an exquisitely rich and smooth experience that's ridiculously good.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 lb Yukon gold potatoes peeled and cubed
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 cup warm cream
• 2 tbsp fresh chives chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Method

 

1. Add the cubed potatoes and chicken broth to the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, until the potatoes are completely fork-tender.
3. Add the butter and warm cream, then mash directly in the crockpot until smooth.
4. Fold in the chives, parsley, salt, and pepper.
5. Keep on the warm setting until ready to serve, stirring in a splash more cream if needed.

Notes

Yukon golds give the creamiest, most buttery mash.

21) Cherry Chocolate Cobbler

Fudgy chocolate, warm cherries, and a soft top cobbler all without turning the oven on.

Cherry Chocolate Cobbler

Soft cakey topping slow cooked to perfection and cherry cobbler with burbling pockets of rich chocolate.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups cherry pie filling
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1.5 cups flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/3 cup butter melted
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

 

1. Spread the cherry pie filling across the bottom of the greased crockpot and sprinkle the chocolate chips over it.
2. Whisk together the flour, sugar, milk, melted butter, baking powder, and vanilla into a batter.
3. Spoon the batter evenly over the cherries.
4. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours, until the topping is set and cooked through.
5. Scoop warm, making sure to get plenty of the cherry-chocolate layer underneath.

Notes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream is non-negotiable here.

22) Sausage and Spinach Tortellini

When you need a meal that doesn't take a ton of prep and clean up work, this cheesy tortellini meal is perfect and requires a ton of minimal effort.

Sausage and Spinach Tortellini

Enjoy this one-pot dinner featuring cheese tortellini, savory sausage, spinach, and a creamy tomato sauce. This dish is so easy and delicious!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb Italian sausage browned
• 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 cloves garlic minced

Method

 

1. Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet, then add it to the crockpot with the marinara, broth, and garlic.
2. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours to let the flavors meld.
3. Stir in the tortellini, cover, and cook 30 more minutes until tender.
4. Add the spinach, cream, and Parmesan, stirring until the spinach wilts.
5. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.

Notes

Add the tortellini near the end so it doesn't turn mushy.

23) Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken

Fancy yet effortless to make, this chicken will give your holiday table some serious sparkle!

Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken

Slow-cooked chicken thighs in a pomegranate glaze with fresh pomegranate arils.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 lb bone-in chicken thighs
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup pomegranate arils for garnish

Method

 

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and arrange them in the crockpot.
2. Whisk together the pomegranate juice, honey, balsamic, garlic, and thyme, then pour over the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Transfer the chicken to a platter and pour the cooking liquid into a pan to simmer into a glossy glaze.
5. Brush the glaze over the chicken and scatter with fresh pomegranate arils to serve.

Notes

Reducing the glaze on the stovetop for a few minutes makes it shine.