Whether you’re planning your Christmas menu or just looking to keep houseguests and family fed during the busy holiday season, the right slow-cooker recipe can save the day. Cooking in your slow cooker will free up your time and allow you to focus on what really matters—making memories with loved ones. From hearty mains like ham and chicken to comforting sides like potatoes, soups, and sweet potato casserole, these are our favorite slow-cooker recipes for Christmas.
Credit:
Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser
This hands-off recipe means you have more time for holiday fun. Coated in a luscious cheese sauce made from Velveeta and Cheddar cheeses, this creamy, cheesy dish is a must for holiday gatherings.
Credit:
Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Kelsey Moylan; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke
This slow-cooker ham will help save on oven space. Plus, it’s a show-stopping main dish with minimal effort.
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Say goodbye to watery microwavable hot chocolate this Christmas. Instead, opt for this rich and creamy slow cooker version that will be sure to spread holiday cheer to all of your loved ones.
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Warm up this Christmas with a hearty white chicken chili that couldn’t be easier. You can count on it for big flavor with minimal effort.
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland
These delicious slow-cooker meatballs work wonderfully as an appetizer or a main dish. The sweetness of the grape jelly perfectly complements the savory and spicy meat.
Credit:
Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Low and slow cooking makes this savory beef stew a delectable Christmas dinner dish. Cozy up with a bowl of this and a family movie to make your holiday feel complete.
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel
This slow-cooker green bean casserole stays true to the classic dish with its creamy, comforting flavors, but with a twist that enhances the richness using Alfredo sauce instead of mushroom soup.
Credit:
Iain Bagwell
This cold-weather classic could be the perfect addition to your Christmas spread. Remember: Bone-in chicken thighs are the secret to chicken in your soup that’s fall-apart tender.
Credit: Southern Living
This sweet potato casserole is bursting with rich, comforting flavors—cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter—while staying perfectly tender and holding its shape without the need for boiling or roasting the potatoes in advance.
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
‘Tis the season for comfort food. A slow cooker pot roast is the perfect main dish for a large holiday gathering.
Credit:
Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Nothing beats green beans as a side dish—they pair with almost everything. Crispy bacon bites add a rich and savory flavor to this family-favorite.
Credit: Caitlin Bensel
Whether they’re for Christmas brunch or dessert, you can’t go wrong with cinnamon rolls. This cinnamon roll casserole is perfect for holiday gatherings and is relatively hands-off so you can spend time with the ones who mean the most.
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
This Marry Me Chicken Soup brings all the rich, comforting flavors of the classic dish into a hearty slow-cooker soup, with sun-dried tomatoes, cheese tortellini, and creamy cheese for a perfect twist on a family favorite.
Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham
Enjoy a succulent pulled pork dinner that will leave your guests wondering how you had so much time to pull it together. The secret? Preparing your dish in a slow cooker saved you hours of time.
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
This meatloaf recipe has easy prep and comes together in just a few hours. Get the same classic meatloaf flavors you love with the easy of a slow cooker meal.
Credit:
Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Bacon adds a hint of savory to this delicious vegetable soup that only takes 15 minutes of prep time. Use any vegetables you desire in this hearty recipe and throw in a sloe cooker to come to perfection.
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Not to be confused with a pork tenderloin, a pork loin is best cooked low and slow which makes it the perfect slow cooker recipe. Just be sure to read the instructions carefully as to not overcook it.
Credit:
Greg Dupree
This bolognese sauce can simmer all day in your slow cooker to make for the perfect topping to your pasta dinner.
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Throw everything in this recipe into a slow cooker and enjoy a delicious chowder in just a few hours. Yes, it is as easy as that. This colorful chowder will bring holiday cheer to all of your guests.
Credit:
Jennifer Davick
This chicken and vegetables slow cooker recipe tastes like a labor of love but only takes 20 minutes of prep.
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
These slow-cooker collard greens, flavored with ham hocks, are an easy, hands-off Southern classic that saves stovetop space and delivers rich, comforting flavor perfect for the holidays.
Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely
Delicious, creamy, and perfect if served in a bread bowl, this Slow-Cooker Cheddar Soup is almost irresistible. No need for broccoli in this rich treat.
Credit:
Photo: Hector M. Sanchez
Looking for a use for your Christmas Eve ham bone? This delicious soup is the perfect solution. Place all of your ingredients plus the ham bone in the slow cooker for 6 hours on high and enjoy this flavorful dish.
Having a Christmas Day brunch? This Spinach-And-Broccoli Breakfast Pudding is prepared in a slow cooker, but is just as delicious as if it were in the oven.
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Warm up your home with a rich and easy chili. Perfect for large gatherings and unbeatably delicious, this hearty dish will leave bellies full and hearts happy.