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Foodies: the best time of the year is upon us! From stuffing to pumpkin pie, the end of the year stretch has got to be the yummiest. With an abundance of recipes and family crowding your kitchen, comes a fight for oven space. We suggest letting your slow cooker get in on the action for an easy way to clear some kitchen space. Luckily, you can make a ton of traditional holiday staples (even the side dishes!) in a crock pot without sacrificing quality and flavor. We've rounded up the best seasonal slow cooker recipes below, so you can try out this holiday hack.
Cranberry Sauce
This recipe's a serious upgrade from the canned version if we ever saw one. The orange marmalade will add a nice, zesty sweetness too. (via The Magical Slow Cooker)
Green Bean Casserole
Make this holiday staple a whole lot easier with a slow cooker. And no canned soup? It's a yes from us. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Whole Chicken
Not a fan of Turkey? Let this bird simmer in spiced juices for a tender, finger-lickin' meal. (via FoodieCrush)
Honey Glazed Carrots
Fresh carrots become super tender when cooked in the crockpot. Try out this recipe as a healthy side dish option. (via Salt and Lavender)
Apple Cider
It's not truly Thanksgiving without a glass of this classic libation, spiked or not. A trio of apples simmered in warm, sweet spices makes this one particularly delicious. (via Gimme Some Oven)
White Turkey Chili
A big bowl of chili is always a great way to warm up during the holidays. (via Amanda Wilens)
Cinnamon-Spiced Nuts
Forget a holiday candle, this recipe will fill your entire home with long-lasting sweetness. Plus, they're perfect to include in festive goodie bags. (via Homemade Interest)
Chocolate Fudge
It's time to take over this tradition from Grandma, no? Except you won't be laboring over the stove with this recipe. (via Creme De La Crumb)
Apple Sauce
Now this is why we go apple picking! Loved by everyone at every age, this is the kind of sauce to get hooked on. (via Skinny Taste)
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Here's one you can remake all year on repeat. Filled with garlicky goodness, these taters are easier than pie. (via Pinch of Yum)
Vegetable Beef Soup
Cradle a hearty bowl of this delicious soup to keep warm this season. (via The Endless Meal)
Stuffing
Mushrooms and brown rice make this easy recipe an especially healthy side dish. (via Well Plated by Erin)
Honey-Glazed Ham
That's right, we're going HAM this year. With a crock pot, you can skip basting and focus on all those yummy sides you have planned. (via Wholefully)
Veggie Broth
Whether your Thanksgiving recipes call for it or not, homemade veggie broth is good to have on hand to add extra love to your dishes. (via Chef Bai)
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potatoes normally take forever to soften... but not this time! In a crock pot, it'll only take you eight minutes. Add the rest of your fave toppings and this dish is ready to serve. (via Zen & Spice)
Turkey Breast
Just because this bird is the main event doesn't mean you have to slave over it all day long. This easy version adds honey and soy sauce for one tantalizing turkey. (via Jo Cooks)
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Pass the potatoes, please! Elevate your basic mashed potato recipe with ease with this recipe. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Cranberry Apple Cider
This supper comes together using only a handful of easy ingredients. Prep this cider before all of your holiday gatherings! (via Culinary Hill)
Vegan Butternut Squash Soup
This soup is magic. Chop up some veg, toss in the crockpot and after just four hours, it's ready to devour. Bonus points for a vegan recipe! via Live Eat Learn)
Chili
Chili is an awesome comfort meal for the holiday time. Add some spice and get those sinuses open! (via Barley & Sage)
Carnitas de Puerco
Prep these yummy carnitas to put on tacos and tamales this season! (via Cilantro Parsley)
Crockpot Chex Mix
This Chex Mix is super easy to whip up and is the perfect festive treat. (via Half-Baked Harvest)
Crockpot Peanut Clusters
These peanut clusters taste like something you'd get at a gourmet candy shop, and they're actually packed with fiber! (via Half-Baked Harvest)
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This article has been updated.
