We often think a slow cooker's job is to cook the main event of a meal, but did you know you could make all of these marvelous side dishes in a slow cooker — "baked" potatoes, stuffed peppers, and macaroni and cheese included? These 20 recipes will inspire you to use your slow cooker in a whole new way.
Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Get the recipe: slow-cooker mashed potatoes [1].
Pear and Sausage Stuffing
Get the recipe: pear and sausage stuffing [2].
White Bean Gratin
Get the recipe: white bean gratin [3].
Slow-Cooker Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
Get the recipe: slow-cooker cranberry pecan stuffing [4].
Dairy-Free Sweet Potato Casserole
Get the recipe: dairy-free sweet potato casserole [5].
Slow-Cooker Garlic-Herb Mushrooms
Get the recipe: slow-cooker garlic-herb mushrooms [6].
Butternut Squash Pasta
Get the recipe: butternut squash pasta [7].
Slow-Cooker Enchilada Orzo
Get the recipe: slow-cooker enchilada orzo [8].
Crockpot Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
Get the recipe: crockpot quinoa and black bean stuffed peppers [9].
Slow-Cooker Baked Potatoes
Get the recipe: slow-cooker baked potatoes [10].
Slow-Cooker Cheesy Tortellini
Get the recipe: slow-cooker cheesy tortellini [11].
Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes
Get the recipe: slow-cooker sweet potatoes [12].
Slow-Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Get the recipe: slow-cooker garlic parmesan potatoes [13].
Slow-Cooker Balsamic-Glazed Brussels Sprouts With Pine Nuts
Get the recipe: slow-cooker balsamic-glazed brussels sprouts with pine nuts [14].
Slow-Cooker Creamed Corn
Get the recipe: slow-cooker creamed corn [15].
Beef and Bacon Baked Beans
Get the recipe: beef and bacon baked beans [16].
White Beans, Tomatoes, and Pancetta
Get the recipe: white beans, tomatoes, and pancetta [17].
Slow-Cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Get the recipe: slow-cooker garlic mashed potatoes [18].
Slow-Cooker Creamy Garlic Macaroni and Cheese
Get the recipe: slow-cooker creamy garlic macaroni and cheese [19].
Slow-Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes
Get the recipe: slow-cooker cheesy bacon ranch potatoes [20].