Slow cookers aren’t just for hearty main dishes — they also offer the perfect solution for creating delicious, crowd-pleasing side dishes. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, these slow cooker recipes bring convenience, versatility, and flavor to your table. In this guide, we’ll explore creative slow cooker side dishes such as cheesy potatoes, scalloped potatoes, mac and cheese, and vegetable-based sides that are sure to impress.
Why Use a Slow Cooker for Side Dishes?
Slow cookers provide a hands-off cooking experience, allowing you to prepare flavorful, rich side dishes with minimal effort. Using a slow cooker ensures that potatoes, greens, and even corn come out perfectly tender, and can keep your kitchen organized during holiday meals when stovetop and oven space is limited. Additionally, they allow you to cook ahead of time, so you’re not rushing to prepare multiple dishes at once.
If you’re looking for tips on utilizing your slow cooker, this guide to using slow cookers can help.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes
Nothing says comfort like a serving of slow cooker cheesy potatoes. Creamy, cheesy, and delicious, this dish is perfect for large gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients:
- 5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the ingredients: Layer cubed potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Add the mixture: Combine cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup in a bowl. Pour over the potatoes.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker on low and cook for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours.
- Serve: Sprinkle with paprika and extra cheddar cheese before serving.
These cheesy potatoes are perfect for Thanksgiving or any large family gathering. Pair them with a slow cooker turkey or ham for a complete meal. For a healthier version, try using low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
For a more savory side, scalloped potatoes and ham offer a delicious combination of creamy potatoes and salty ham slices. It’s an excellent dish for both holiday dinners and casual weeknight meals.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
- 1½ cups diced ham
- 1½ cups shredded cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 onion, sliced thinly
- Salt, pepper, and thyme
Instructions:
- Layer the ingredients: Place half of the sliced potatoes and onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with ham and cheese. Repeat the layering process.
- Add the soup: Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the layered ingredients.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley or thyme for a fresh touch.
This dish is hearty enough to serve as a meal, especially when paired with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. For a lighter version, swap the cream of mushroom soup for a homemade béchamel sauce.
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic side dish that everyone loves. With the addition of cream cheese, it takes on a whole new level of creaminess, making it perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Boil the macaroni until slightly undercooked and drain.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, cream cheese, shredded cheese, evaporated milk, and regular milk to the slow cooker.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Once the cheese is fully melted, garnish with extra shredded cheese and serve hot.
Mac and cheese is an ideal side dish for BBQs, family dinners, and holiday feasts. It pairs beautifully with slow cooker pulled pork or roasted chicken. For a gourmet touch, try adding bacon bits or a breadcrumb topping during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Explore more Slow Cooker Recipes at steph Recipes.
Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob
For a simple but flavorful side, slow cooker corn on the cob is a perfect choice for summer BBQs or any meal. Slow cooking allows the corn to soak in all the buttery goodness.
Ingredients:
- 8 ears of corn, husked
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the corn: Place the husked corn in the slow cooker.
- Add seasoning: Drizzle with melted butter, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Corn on the cob is perfect for pairing with grilled meats, such as ribs or steak. If you’re looking to add more flavor, consider adding Parmesan or chili powder before serving.
Slow Cooker Cabbage Recipes
For a lighter, more nutrient-dense side, slow cooker cabbage is an excellent option. Cabbage is low in calories, high in fiber, and pairs well with many main dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium cabbage, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and thyme
Instructions:
- Layer the ingredients: Place chopped cabbage and onions into the slow cooker.
- Add broth and seasoning: Pour in the vegetable broth, and add olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the cabbage is tender.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.
Cabbage is versatile and pairs well with slow cooker beef roast or pork chops. For added flavor, sauté bacon and add it to the slow cooker before cooking.
Slow Cooker Collard Greens
A Southern staple, collard greens are easy to prepare in the slow cooker, and they develop rich, deep flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs collard greens, stems removed and chopped
- 1 smoked ham hock or bacon pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Prepare the ingredients: Place the chopped collard greens in the slow cooker, followed by onions and smoked ham hock.
- Add broth and seasoning: Pour in chicken broth and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and stir it back into the greens.
Collard greens make an excellent accompaniment to fried chicken, cornbread, or BBQ ribs. For an extra smoky flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke during cooking.
FAQs: Slow Cooker Side Dishes
Q: Can I prepare slow cooker sides in advance?
A: Yes, many slow cooker sides can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
Q: How long can I keep slow cooker sides warm?
A: Most sides can stay on the “warm” setting for 2-3 hours without overcooking.
Q: Are slow cooker sides healthy?
A: Many sides can be made healthier by using low-fat ingredients and fresh vegetables.
Q: Can I make these sides for potlucks?
A: Absolutely! Slow cooker sides are easy to transport and keep warm for potluck meals.
Conclusion
With these creative slow cooker side dishes, you can elevate any meal, whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive holiday gathering. From the indulgence of cheesy potatoes to the light, nutritious collard greens, these recipes are designed to suit every occasion and satisfy every palate.
For more slow cooker inspiration, explore our easy slow cooker recipes at Steph Recipes, and take your meals to the next level.