How to Cook a Kid-Friendly, Crockpot Thanksgiving Feast the Whole Family Will Love

POPSUGAR Photography
Self Proclaimed Foodie

Planning and preparing a Thanksgiving dinner takes days, if not weeks — and if you're a mama, you don't have that kind of time! Eliminate a ton of the mess and cut down on cooking time with your handy slow cooker, so that you can spend more time with your family this Thanksgiving Day. We've rounded-up 19 scrumptious crockpot recipes — including the main event, the turkey! — and they are so simple, you'll want to cook Thanksgiving dinner all year long (and your kids will be begging for it).

01
Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup
Life Made Sweeter

Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup

Start the Thanksgiving feast off with butternut squash sweet potato soup, a creamy and delicious fall treat.

02
Crockpot Biscuits
Flickr user Pen Waggener

Crockpot Biscuits

It may be easier to buy a bag of rolls and call it a day, but with a little more effort you can whip up some buttery biscuits that everyone will want.

03
Crockpot Turkey
Self Proclaimed Foodie

Crockpot Turkey

Even Thanksgiving's main dish can be prepared in a crockpot. Since you won't be checking on the turkey every 20 minutes, you'll actually be able to enjoy the time with your family.

04
Stuffing
The Chic Site

Stuffing

This classic stuffing recipe allows you to leave the oven off and will make the kitchen smell delicious.

05
Butter and Herb Turkey Breast
Love Grows Wild

Butter and Herb Turkey Breast

For a different spin on Thanksgiving turkey, try this butter and herb turkey breast. It's perfect for a smaller celebration.

06
Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
Damn Delicious

Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

We can't think of anything better than stuffing with cranberries and pecans, except for one that we can put in the slow cooker and leave until we're ready to serve it!

07
Balsamic-Glazed Brussels Sprouts With Pine Nuts
POPSUGAR Photography

Balsamic-Glazed Brussels Sprouts With Pine Nuts

Even kids can't turn down these slow-cooked sprouts, which include a sprinkling of parmesan cheese.

08
Spicy Crockpot Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Peas and Saffron

Spicy Crockpot Sweet Potatoes

Skip the casserole and pie, and opt for these easy slow cooker sweet potatoes. You can eat them as is, or jazz them up with some toppings!

09
Garlic Rosemary Tri-Color Potatoes
Life Made Sweeter

Garlic Rosemary Tri-Color Potatoes

These pretty garlic rosemary potatoes make a nice alternative to the mashed variety!

10
Mac and Cheese
Culinary Cory

Mac and Cheese

Add some southern traditions to your holiday. This seriously easy recipe from Culinary Cory will please everyone at the table — especially your kids.

11
Mashed Potatoes
Flickr user Ernesto Andrade

Mashed Potatoes

It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without mashed potatoes. Make them as chunky or creamy as your family likes!

12
Cranberry-Pear Sauce
Flickr user Nomadic Lass

Cranberry-Pear Sauce

Yum! This cranberry-pear sauce uses pomegranate juice, cranberries, pears, and apple cider.

13
Potatoes Au Gratin
The Chic Site

Potatoes Au Gratin

This is a perfect out-of-the-box Thanksgiving potato alternative — or, whip them up along with your family's other favorite potato variations!

14
Butternut Squash Cornbread
Life Made Sweeter

Butternut Squash Cornbread

Drizzle a little bit of honey over these slightly sweet, moist butternut squash cornbread squares, and put a smile on everyone's face!

15
Apple-Spiced Butter
Jelly Toast

Apple-Spiced Butter

Give guests a fancy spread option with this tasty apple-spiced butter. Goes great with bread, turkey, biscuits — basically everything!

16
Pumpkin Butter
Jelly Toast

Pumpkin Butter

You can make this delicious pumpkin butter with either fresh squash or canned pumpkin!

17
Apple Walnut Bread Pudding
The Gunny Sack

Apple Walnut Bread Pudding

Apple pie may be tradition, but this apple walnut bread pudding is just as delicious and requires a lot less work.

18
Three Ingredient Pumpkin Cake
Willow Bird Baking

Three Ingredient Pumpkin Cake

This simple pumpkin cake is a great way to end an indulgent Thanksgiving dinner.

19
Mulled Cider
Flickr user Brown Eyed Baker

Mulled Cider

Food isn't the only thing that can be made in your slow cooker. Mulled cider not only tastes great, but it also makes the house smell inviting!