Stop Making Boring Sides… Try These 6 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

Slow cookers aren’t just for main dishes. They’re one of the easiest ways to make simple, hands-off side dishes that come out perfect every time.

From creamy mac and cheese and cheesy potatoes to baked beans and fluffy mashed potatoes, these easy slow cooker side dishes are perfect for busy weeknights, holidays, or feeding a crowd without extra work.

VIDEO: Slow Cooker Sides

If you love easy slow cooker meals, recipes like Slow Cooker Beef Stew, Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana Soup, and Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup are great to keep on rotation for cozy dinners.

1. Slow Cooker Creamy Mac and Cheese

This mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make right in the slow cooker. It’s a go-to side dish for holidays, potlucks, or any night you want something comforting.

It pairs perfectly with Queso Chicken Tacos, and it also works great alongside lighter soups like Lentil Soup.

Full recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Mac and Cheese

2. Easy Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes

These baked potatoes come out perfectly tender and fluffy with almost no effort. Just set them and let the slow cooker do the work.

You can serve them with simple meals like Slow Cooker Shredded Beef or turn them into a full dinner with toppings and a side of Easy Red Beans and Rice.

Full recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Baked Russet Potatoes

3. Baked Loaded Queso

This cheesy, flavorful queso is perfect as a side or appetizer. It’s rich, melty, and always a crowd favorite.

Serve it with easy dinners like Ramen Noodle Stir Fry with Vegetables or Italian Sausage and Potato Skillet, or alongside a slow cooker main like Crockpot Carne Asada.

Full recipe: Baked Loaded Queso

4. Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes (Hash Brown Casserole)

This classic cheesy potato casserole is creamy, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

It’s a great match for comfort meals like French Onion Pot Roast or Slow Cooker Ground Beef.

Full recipe: Crockpot Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole

5. Slow Cooker Baked Beans

These baked beans are smoky, sweet, and packed with flavor. They’re perfect for BBQ nights, holidays, or an easy family dinner.

Serve them alongside Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken, or add a simple side like Spanish Rice and Beans to round out the meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked crumbled bacon
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 15 oz pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup molasses
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours.
4. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

6. Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes are smooth, creamy, and perfect when you need a hands-off side dish that stays warm for serving.

They go well with just about anything, especially Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff, Slow Cooker Butter Chicken, or a simple skillet meal like Chicken Taco Rice.

Ingredients

• 5 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½–1 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper

Instructions

1. Place potatoes and broth into the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on high for 3½–4 hours, until very soft and tender.
3. Mash the potatoes until smooth.
4. Add butter, salt, and pepper and mix until combined.
5. Stir in warm milk, ¼ cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
6. Serve immediately or keep warm in the slow cooker for 1–2 hours.