From bubbling mac and cheese to glazed carrots, these slow-cooker side dishes have little prep but still deliver big flavor.
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Cheesy Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
As a four-generation Idaho family, we love our potatoes and cook with them in every way possible. I have served these cheesy potatoes for weddings, family dinners and special occasions. They've become a favorite of many. —Karla Kimball, Emmett, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 358 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 764mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
2/44
Creamed Corn with Cream Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
Five ingredients are all you'll need for my popular creamed corn recipe. It's wonderful no matter what the occasion is. Try it on a barbecue buffet or holiday menu. —Barbara Brizendine, Harrisonville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 378 calories, 26g fat (16g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 439mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
3/44
Orange Spice Carrots
From the Recipe Creator:
To get my son to eat veggies, I mix and match flavors and spices. My slow-cooker carrots with orange and cinnamon won him over. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 187 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 339mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.
4/44
Slow-Cooker Broccoli Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
This family-favorite side dish is quick to fix and full of flavor. Because it simmers in a slow cooker, it frees up my oven for other things. That's a tremendous help when I'm prepping a big meal at home. —Connie Slocum, Antioch, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 159 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
5/44
Slow-Cooker Sriracha Corn
From the Recipe Creator:
A restaurant here advertised Sriracha corn on the cob, but I knew I could make my own. The golden ears cooked up a little sweet, a little smoky and a little hot—perfect if you ask my three teenage boys! —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn: 209 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 287mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
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Italian Mushrooms
From the Recipe Creator:
Only four ingredients create a rich and flavorful side dish that goes well with beef and mashed potatoes. —Kim Reichert, Fargo, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 99 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 281mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
7/44
Coconut-Pecan Sweet Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
These delicious sweet potatoes cook effortlessly in the slow cooker so you can tend to other things. Coconut gives the classic a fresh twist. —Raquel Haggard, Edmond, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 269 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
8/44
Spiced Acorn Squash
From the Recipe Creator:
Working full time, I found I didn't always have time to cook the meals my family loved, so I re-created many of those dishes in the slow cooker. This treatment for squash is one of our favorites. —Carol Greco, Centereach, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 squash half: 433 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 86g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
9/44
Scalloped Taters
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy, comforting slow-cooked side tastes marvelous with almost any main dish and is a snap to assemble with frozen hash browns. It's a good way to make potatoes when your oven is busy with other dishes. —Lucinda Wolker, Somerset, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 234 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
10/44
Lemon Red Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
Butter, lemon juice, parsley and chives enhance this simple side dish. I usually prepare these potatoes when I'm having company. Since they cook in the slow cooker, there's plenty of room on the stove for other dishes. —Tara Branham, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 150 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
11/44
Slow-Cooked Bean Medley
From the Recipe Creator:
I often change the variety of beans in this classic recipe, using whatever I have on hand to total the five cans called for. The sauce makes any combination delicious! It's a gluten-free side dish that's popular with just about everyone. —Peggy Gwillim, Strasbourg, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 255 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 942mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 7g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
12/44
Slow Cooker Cheesy Corn
From the Recipe Creator:
My family really likes this creamy, cheesy side dish—and it's so easy to make. Even those who usually don't eat much corn often ask for a second helping. —Mary Ann Truitt, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 265 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
13/44
Italian Spaghetti Squash
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a unique and easy way to cook spaghetti squash. Be sure the squash is on the small or medium side so that it fits into the slow cooker after being cut in half. —Melissa Brooks, Sparta, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 stuffed squash: 140 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.
14/44
Cowboy Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
This cowboy beans recipe is tradition when my girlfriends and I go up north for a girls weekend. The husbands and kids are left at home, but the slow cooker comes with us! —Julie Butsch, Hartland, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 340 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 691mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 12g fiber), 21g protein.
15/44
Party Time Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend brought this colorful bean dish to my house for a church circle potluck dinner. As soon as I tasted the slightly sweet slow-cooked beans, I had to have the recipe. I've served the beans and shared the recipe many times since. —Jean Cantner, Boston, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 166 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 528mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 7g fiber), 6g protein.
16/44
Rosemary Beets
From the Recipe Creator:
For a simple side dish, I use a slow cooker and let the beets mellow with rosemary and thyme. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 200 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 511mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 fat.
17/44
Slow-Cooked Cajun Corn
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves corn on the cob, and I love this slow-cooker recipe because I don't have to stand at a hot stove. We like a little spice, so the Cajun seasoning works well for us, but any spice blend works. —Audra Rorick, Lyons, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn: 190 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 307mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
18/44
Glazed Spiced Carrots
From the Recipe Creator:
Glazed carrots are a classic side dish for all kinds of special occasions. They're the perfect accompaniment for all kinds of main entrees. This recipe is very easy to put together, leaving your oven and stove top free for other cooking creations. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 290 calories, 15g fat (10g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 327mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein.
19/44
Crockpot Stuffing
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're hosting a big Thanksgiving dinner this year, add this simple slow-cooked stuffing to your menu to ease entertaining. The recipe comes in handy when you run out of oven space at large family gatherings. I use this Crock Pot dressing recipe often. —Donald Seiler, Macon, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 178 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
20/44
Fall Garden Medley
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make this recipe in the fall and winter for special occasions because it's very colorful, tasty and healthy. It's a hearty side that complements many different meat dishes. —Krystine Kercher, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 83 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 633mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
21/44
Slow-Cooker Sauerkraut
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was made by a special someone in my life. I was never a fan of sauerkraut until I tried this dish and fell in love. It's terrific as a side or on Reuben sandwiches. —Karen Tringali, Minooka, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 173 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 675mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
22/44
Ham and Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
I had never made or eaten this dish before meeting my husband here in Kentucky. Now I make it at least once a week. I serve it with some homemade sweet cornbread. Delicious! —Christine Duffy, Sturgis, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 195 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 10g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
23/44
Cheddar Creamed Corn
From the Recipe Creator:
I took this super easy recipe to a school potluck once and it was gone in no time. I’ve been asked to bring it to every function since. —Jessica Maxwell, Englewood, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 272 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 317mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
24/44
Maple-Walnut Sweet Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
Topped with dried cherries and walnuts, this side dish is downright delicious. Even people who aren't into sweet potatoes will grab a second scoop. —Sarah Herse, Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 298 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
25/44
Slow-Cooker Green Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
I spent hours in search of sides for a cooking demo to present to women from my church. These easy green beans became my star attraction. —Alice White, Willow Spring, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 143 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein.
26/44
Creamy Hash Brown Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
Convenient frozen hash browns are the secret behind the cheesy slow-cooker potatoes I cook up for potlucks and big group gatherings. —Julianne Henson, Streamwood, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 214 calories, 13g fat (9g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 387mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
27/44
Simple Vegetarian Slow-Cooked Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
When I have a hungry family to feed, these tasty beans with spinach, tomatoes and carrots are a go-to dish. This veggie delight is frequently on our menu. —Jennifer Reid, Farmington, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 229 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 13g fiber), 12g protein.
28/44
Corn and Broccoli in Cheese Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
Save room in the oven by making this savory side in your slow cooker. It is a standby in my house. My daughter likes to add leftover ham to create a hearty main course. —Joyce Johnson, Uniontown, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 148 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 409mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.
29/44
Crockpot Veggies
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to simmer this satisfying side dish in my Crock-Pot. Vegetables, especially the garden-fresh kind, are my favorite to use for potlucks. My sister-in-law shared the recipe with me. —Kathy Westendorf, Westgate, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 113 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 379mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
30/44
Honey-Butter Peas and Carrots
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic combination of peas and carrots is enriched with a handful of flavor enhancers. Slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld for maximum richness. —Theresa Kreyche, Tustin, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 106 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
31/44
Creamy Corn
From the Recipe Creator:
Out of all my corn recipes, this is my favorite. You need just a few ingredients and a slow cooker to make this delicious side dish. Because it cooks on its own, you'll have extra time to prepare the main course. —Judy McCarthy, Derby, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 289 calories, 24g fat (15g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 414mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
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Jazzed-Up Green Bean Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
After trying many variations of this old standby, I decided to give it a little kick. The crunchy texture from the veggies combines with bacon and melt-in-your-mouth cheese to make this dish a hit at any holiday get-together. —Stephan-Scott Rugh, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 200 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 862mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
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Slow-Cooker Cheesy Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
The slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting in this quick, cheesy side dish. Rather than cutting potatoes, this dump-and-go dish uses frozen hash browns for convenience. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 254 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 531mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
34/44
Mushroom Wild Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite recipes from my mother. With only seven ingredients, it's quick to assemble in the morning before I leave for work. By the time I get home, mouthwatering aromas have filled the house. —Bob Malchow, Monon, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 192 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 437mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
35/44
Black Bean Potato au Gratin
From the Recipe Creator:
The addition of black beans and vegetables adds hearty protein and fiber to this tasty side dish. For a southwestern twist, add a handful or two of chopped cooked ham or chorizo sausage and replace the peas with 1 cup of frozen, thawed corn. —Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 340 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 1178mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 10g fiber), 15g protein.
36/44
Stewed Zucchini and Tomatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
A fresh take on traditional vegetable sides, this make-ahead dish stars zucchini, tomatoes and green pepper. Bubbly cheddar cheese adds a down-home feel. —Barbara Smith, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 126 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 678mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
37/44
Slow-Cooker Polenta
From the Recipe Creator:
This Italian classic is so simple to make, you can now make it any night of the week. —Elisabeth Matelski, Boston, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 255 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 1168mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
38/44
Slow-Cooker Italian Mushrooms
From the Recipe Creator:
For big family gatherings, I love to make these mushrooms—everyone always wants to know what the secret ingredient is! They’re a star as a side dish, and leftovers go well with steaks or a roast. —Becky Schmitz, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 221 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 1394mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
39/44
Spiced Carrots & Butternut Squash
From the Recipe Creator:
When I've got a lot going on, my slow cooker is my go-to tool for cooking veggies. The sweetness of the squash and carrots really complements the spicy seasonings. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 85 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
40/44
Potluck Mac and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 388 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 17g protein.
41/44
Slow-Cooked Summer Squash
From the Recipe Creator:
We love squash, but I got tired of fixing just plain squash and cheese. I decided to jazz up the dish a bit. This was a huge hit with my family. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 111 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 442mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Oregano Green Beans with Toasted Pine Nuts
From the Recipe Creator:
This super easy side dish is a wonderful picnic or potluck recipe. It’s a beautiful, surprising mix that leaves guests and family raving. You can substitute any kind of nut for the pine nuts or even replace them with fresh berries. —Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 94 calories, 6g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
43/44
Cranberry-Apple Red Cabbage
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was looking for something new, I started playing with flavors and came up with this very tasty dish. My German grandmother would be impressed, I think! The colorful side dish is just right with pork. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 131 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.
44/44
Saucy Scalloped Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
For old-fashioned flavor, try these scalloped potatoes. They cook up tender, creamy and comforting, and chopped ham adds a hearty touch. —Elaine Kane, Keizer, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 555 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 831mg sodium, 101g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 9g fiber), 17g protein.
Slow-Cooker Side Dishes FAQ
What easy slow-cooker side dishes will kids enjoy?
Kids often love slow-cooker mac and cheese, creamy potatoes and vegetables with a touch of sweetness, like carrots and corn. A slow cooker makes vegetables velvety soft, for kids with wiggly teeth or those who struggle with hard textures.
What are the best vegetables to cook in a slow cooker?
Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, turnips and butternut squash are ideal for a slow cooker since they hold their shape while becoming tender and don’t release much water when cooking. Delicate vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers and peas can also be prepared in a slow cooker, but they should be cooked for much less time than sturdy vegetables to prevent mushiness.
Can you make mashed potatoes in a slow cooker?
Making mashed potatoes in a slow cooker is easy, and they turn out fluffy and perfectly tender. Add chopped potatoes, broth or water and seasonings to the bowl of a slow cooker, cover and cook until tender. Then, mash with as much butter and milk as you like until smooth and creamy. Set the slow cooker to the warm setting until it’s time to eat for a hands-off way to prepare holiday side dishes in advance.
