Slow Cooker Christmas Recipes: 18 Plug-In Holiday Dishes That Let the Cook Sit Down Too

These slow cooker Christmas recipes are for every cook who has ever spent December 25 running between a hot oven and a full living room. The crockpot can do almost all of the work: the morning casserole, the glazed ham, the creamy sides, the candy tray and a warm pot of something to drink. You plug it in, walk away, and the food stays warm for hours while guests come and go. Many of these were family favorites long before they went viral, and every one is simple enough for a busy holiday week. Pick the ones your family loves, line up the crockpots, and give yourself a seat at the table this year..

Slow Cooker Christmas Recipes Start With a Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

Your oven has one job on Christmas Day. These recipes hand everything else to the slow cooker, from the morning casserole to the candy tray, so the cook gets to sit down too. Start with the ham. A spiral ham fits in most 7 quart crockpots, and four hours on low with brown sugar, pineapple and a little honey gives you a juicy, glossy ham with zero oven time. Would your family pick ham or turkey for Christmas dinner..

You will need: 1 fully cooked spiral ham (6 to 8 lb), 1 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup honey, 1 can (20 oz) pineapple rings with juice, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, maraschino cherries (optional).

How to make it: 1. Rub half the brown sugar over the bottom of the slow cooker. 2. Set the ham in cut side down and press pineapple rings on top with toothpicks. 3. Mix the rest of the sugar with honey, mustard, cloves and 1/2 cup pineapple juice, then pour it over the ham. 4. Cover and cook on low 4 to 5 hours, spooning the glaze over it once an hour. 5. Rest 10 minutes, slice and drizzle with the juices.

Crockpot Hot Chocolate for a Crowd

This is the one everyone posts in December. A single crockpot hot chocolate video earned more than 293,000 likes on Instagram this fall, and crockpot recipes as a whole have pulled around 200 million views on TikTok, according to a Buzzabout trend report. Set it up after lunch and it is ready when the kids come in from the cold. Who gets the first mug in your house?

You will need: 6 cups whole milk, 2 cups heavy cream, 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips, 1 tsp vanilla, pinch of salt, marshmallows and peppermint sticks to serve.

How to make it: 1. Add milk, cream, condensed milk, chocolate chips and salt to the slow cooker. 2. Cover and cook on low 2 hours, whisking every 30 minutes until smooth. 3. Stir in vanilla. 4. Turn to warm and set out mugs, marshmallows and peppermint sticks so guests can help themselves.

Christmas Crockpot Candy: Peanut Clusters With 4 Ingredients

Church ladies have made this for cookie trays for decades, and it still gets thousands of comments every year. You dump peanuts and chocolate in the pot, walk away, then spoon little clusters onto parchment. One batch makes about 80 pieces, enough for gift tins, teachers and the neighbors. Quick poll: (A) salted peanuts, (B) cashews, (C) pecans or (D) a mix?

You will need: 16 oz dry roasted peanuts, 16 oz salted peanuts, 1 bag (12 oz) semi sweet chocolate chips, 4 oz German chocolate bar (broken up), 24 oz white almond bark (broken up).

How to make it: 1. Put peanuts in the bottom of the slow cooker, then layer the chocolate chips, German chocolate and almond bark on top. 2. Cover and cook on low 2 hours. Do not stir. 3. Stir well until smooth. 4. Drop spoonfuls onto parchment or into mini cupcake liners. 5. Let them set 1 hour at room temperature.

Slow Cooker Christmas Recipes for Smaller Tables: Cranberry Pork Roast

Not cooking for twenty this year? A pork loin is the easy answer, and cranberry sauce turns into a sweet, tangy glaze while it cooks. It slices beautifully and costs a lot less than a big beef roast. Leftovers make the best sandwiches on December 26 with a little mayo and stuffing.

You will need: 1 boneless pork loin (3 lb), 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce, 1/2 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp dried rosemary.

How to make it: 1. Season the pork with salt and pepper and brown it in a hot skillet if you have time. 2. Set it in the slow cooker. 3. Stir together cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, garlic and rosemary and pour over the top. 4. Cook on low 6 hours, until it reaches 145 F. 5. Rest 10 minutes, slice and spoon the sauce over.

Slow Cooker Christmas Recipes for Morning: Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Put this together on Christmas Eve, turn the crockpot on before bed, and wake up to a hot breakfast ready before the first present is open. Hash browns, sausage, eggs and cheese cook slowly all night. No one has to leave the tree to stand at the stove, which is the whole point of slow cooker Christmas recipes. What is your family rule: presents first or breakfast first?

You will need: 1 bag (30 oz) frozen shredded hash browns, 1 lb breakfast sausage (cooked and drained), 1 small onion (diced), 1 red bell pepper (diced), 2 cups shredded cheddar, 12 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper.

How to make it: 1. Grease the slow cooker well. 2. Layer one third of the hash browns, sausage, onion, pepper and cheese, then repeat twice. 3. Whisk eggs, milk, salt and pepper and pour it over the top. 4. Cover and cook on low 7 to 8 hours, until the center is set. 5. Cut into squares and serve with fruit.

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Rolls Without Turning On the Oven

Canned cinnamon rolls bake right in the crockpot on a sheet of parchment. They come out soft and gooey, like the ones from the mall, and the oven stays free for the ham. Kids love pressing the rolls into the pot, so give them the job while you make coffee.

You will need: 2 cans (12.4 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing, 2 tbsp melted butter, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, parchment paper.

How to make it: 1. Line the slow cooker with parchment so it comes up the sides. 2. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. 3. Set the rolls in a single layer. 4. Lay a paper towel under the lid to catch steam, cover and cook on high 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until the centers are cooked. 5. Lift out with the parchment and spread on the icing.

Slow Cooker Mulled Apple Cider (No Alcohol)

Nothing makes a house smell like Christmas faster. Apple cider simmers with oranges, cinnamon and cloves all afternoon, and guests can ladle their own. It is family friendly, so the kids get a fancy mug too. Leave it on warm for the whole party and add more cider as it goes down.

You will need: 1 gallon apple cider, 1 orange (sliced), 1 apple (sliced), 4 cinnamon sticks, 1 tsp whole cloves, 4 star anise, 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional), 1 cup cranberries.

How to make it: 1. Pour the cider into the slow cooker. 2. Add orange, apple, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise and cranberries. 3. Stir in brown sugar if you like it sweeter. 4. Cover and cook on low 3 to 4 hours. 5. Turn to warm and ladle into mugs, leaving the spices behind.

Slow Cooker Christmas Recipes for Sides: Easy Cranberry Sauce

Fresh cranberry sauce takes about five minutes of real work. The berries pop on their own in the slow cooker, and an orange gives it a bright, fresh taste that beats the can. Make it two days ahead and keep it in the fridge. It is also amazing on a turkey sandwich or spooned over brie.

You will need: 24 oz fresh or frozen cranberries, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup orange juice, zest of 1 orange, 1/2 cup water, 1 cinnamon stick, pinch of salt.

How to make it: 1. Add everything to the slow cooker and stir. 2. Cover and cook on high 3 hours, stirring once halfway. 3. Mash some of the berries with a spoon for a chunky sauce. 4. Remove the cinnamon stick. 5. Cool, then chill. It thickens as it cools.

Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes That Stay Warm for Hours

Mashed potatoes are the side that always goes cold first. In the slow cooker they cook, get mashed right in the pot and stay hot until the last guest arrives. Cream cheese keeps them soft for hours, so this is one of the most useful slow cooker Christmas recipes for a big crowd. Leave the lid on, set to warm, and give them a stir before serving.

You will need: 5 lb Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and cubed), 1 cup chicken broth, 4 cloves garlic, 1/2 cup butter, 4 oz cream cheese, 3/4 cup warm milk, 1 1/2 tsp salt, pepper, chives.

How to make it: 1. Add potatoes, broth and garlic to the slow cooker. 2. Cover and cook on high 4 hours, until very tender. 3. Add butter and cream cheese and mash right in the pot. 4. Stir in warm milk until creamy, then season. 5. Keep on warm up to 2 hours and top with chives.

Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole for Christmas Dinner

The classic from the soup can era is still on most holiday tables, and the crockpot frees up a whole oven rack for it. Save half the fried onions and add them at the end so they stay crunchy. If you loved the plan for our slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes, this is how you do it again in December.

You will need: 2 lb frozen cut green beans (thawed), 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup milk, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1 cup shredded cheddar (optional), 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions.

How to make it: 1. Stir the soup, milk, soy sauce and pepper together in the slow cooker. 2. Add the green beans and half of the fried onions and stir. 3. Cover and cook on low 4 hours. 4. Stir in the cheese if using. 5. Top with the rest of the fried onions just before serving.

Crockpot Mac and Cheese the Grandkids Ask For

This one starts with dry pasta, so there is no pot to boil and drain. It turns out thick, creamy and cheesy, like a Southern church supper mac. Kids will fill their plates with it, so make a full batch. Do you like a crunchy top, or the softest, creamiest bite?

You will need: 1 lb elbow macaroni (uncooked), 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup shredded Colby jack, 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk, 2 1/2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup butter (melted), 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp mustard powder, pinch of paprika.

How to make it: 1. Grease the slow cooker. 2. Add the dry macaroni, butter, both milks, salt and mustard powder and stir. 3. Stir in 3 cups cheddar and the Colby jack. 4. Cover and cook on low 2 1/2 to 3 hours, stirring once every hour, until the pasta is tender. 5. Top with the rest of the cheddar and paprika, cover 10 minutes to melt.

Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs: A Slow Cooker Christmas Recipes Party Classic

Every holiday party needs one crockpot of these by the door. Frozen meatballs plus two ingredients make a sweet and tangy glaze that people stand around and keep eating with toothpicks. It takes two minutes to set up, so it is the best answer to “can I bring something?”

You will need: 1 bag (32 oz) frozen fully cooked meatballs, 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce, 1 bottle (12 oz) chili sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp lemon juice.

How to make it: 1. Whisk cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar and lemon juice in the slow cooker until smooth. 2. Add the frozen meatballs and stir to coat. 3. Cover and cook on low 4 hours or high 2 hours, stirring once. 4. Turn to warm and serve with toothpicks.

Warm Spinach Artichoke Dip in the Crockpot

This dip disappears faster than anything else on the table. Made in the slow cooker, it stays warm and scoopable all night, not stiff after ten minutes. Of all the slow cooker Christmas recipes here, this is the one guests ask about. Serve with crackers, toasted bread or veggies. Quick poll: (A) crackers, (B) tortilla chips, (C) bread or (D) a spoon?

You will need: 1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry), 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts (drained and chopped), 8 oz cream cheese (cubed), 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 2 cloves garlic.

How to make it: 1. Add everything to the slow cooker. 2. Cover and cook on low 2 hours, stirring once after the first hour. 3. Stir until smooth and creamy. 4. Turn to warm and serve with crackers and fresh vegetables.

Slow Cooker Christmas Recipes for the Sweet Tooth: Sweet Potato Casserole

Half dessert, half side dish, and nobody complains. Mashed sweet potatoes cook in the crockpot with butter and cinnamon, then get a pecan crumble and marshmallows on top. Grandma would approve. Which team are you on: marshmallow topping, pecan topping, or both like us?

You will need: 4 lb sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed), 1/2 cup butter (melted), 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup chopped pecans, 2 cups mini marshmallows.

How to make it: 1. Cook sweet potatoes in the slow cooker on high 4 hours with 1/2 cup water until soft. 2. Drain any water and mash with half the butter, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. 3. Mix the rest of the butter with brown sugar and pecans and scatter it on top. 4. Cover and cook on low 1 hour more. 5. Add marshmallows for the last 15 minutes.

Crockpot Cinnamon Sugar Pecans for Gift Tins

These smell like the candied nuts at the Christmas market. A batch fills about six small jars, and a tied ribbon makes them an easy gift for teachers, coworkers and neighbors. Spread them out to cool completely so they stay crunchy. Who is on your homemade gift list this year?

You will need: 1 lb pecan halves, 1 egg white, 2 tsp vanilla, 3/4 cup sugar, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 cup water.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the egg white and vanilla until frothy, then toss with the pecans in the slow cooker. 2. Mix both sugars, cinnamon and salt and stir them in. 3. Cover and cook on low 3 hours, stirring every 20 minutes. 4. Stir in the water for the last 20 minutes. 5. Spread on parchment to cool and dry.

Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake: A Slow Cooker Christmas Recipes Finale

Spoon into this warm cake and a river of hot fudge sauce runs out from the bottom. It looks like a lot of work, but you just stir, pour and wait. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream after Christmas dinner while the dishes soak. Who in your family always asks for seconds?

You will need: 1 box chocolate cake mix plus the eggs, oil and water on the box, 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix, 2 cups cold milk, 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips, vanilla ice cream to serve.

How to make it: 1. Grease the slow cooker. 2. Mix the cake batter as the box says and pour it in. 3. Whisk the pudding mix with the milk for 2 minutes and pour it over the batter. Do not stir. 4. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. 5. Cover and cook on low 3 hours, until the top is set but the bottom is saucy. Serve warm with ice cream.

Christmas Beef Roast With Rich Gravy

If your family wants beef for the big dinner, a chuck roast in the slow cooker is fork tender and makes its own gravy. Of all the slow cooker Christmas recipes for the main event, it is the kind of meal that feels special but costs less than prime rib. Pile it on the creamy mashed potatoes from slide 9 and you have a full plate.

You will need: 1 beef chuck roast (3 to 4 lb), 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, 2 tbsp oil, 1 onion (sliced), 4 cloves garlic, 1 1/2 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 sprigs fresh thyme, 3 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water.

How to make it: 1. Season the roast and brown it in hot oil on all sides. 2. Put onion and garlic in the slow cooker and set the roast on top. 3. Add broth, Worcestershire and thyme. 4. Cover and cook on low 8 hours. 5. Lift out the roast, whisk the cornstarch mix into the juices, cook on high 15 minutes until thick and pour over the sliced beef.

Warm Cranberry Christmas Punch (Wassail Style, No Alcohol)

End the day with a warm, ruby red punch that tastes like Christmas in a cup. Cranberry juice, apple cider and pineapple juice simmer with spices, and the whole family can drink it. Which of these slow cooker Christmas recipes will you plug in first this year? Tell us in the comments and save this list for December.

You will need: 4 cups cranberry juice, 4 cups apple cider, 2 cups pineapple juice, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 3 cinnamon sticks, 1 tsp whole cloves, 1 orange (sliced), fresh cranberries.

How to make it: 1. Add the juices and brown sugar to the slow cooker and stir. 2. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange slices and cranberries. 3. Cover and cook on low 3 hours. 4. Strain out the cloves if you like. 5. Turn to warm and serve in mugs with an orange slice.