Thanksgiving is one of my absolute favorite times of the year! It’s all about gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and of course, indulging in delicious food. But let’s be real, the kitchen can turn into a chaotic whirlwind of pots and pans. That’s where my trusty crockpot comes in! I just love how it simplifies the process of making sides—no fuss, just toss everything in and let it work its magic. This collection of Thanksgiving crockpot sides is not only easy but also packed with flavor. Trust me, these dishes will leave everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Crockpot Sides
Gather these simple ingredients to create a flavorful and comforting side dish that everyone will love. Each one plays a crucial role in making this dish a hit!
- 2 cups of green beans: Fresh or frozen, just make sure they’re trimmed and ready to go!
- 1 cup of diced potatoes: I usually go for Yukon Gold or red potatoes, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
- 1 cup of corn: Canned, frozen, or even fresh if you’re feeling adventurous; it adds that lovely sweetness!
- 1 cup of diced carrots: A classic sidekick that brings a pop of color and earthy flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped: It gives a wonderful depth of flavor—don’t skip this one!
- 2 cups of vegetable broth: This is the base that ties everything together. Use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder: For that savory punch without the chopping hassle.
- 1 teaspoon of thyme: Fresh or dried, it adds a wonderful aromatic quality to the dish.
- Salt to taste: Adjust according to your preference, but remember, you can always add more!
- Pepper to taste: A little kick to balance out the flavors.
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Crockpot Sides
Alright, let’s dive into the simple steps for making these Thanksgiving crockpot sides! I promise, it’s as easy as 1-2-3. Here’s how to get those delicious flavors melded together without breaking a sweat:
- First things first, wash and chop all your vegetables. I like to do this in advance so everything’s ready to go when it’s time to cook.
- Next, toss all the chopped vegetables—green beans, diced potatoes, corn, diced carrots, and chopped onion—into your trusty crockpot. Just dump them in; no fancy layering needed!
- Now, pour the 2 cups of vegetable broth over the veggies. This will be the flavorful liquid that brings everything together.
- Sprinkle in the 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of thyme, along with your salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it makes all the difference!
- Give everything a gentle stir to combine all those yummy ingredients. You want to make sure each veggie is coated in that savory broth.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can crank it up to high for 3-4 hours. Either way, you’ll end up with tender, flavorful sides!
- Once the cooking time is up, serve warm and watch everyone rave about how delicious it is!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can spend more time with your family and less time in the kitchen!
- Hands-Off Cooking: Just set it and forget it! The crockpot does all the work for you, so you can focus on other Thanksgiving dishes or enjoy a cozy chat.
- Flavorful Results: The slow cooking method allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together, creating a deliciously comforting dish that’s sure to impress.
- Versatility for Meal Prep: These sides are perfect for making ahead of time. You can even switch up the veggies based on what you have or your family’s favorites!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Thanksgiving crockpot sides turn out perfectly, here are some of my favorite pro tips that I swear by!
- Taste as You Go: Don’t hesitate to taste your dish before serving! You can always adjust the seasoning, so feel free to add more salt, pepper, or herbs if it needs a little extra oomph.
- Mix Up Your Veggies: While this recipe is delicious as is, you can absolutely substitute vegetables based on what you have or prefer. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even butternut squash would work beautifully!
- Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor: If you have fresh thyme or other herbs on hand, definitely use them! They add a fragrant freshness that dried herbs just can’t compete with.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot: If you’re making a bigger batch, make sure not to overfill your crockpot. It should be about three-quarters full for the best cooking results.
- Stir Occasionally: If you can, give the veggies a gentle stir halfway through cooking. This helps to distribute the flavors evenly and makes sure everything cooks perfectly!
Variations on Thanksgiving Crockpot Sides
One of the best things about these Thanksgiving crockpot sides is how easily you can mix things up to suit your taste buds or what you’ve got on hand. Here are a few fun variations to get your creative juices flowing!
- Herb-Infused: Try adding fresh rosemary or sage for a lovely autumn flavor. Just a few sprigs can elevate the dish to a whole new level!
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, throw in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. It adds a delightful zing that balances out the sweetness of the veggies!
- Cheesy Delight: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle in some shredded cheese—like cheddar or mozzarella—for a creamy, gooey twist. Who doesn’t love cheesy veggies?
- Sweet and Savory: Add a handful of raisins or cranberries for a touch of sweetness. The contrast with the savory broth is simply irresistible!
- Seasonal Veggie Swap: Feel free to substitute any vegetables based on the season. Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or even cauliflower can work beautifully in this recipe!
These variations are just a starting point—don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own favorite combo. Cooking should be fun, and there are no wrong answers when you’re in the kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious Thanksgiving crockpot sides fresh and tasty! I always make sure to store any leftovers properly so I can enjoy them even after the big feast.
- Storing Leftovers: Once the sides have cooled down, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label them with the date!
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy those tasty leftovers, you have a couple of options. For the best flavor and texture, I recommend reheating them on the stovetop over medium heat. Just add a splash of broth or water to keep them moist while warming.
- If you’re short on time, you can pop them in the microwave. Just cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to avoid splatters. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until they’re warmed through.
- Oven Option: If you have a larger batch, you can spread the sides in a baking dish, cover with foil, and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated all the way through.
With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor the goodness of your Thanksgiving crockpot sides long after the holiday is over! Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying Thanksgiving crockpot sides, it’s nice to have an idea of what you’re serving up. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (1 cup) for this delightful dish:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But isn’t it nice to know you’re serving up something that’s not only delicious but also packed with wholesome veggies? Enjoy these tasty sides guilt-free at your Thanksgiving table!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Crockpot Sides
Got questions? No worries, I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about Thanksgiving crockpot sides that I often hear. Let’s dive in!
Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen veggies work perfectly in this recipe. They’re convenient and save you a bit of prep time. Just toss them in straight from the freezer, and they’ll cook up beautifully!
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
You sure can! Just make sure your crockpot is big enough to handle the extra ingredients. If it’s getting too full, you can always make a second batch. Everyone will want to dig in!
How can I make this dish more filling?
If you want to turn these sides into a heartier dish, consider adding some cooked quinoa or brown rice. It’ll not only bulk it up but also add some extra nutrition!
What if I don’t have vegetable broth?
No broth? No problem! You can use water instead, but I recommend adding a splash of soy sauce or a few herbs to boost the flavor. You want to keep that deliciousness intact!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep all the veggies a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just dump them in the crockpot the next day and let it cook while you enjoy the festivities!
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Thanksgiving Crockpot Sides to Wow Your Guests Instantly
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A collection of easy and delicious sides to prepare for Thanksgiving using a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of green beans
- 1 cup of diced potatoes
- 1 cup of corn
- 1 cup of diced carrots
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and chop all vegetables.
- Add vegetables to the crockpot.
- Pour vegetable broth over the vegetables.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Can substitute vegetables based on preference.
- Great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: thanksgiving crockpot sides
