Busy week? Make it simple with easy Crockpot side dishes filled with good-for-you veggies, cheesy potatoes and bacony goodness.
25 Slow-Cooker Side Dishes to Make Tonight
Slow-Cooker Mac and Cheese
What could be more comforting (or easy!) than a Crockpot mac and cheese? Nothing! This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish, and I’ve never met anyone who didn’t ask for second helpings of the cheesy slow-cooker dish. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
1/25
2/25
Scalloped Taters
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy, comforting slow-cooked side tastes marvelous with almost any main dish and is a snap to assemble with frozen hash browns. It's a good way to make potatoes when your oven is busy with other dishes. —Lucinda Wolker, Somerset, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 234 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
3/25
Boston Baked Beans
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a potluck or picnic, you can’t beat this classic side that starts with a pound of dried beans. Molasses and maple syrup give it a slight sweetness. —Pat Medeiros, Tiverton, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 385 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 810mg sodium, 77g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 8g fiber), 11g protein.
4/25
Slow-Cooker Bacon Mac & Cheese
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m all about easy slow-cooker meals. Using more cheese than ever, I developed an addictive spin on this casserole favorite. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 272 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
5/25
Slow-Cooked Broccoli
Total Time
2 hours 50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This family-favorite side dish is quick to fix and full of flavor. Because it simmers in a slow cooker, it frees up my oven for other things. That's a tremendous help when I'm prepping a big meal at home. —Connie Slocum, Antioch, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 159 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
6/25
Slow-Cooked Bean Medley
Total Time
5 hours 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I often change the variety of beans in this classic recipe, using whatever I have on hand to total the five cans called for. The sauce makes any combination delicious! It's a gluten-free side dish that's popular with just about everyone. —Peggy Gwillim, Strasbourg, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 255 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 942mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 7g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
7/25
Slow-Cooker Green Beans
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I spent hours in search of sides for a cooking demo to present to women from my church. These easy green beans became my star attraction. —Alice White, Willow Spring, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 143 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein.
8/25
Slow-Cooker Creamed Corn with Bacon
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every time I take this super rich corn to a holiday potluck or work party, I leave with an empty slow cooker. It's decadent, homey and so worth the splurge. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 259 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 433mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
9/25
Honey-Butter Peas and Carrots
Total Time
5 hours 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic combination of peas and carrots is enriched with a handful of flavor enhancers. Slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld for maximum richness. —Theresa Kreyche, Tustin, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 106 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
10/25
Slow-Cooked Vegetables
Total Time
7 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to simmer this satisfying side dish in my Crock-Pot. Vegetables, especially the garden-fresh kind, are my favorite to use for potlucks. My sister-in-law shared the recipe with me. —Kathy Westendorf, Westgate, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 113 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 379mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
11/25
Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is a real crowd-pleaser with its smooth sauce, chunks of ham and potato slices. I always enjoyed it when Mother made it for us. I added parsley and thyme, and now my husband and five children request it all the time. —Wendy Rhoades, Yacolt, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 549 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 1458mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein.
12/25
Boston Baked Beans
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a potluck or picnic, you can’t beat this classic side that starts with a pound of dried beans. Molasses and maple syrup give it a slight sweetness. —Pat Medeiros, Tiverton, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 385 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 810mg sodium, 77g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 8g fiber), 11g protein.
13/25
Savory Sausage Stuffing
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I used to make the same old dressing every year for Thanksgiving. About 10 years ago, I decided to jazz up my recipe by adding pork sausage. Now everyone requests this dish for all our holiday meals. —Ursula Hernandez, Waltham, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 261 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 446mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
14/25
Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Potatoes are among our favorite side dishes. This version take sa little effort, but you can save time by boiling the spuds ahead of time. The night you want them for dinner, just crisp them up with garlic and Parmesan cheese. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3 smashed potatoes: 354 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
15/25
Black-Eyed Peas
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I find that pork is the secret to a good black-eyed peas recipe. A double dose of ham for flavor and slow, gentle cooking creates this perfect side dish. —Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 359 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 788mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 14g fiber), 20g protein.
16/25
Best Ever Beans and Sausage
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my wife asks what she should make for a gathering, she's always told to bring this—and a couple of copies of the recipe! — Robert Saulnier, Clarksburg, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 316 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 857mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 9g fiber), 13g protein.
17/25
Glazed Spiced Carrots
Total Time
6 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Glazed carrots are a classic side dish for all kinds of special occasions. They're the perfect accompaniment for all kinds of main entrees. This recipe is very easy to put together, leaving your oven and stove top free for other cooking creations. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 290 calories, 15g fat (10g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 327mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein.
18/25
Slow-Cooked Ranch Potatoes
Total Time
7 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even after seven years, my family still asks for this tasty potato and bacon dish. Try it once and I'll bet your family will be hooked, too. —Lynn Ireland, Lebanon, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 230 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 545mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
19/25
Butternut Squash with Whole Grains
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh thyme really shines in this hearty slow-cooked side dish featuring tender butternut squash, nutritious whole grain pilaf and vitamin-packed baby spinach. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 97 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 252mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
20/25
Italian Mushrooms
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Only four ingredients create a rich and flavorful side dish that goes well with beef and mashed potatoes. —Kim Reichert, Fargo, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 99 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 281mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
21/25
Green Beans and Potatoes
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe because I love the combination of green beans with bacon. It’s smart when company is coming because you can start the side dish in the slow cooker and continue preparing the rest of the dinner—or visit with your guests! —Barbara Brittain, Santee, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 116 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
22/25
Slow-Cooker Spinach & Rice
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I started making this in the slow cooker to save oven space during the holidays. It's so convenient that I no longer reserve it for special occasions! —Erica Polly, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 488 calories, 25g fat (14g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1016mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
23/25
Maple-Walnut Sweet Potatoes
Total Time
5 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Topped with dried cherries and walnuts, this side is downright delicious. Even people who aren't into sweet potatoes will grab a second scoop. —Sarah Herse, Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 298 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
24/25
Garlic Green Beans with Gorgonzola
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I updated this green bean holiday side dish by adding a touch of white wine, fresh thyme and green onions. It's delicious, easy to make and my family loves it! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 142 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
25/25
Cheesy Spinach
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter often serves this cheese and spinach blend at church suppers. Even people who don't usually eat spinach like this flavorful dish once they try it. There are never any leftovers. —Frances Moore, Decatur, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 230 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 855mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
