Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen during the holiday season? Do you want to enjoy a stress-free Christmas with your loved ones, but still impress them with delicious and festive dishes? Look no further! Our slow cooker Christmas recipes are here to save the day (or should we say, night?). With these mouth-watering ideas, you can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
From classic comfort foods like creamy mashed potatoes and honey-glazed ham, to sweet treats like gingerbread hot chocolate and eggnog bread pudding, our slow cooker Christmas recipes have something for everyone. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just want some quiet time with your loved ones, these dishes are sure to become new holiday traditions.
So grab your slow cooker and get ready to indulge in the flavors of the season!
Slow Cooker Christmas Ham with Honey Glaze
Slow Cooker Christmas Ham with Honey Glaze Recipe
Summary: Elevate your holiday gathering with this sweet and savory slow cooker ham recipe, featuring a sticky honey glaze that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) boneless ham, trimmed of excess fat
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Place the ham in the slow cooker, scoring the fat layer in a diamond pattern if desired.
4. Brush the honey glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scores (if using).
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. If desired, add pineapple juice to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
Notes: Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. You can also serve with a side of warm glaze for dipping.
Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Transform traditional mashed potatoes into a rich and creamy delight with this easy slow cooker recipe. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or everyday comfort food.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Optional: garlic powder, chives, or grated cheese for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Add potatoes, milk, butter, salt, and pepper to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Mash potatoes with a fork or potato masher until smooth and creamy.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast
Treat your family to a deliciously moist and flavorful turkey breast infused with the sweetness of cranberries and orange zest, all with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
• 1 (2-3 lb) boneless turkey breast
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/4 cup orange marmalade
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to low (6-8 hours) or high (3-4 hours).
2. In a small bowl, mix together cranberries, orange marmalade, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the turkey breast in the slow cooker, then spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over the top.
4. Pour in the chicken broth to cover the turkey.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low or high according to your preference.
Cooking Time:
• Low (6-8 hours) – Tender and juicy
• High (3-4 hours) – Still delicious, but slightly firmer
Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce
A classic British dessert gets a modern twist with this slow cooker recipe, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, currants)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup brandy or dark rum
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine mixed dried fruit, brown sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add brandy or dark rum, heavy cream, melted butter, eggs, and grated orange zest. Mix well to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
4. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream if desired.
Brandy Sauce:
– 1/2 cup brandy or dark rum
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Mix together and serve over the pudding.
Slow Cooker Mulled Wine with Cinnamon and Cloves
Warm up on a chilly evening with this fragrant and flavorful slow cooker mulled wine recipe, infused with the comforting aromas of cinnamon and cloves.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1 orange, sliced
– 2 cloves
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions:
1. Add the sliced orange to the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, combine the cloves and cinnamon sticks. Add this mixture to the slow cooker.
3. Pour in the red wine, making sure that all the ingredients are covered.
4. Add the brown sugar and ground ginger, stirring until dissolved.
5. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
Warm up on chilly days with this creamy and spicy hot chocolate recipe made easy in your slow cooker. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or nonfat)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup milk chocolate chips
– Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, whisk together milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, ginger, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 2-3 hours or High for 1-2 hours.
4. Stir in milk chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired.
6. Serve hot, topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (Low) or 1-2 hours (High)
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon for Christmas Dinner
This classic French-inspired dish is perfect for a special occasion like Christmas dinner. Tender beef short ribs and vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful broth make for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef short ribs
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
Instructions:
1. Season the short ribs with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, garlic, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and browned short ribs.
3. Add the sliced carrots and celery to the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
Summary:
Elevate your slow cooker game with this easy and flavorful potato recipe, perfect for a comforting side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine the potato cubes, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir until the potatoes are well coated with the mixture.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the potatoes to ensure they’re creamy and tender.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Cider
Warm up with a mug of Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Cider on a chilly fall or winter day! This recipe combines the flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and other spices for a deliciously comforting drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine apple cider, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Strain the cider with a fine-mesh sieve before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Serve hot, garnished with a cinnamon stick or apple slice if desired. This recipe makes about 2 quarts of cider, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme
Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme: A Sweet and Savory Twist on a Classic Dish
Elevate your slow cooker game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the savory flavor of thyme. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine sliced carrots, honey, olive oil, and chopped thyme.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Stir the mixture halfway through cooking to ensure even glazing.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole
Kick off your holiday morning with a warm and comforting breakfast casserole that’s easy to prepare the night before.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup frozen hash browns, thawed
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– 1/4 cup crumbled bacon (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine sweet potatoes, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Mix in heavy cream, milk, eggs, hash browns, and pecans or bacon (if using).
3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
4. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Cooking Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Eggnog Bread Pudding
Warm up with a rich and creamy eggnog bread pudding, perfectly infused with the comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. This slow cooker recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for serving during the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 1 loaf stale bread, cubed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/2 cup eggnog
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine bread, sugar, and spices.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together cream, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients in the slow cooker.
4. Add eggnog and stir until well combined.
5. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Peppermint White Chocolate Latte
Warm up with a delicious and refreshing treat this winter! This Slow Cooker Peppermint White Chocolate Latte is perfect for a cozy night in or a holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups water
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine heavy cream, milk, cocoa powder, and salt.
2. Add in the white chocolate chips and stir until melted and smooth.
3. Stir in the peppermint extract.
4. Pour in the water and whisk to combine.
5. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1 hour.
Tips:
– For a stronger peppermint flavor, add more extract to taste.
– Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch!
Slow Cooker Herb-Buttered Turkey Legs
Treat your family to a delicious and easy-to-make dinner with this slow cooker recipe. Tender turkey legs smothered in a flavorful herb butter will surely become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 turkey legs
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, parsley, thyme, and rosemary until well combined.
3. Season turkey legs with salt and pepper.
4. Place turkey legs in the slow cooker and spoon the herb butter evenly over each leg.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Cooking Time: Low heat: 8-10 hours, High heat: 4-6 hours
Slow Cooker Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
Add a twist to traditional stuffing with this sweet and savory recipe that’s perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients:
– 1 loaf of white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine bread, melted butter, pecans, cranberries, brown sugar, and poultry seasoning. Mix until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to the prepared slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Just before serving, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Elevate your Brussels sprouts game with this easy and delicious recipe that combines the natural sweetness of maple syrup with a hint of savory flavor. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine the Brussels sprouts, olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Elevate your snack game with these rich and indulgent slow cooker chocolate peanut clusters. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat, they’re easy to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup milk chocolate chips
– 1 cup peanut clusters (such as Planters)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine peanut butter and powdered sugar. Stir until smooth.
2. Add softened butter and mix until well combined.
3. Pour in milk chocolate chips and stir until melted and smooth.
4. Fold in peanut clusters.
5. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until chocolate is melted and clusters are coated.
6. Remove from slow cooker and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Christmas Corn Chowder
Get into the holiday spirit with this warm and comforting slow cooker recipe that combines the sweetness of corn with the savory flavors of chicken and spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups frozen corn kernels
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, corn, onion, garlic, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour in the chicken broth.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Cinnamon Vanilla Poached Pears
Transform ordinary pears into a deliciously sweet and fragrant dessert with this easy slow cooker recipe.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Peel the pears and place them in a slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon stick, and salt.
3. Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the pears.
4. Place the vanilla bean on top of the pears.
5. Add the water to the slow cooker and stir gently.
6. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Festive Sausage and Cheese Dip
Get ready to delight your guests with this easy-to-make, hearty dip perfect for holiday gatherings. This Slow Cooker Festive Sausage and Cheese Dip is a game-changer for your next party!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sweet or hot sausage, sliced
– 1 can (16 oz) of cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place sliced sausage in the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion, bell pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until well combined.
3. Pour the cheese mixture over the sausage in the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Summary
Get ready to cozy up with these 20 delicious slow cooker Christmas recipes! From classic holiday dishes like Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast and Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes, to sweet treats like Slow Cooker Eggnog Bread Pudding and Slow Cooker Chocolate Peanut Clusters, there’s something for everyone. Plus, don’t miss out on the festive drinks, like Slow Cooker Mulled Wine with Cinnamon and Cloves, and the perfect Christmas morning breakfast with the Slow Cooker Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole. These slow cooker recipes are sure to make your holiday season merry and bright!
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