Thanksgiving may be a holiday built around the oven, but that doesn’t mean every dish needs to compete for rack space. I learned firsthand that hosting became so much easier once I started leaning on my slow cooker. It’s a true lifesaver when the kitchen is at full capacity, as it frees up precious oven space, cutting down on stress and still delivering comforting holiday-worthy dishes. I’ve even cooked turkey in mine! And the best part? Many of these slow-cooker Thanksgiving recipes can be prepped ahead of time, so you’re not stuck tackling your entire menu on the big day.

In this collection of easy Thanksgiving slow-cooker dishes, I’ve included a little bit of everything: mains like turkey breast and hearty casseroles, classic sides, cozy soups, festive drinks and indulgent desserts. So many of these recipes reheat beautifully right in the slow cooker, which makes feeding a crowd that much simpler.

And don’t worry if you’re cooking for a group with different needs, as most of these recipes can be adapted with a few easy swaps. Vegetarian stuffing, dairy-free mashed potatoes, low-sodium tweaks—whatever your guests require, there’s a way to make it work. That’s what I love about Thanksgiving slow-cooker meals: They bring convenience, versatility and flexibility to the table, which means you get to enjoy Thanksgiving just as much as everyone else.

Taste of Home