Irresistible Thanksgiving Crockpot Side has been my go-to for years when I want a fuss-free yet incredibly flavorful addition to our holiday table. I remember one year when the oven was completely packed, and I was dreading how to manage all the side dishes. That’s when I pulled out my slow cooker and this recipe, and it was a game-changer! The aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through the house as it cooked low and slow was pure magic. It truly is one of the best Thanksgiving crockpot side dishes, and knowing I can prep it ahead makes it even better – a perfect example of make-ahead Thanksgiving crockpot sides. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Thanksgiving Crockpot Side
This dish is a true winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly delicious, bursting with comforting flavors that remind you of grandma’s cooking. Plus, the prep time is a dream – just 15 minutes before it cooks itself! It’s also surprisingly budget-friendly, making it one of those easy Thanksgiving crockpot recipes that won’t break the bank. The tender, garlic-infused green beans and creamy potatoes are a hit with everyone, making it a guaranteed family-pleaser. You’ll find yourself reaching for these easy Thanksgiving crockpot recipes again and again because they’re so reliable and tasty. It’s a healthy option too, packed with wholesome ingredients.
- Incredible taste and aroma
- Minimal prep time (only 15 minutes!)
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- A guaranteed family favorite
- A healthier alternative to some traditional sides
- Perfect for busy holiday cooks
Ingredients for Your Irresistible Thanksgiving Crockpot Side
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating one of the most flavorful and easy Thanksgiving crockpot recipes. These components come together to make something truly special, proving that delicious slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes don’t need to be complicated. You’ll need:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered – Russets or Yukon Golds work beautifully here for a creamy texture.
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed – Fresh beans offer the best flavor and a lovely vibrant green color.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – This adds moisture and a savory base for the dish.
- 1/4 cup butter – For richness and that comforting, decadent taste.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for that irresistible aroma and savory depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste – To enhance all the natural flavors.
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional) – Like parsley or chives, for a pop of freshness and color.
How to Make This Irresistible Thanksgiving Crockpot Side
Getting this crowd-pleasing dish ready is so straightforward, making it one of the best Thanksgiving crockpot side dishes you can whip up. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to achieve amazing results, similar to how a classic Thanksgiving crockpot green bean casserole comes together with ease.
- Step 1: Start by adding the prepared 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered directly into your slow cooker. I like to arrange them evenly on the bottom to ensure they cook through nicely, much like starting a Thanksgiving crockpot green bean casserole with its base layer.
- Step 2: Next, layer the trimmed 1 lb green beans over the potatoes. This creates a beautiful visual as it cooks.
- Step 3: Pour the 1/2 cup chicken broth evenly over everything. This liquid is key to creating steam and keeping the ingredients moist, much like the creamy sauce in a Thanksgiving crockpot green bean casserole.
- Step 4: Dot the top with the 1/4 cup butter. As it melts, it will infuse the vegetables with a rich, buttery flavor. Scatter the 2 cloves garlic, minced over the butter and beans; the aroma is incredible!
- Step 5: Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as it really helps all the flavors meld together.
- Step 6: Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. You’re looking for the potatoes to be fork-tender and the green beans to be perfectly cooked – not mushy, but tender and infused with that delicious garlic butter.
- Step 7: Once cooked, give it a gentle stir. If you like, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra touch of freshness and color before serving this irresistible Thanksgiving crockpot side.
Pro Tips for the Best Irresistible Thanksgiving Crockpot Side
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make this dish absolutely perfect. Following these simple tips will ensure your irresistible Thanksgiving crockpot side is a standout hit at your holiday gathering.
- For the best texture when making crockpot mashed potatoes Thanksgiving style, ensure your potatoes are cut into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker. If you’re doubling the recipe, consider using a larger crockpot or two smaller ones to allow everything to cook properly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning halfway through cooking and again before serving. The flavors deepen as it cooks, and you might need a little more salt or pepper.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the very end of cooking, just before serving.
What’s the secret to perfect Irresistible Thanksgiving Crockpot Side?
The real secret is ensuring the potatoes are perfectly tender and the green beans are cooked to that ideal crisp-tender stage. This allows the flavors of the garlic and butter to truly meld, creating truly flavorful slow cooker Thanksgiving sides.
Can I make this Irresistible Thanksgiving Crockpot Side ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is a perfect make-ahead Thanksgiving crockpot side. You can prep all the ingredients, place them in the slow cooker liner, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just turn it on in the morning, adding a little extra cooking time if needed.
How do I avoid common mistakes with this Irresistible Thanksgiving Crockpot Side?
A common pitfall is overcooking the green beans, making them mushy. Keep an eye on them, especially on the high setting. Also, remember to taste and adjust seasoning before serving, as under-seasoning can make any dish bland.
Best Ways to Serve Your Irresistible Thanksgiving Crockpot Side
This versatile dish is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines when paired with other holiday favorites. For a classic Thanksgiving spread, I love serving it alongside a juicy roasted turkey or a flavorful ham. It also complements rich dishes like stuffing or a creamy gravy beautifully. When I’m looking for other simple holiday crockpot side dishes, I often pair this with slow cooker cranberry sauce or baked apples. The tender, savory vegetables and creamy potatoes are a comforting addition to any festive meal, ensuring your table is filled with delicious, easy-to-manage options.
Nutrition Facts for Irresistible Thanksgiving Crockpot Side
When planning your Thanksgiving feast, knowing the nutritional breakdown of your dishes is helpful. This side dish offers a comforting taste without being overly heavy. Here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in this irresistible Thanksgiving crockpot side.
How to Store and Reheat Your Irresistible Thanksgiving Crockpot Side
The beauty of this dish is that it’s one of those easy crockpot sides for Thanksgiving that holds up wonderfully for leftovers. Once it has cooled down slightly, transfer the remaining irresistible Thanksgiving crockpot side into airtight containers. You can keep it stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Divide it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it should stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. This makes it super convenient for meal prep!
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. You can gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave individual portions until heated through. For a larger batch, reheating in the oven at around 300°F (150°C) covered with foil also works well, ensuring it stays moist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Irresistible Thanksgiving Crockpot Side
What are easy crockpot sides for Thanksgiving?
This recipe is a fantastic example of just how easy crockpot sides for Thanksgiving can be! It requires minimal prep and cooks on its own, freeing you up for other tasks. Other simple options include slow cooker stuffing or crockpot cranberry sauce.
Can I use frozen green beans for this Irresistible Thanksgiving Crockpot Side?
Yes, you can! If using frozen green beans, you may want to reduce the cooking time slightly, as they tend to cook faster than fresh ones. Add them during the last hour of cooking on low, or the last 30 minutes on high, to prevent them from becoming mushy.
What other vegetables can I add to this Irresistible Thanksgiving Crockpot Side?
You can definitely customize this dish! Carrots, parsnips, or even diced sweet potatoes would be wonderful additions. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces as the potatoes for even cooking. This adaptability makes it one of the most versatile easy Thanksgiving crockpot recipes.
Why are my potatoes not tender in this Irresistible Thanksgiving Crockpot Side?
If your potatoes aren’t tender, it could be due to a few reasons. Ensure they were cut into uniform pieces, as uneven sizes can lead to some cooking faster than others. Also, check that your slow cooker is functioning properly and that you haven’t overloaded it, which can hinder heat circulation. You might need to add a bit more liquid and continue cooking on low.
Variations of Irresistible Thanksgiving Crockpot Side You Can Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, you can easily adapt it to suit different tastes and dietary needs, making it one of the top-rated slow cooker Thanksgiving sides. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired:
- For a Creamier Texture: After cooking, mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker with a potato masher or fork. You can also stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
- Add a Cheesy Twist: For a decadent crockpot mac and cheese Thanksgiving vibe, stir in shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking until melted and bubbly.
- Herb Swap: While fresh parsley is lovely, try adding other herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary along with the garlic for a different aromatic profile. Sage also works wonderfully for a classic Thanksgiving flavor.
- Make it Vegetarian/Vegan: Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and use vegan butter or olive oil instead of dairy butter to make this a delicious vegan Thanksgiving crockpot side.
Irresistible Thanksgiving Crockpot Side: 2lb Potatoes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe offers an irresistible Thanksgiving crockpot side dish that fills your home with a warm, inviting aroma. Enjoy creamy potatoes with savory gravy, tender garlic-infused green beans, and a medley of herbs for a comforting taste of grandma’s cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place potatoes in the crockpot.
- Add green beans, chicken broth, butter, and minced garlic.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving this irresistible Thanksgiving crockpot side.
Notes
- Ensure potatoes are tender before serving.
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
- This is a perfect make-ahead Thanksgiving crockpot side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-8 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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