Twenty-four Delicious Slow-Cooker Holiday Meal Ideas
Whether you're planning your holiday feast or just looking to keep guests and family well-fed during the busy season, the right slow-cooker recipe can be a lifesaver. Cooking in your slow cooker will free up your time and allow you to focus on what truly matters—creating memorable moments with loved ones. From hearty mains like ham and chicken to warming sides like potatoes, soups, and sweet potato casserole, these are our favorite slow-cooker recipes for the holidays.
01of 24## Slower-Paced Ham
This slow-cooker ham will help save oven space. Plus, it’s an impressive main dish with minimal effort.
02of 24## Slow-Cooker Hot Cocoa
Say goodbye to lukewarm, microwaved hot cocoa during the holiday season. Instead, treat yourself to this rich and creamy slow cooker version that will surely bring holiday cheer.
03of 24## Slower-Cooked White Chicken Chili
Warm up the holiday season with a hearty white chicken chili that’s a breeze to prepare. You can count on it for bold flavor with minimal fuss.
04of 24## Slower-Cooked Grape Jelly Meatballs
These mouthwatering meatballs shine as an appetizer or main dish in your slow cooker. The sweetness of the grape jelly complements the savory and spicy flavors perfectly.
05of 24## Classic Slower-Cooked Roast Beef
Indulge in comfort food during the holiday season. A slow cooker roast beef is the perfect main dish for a large gathering.
06of 24## Slower-Cooked Green Bean Casserole
This slow-cooker green bean casserole upholds the classic dish’s creamy, comforting flavor, but with a twist that elevates the richness with the use of Alfredo sauce instead of mushroom soup.
07of 24## Slower-Cooked Chicken Soup
This cold-weather staple could be the ideal addition to your holiday spread. Remember, bone-in chicken thighs are key to tender, falling-apart chicken in your soup.
08of 24## Slow-Cooked Sweet Potato Casserole
This sweet potato casserole bursts with rich, comforting flavors—cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter—while staying perfectly tender without the need for boiling or roasting in advance.
09of 24## Slower-Cooked Pot Roast
The holiday season is the time for cozy comfort food. A slow cooker pot roast is the perfect main dish for a large gathering.
10of 24## Slower-Cooked Green Beans
Crispy bacon bits add a savory depth to this crowd-pleasing side dish. These slow-cooked green beans are a family favorite.
11of 24## Slower-Cooked Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Whether they’re for brunch or dessert, cinnamon rolls are always a hit. This slow-cooked cinnamon roll casserole is perfect for holiday gatherings, so you can spend more time with loved ones.
12of 24## Married to this Chicken Soup
This Married to this Chicken Soup combines the rich, comforting flavors of the classic dish into a slow-cooker marvel, with sun-dried tomatoes, cheese tortellini, and creamy cheese for a delightful twist on a family favorite.
13of 24## Easier-Than-Expected Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork
Savor a tantalizing pulled pork dinner that leaves guests marveling at how you managed to serve such a mouthwatering dish with minimal effort. The secret is preparing it in a slow cooker.
14of 24## Slower-Cooked Meatloaf
This meatloaf recipe is a breeze to whip up, taking just an hour of prep time. The classic flavors you love are brought to life with the convenience of slow-cooking.
15of 24## Slower-Cooked Vegetable Soup
Holler in bacon for a hint of savory flavor to this delicious slow-cooker vegetable soup. You can customize this hearty recipe with any vegetables you want.
16of 24## Slower-Cooked Pork Roast
Don’t be confused by a pork tenderloin. A pork loin is best cooked low and slow, making it the ultimate slow cooker recipe. Just pay attention to the instructions to ensure it’s cooked to perfection.
17of 24## Slower-Cooked Bolognese Sauce over Pappardelle Pasta
Let this bolognese sauce cook slowly in the slow cooker to create the perfect topping for your pasta dinner.
18of 24## Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Corn Slow-Cooker Chowder
All you need to do is toss everything into your slow cooker, and in a few hours, you’ll have a delightful and colorful chowder to serve your guests.
19of 24## Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs with Carrots and Potatoes
This chicken and veggie slow-cooker recipe tastes like a labor of love but only requires 20 minutes of prep time.
20of 24## Slower-Cooked Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
These slow-cooked collard greens, flavored with ham hocks, are a Southern classic you can easily prepare in your slow cooker, saving you stovetop space and leaving you with rich, comforting flavors.
21of 24## Slow-Cooker Cheddar Soup
Delicious, creamy, and perfect for serving in a bread bowl, this Slow-Cooker Cheddar Soup is almost irresistible. Skip the broccoli; this rich dish has plenty of flavor on its own.
22of 24## Navy Bean and Ham Soup
Bacon adds a hint of savory goodness to this delicious slow-cooker Navy Bean and Ham Soup that only requires 15 minutes of prep time.
23of 24## Slow-Cooked Pork Tenderloin
Not to be mistaken for a pork loin, a pork tenderloin shines in the slow cooker, delivered perfectly with minimal effort.
24of 24## Slow-Cooker Lasagna
Parmesan cheese, ground beef, and pasta come together to create a comforting holiday meal in your slow cooker.
If you're searching for an innovative way to utilize your leftover Christmas Eve ham bone, this tasty soup is just the ticket! Simply combine all your ingredients along with the ham bone in your slow cooker and let it simmer on high for a mouthwatering 6-hour feast.
Spinach-And-Broccoli Morning Sludge
Going for a Christmas brunch extravaganza? This Spinach-And-Broccoli Morning Sludge is made in a slow cooker yet retains all the flavour as if it had been baked in the oven.
## Uncomplicated Chili
Add some warmth and delight to your home with this simple and delicious chili. Excellent for social occasions and bursting with flavour, this hearty dish is sure to leave everyone satisfied and content.
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- To add a unique twist to your Christmas leftovers, try Southern Living's Slow-Cooker Ham and Vegetable Soup recipe.
- If you're looking for a cozy and flavorful Christmas dessert, consider making Southern Living's Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows.
- For those busy holiday occasions, Southern Living's Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili is a perfect dish to serve your guests with minimal effort.