When it comes to cooking with a crock pot, it’s easy to focus solely on the main course and forget about the importance of a good side dish. However, a delicious and well-planned side dish can make all the difference in turning a good meal into a great one. Not only can it add depth and flavor to your meal, but it can also provide nutritional balance and variety. In this article, we’ll explore five mouthwatering side dishes that are perfect for pairing with your crock pot meals.
List of 15 Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot
1. Slow-Cooker Cheesy Potatoes
This creamy and cheesy side dish is perfect for anyone who loves potatoes. Made with potatoes, cheddar cheese, and seasonings, this recipe is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Crock Pot Corn on the Cob
This recipe is perfect for summer barbecues and gatherings. The corn is wrapped in foil and slow-cooked in the crock pot, creating a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for summer meals.
3. Crock Pot Creamed Corn
This rich and creamy side dish is a must-have for any holiday meal or special occasion. It’s made with fresh corn, heavy cream, and seasonings, creating a delicious and indulgent dish that everyone will love.
4. Crock Pot Green Beans
This healthy and flavorful side dish is perfect for anyone looking to add some greens to their meal. The green beans are cooked in the crock pot with bacon, onions, and seasonings, creating a dish that is both delicious and nutritious.
5. Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
These creamy and buttery mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that everyone loves. The potatoes are slow-cooked in the crock pot with butter, cream, and seasonings, creating a dish that is rich and flavorful.
6. Slow-Cooker Mac and Cheese
This decadent and comforting side dish is perfect for anyone who loves cheese. The mac and cheese are made with pasta, cheddar cheese, and cream, creating a dish that is both indulgent and satisfying.
7. Crock Pot Glazed Carrots
These sweet and savory glazed carrots are a perfect side dish for a holiday meal or a dinner party. They’re easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for busy days.
8. Crock Pot Baked Beans
These tangy and flavorful baked beans are a classic side dish for summer barbecues and picnics. They’re hearty and filling and can be made with a variety of different beans.
9. Crock Pot Stuffing
This traditional side dish is a must-have for any Thanksgiving dinner. It’s made with bread cubes, herbs, and spices, and can be customized to your liking.
10. Crock Pot Cornbread
This classic southern side dish is perfect for serving with chili, soup, or any hearty main course. It’s easy to make and has a delicious, slightly sweet flavor.
11. Crock Pot Creamed Spinach
This rich and creamy side dish is a great way to add some greens to your meal. The creamed spinach is made with fresh spinach, cream cheese, and seasonings, and is slow-cooked to perfection.
12. Crock Pot Ratatouille
This healthy and flavorful vegetable dish is a great way to use up any extra veggies you have on hand. It’s made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, and can be served as a side dish or a main course.
13. Crock Pot Cranberry Sauce
This sweet and tart cranberry sauce is a classic side dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving and other holiday meals. Making cranberry sauce in the crock pot is easy and hassle-free, and it allows the flavors to blend together perfectly.
14. Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious side dish that is perfect for the crock pot. This recipe is made with sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and cinnamon, creating a dish that is both sweet and savory.
15. Crock Pot Rice Pilaf
This flavorful and aromatic side dish is perfect for any meal. The rice is cooked in a crock pot with onions, garlic, and seasonings, creating a dish that is both easy to make and delicious.
Conclusion
Incorporating a well-thought-out side dish into your crock pot cooking routine can take your meals to the next level. From crowd-pleasing classics to creative and unexpected twists, there are countless ways to complement your main course with a delicious side dish.
By incorporating the five recipes we’ve discussed in this article, you can elevate your crock pot cooking game and impress your family and guests with a well-rounded and satisfying meal. So next time you fire up your crock pot, don’t forget about the importance of a tasty and well-planned side dish.
