20 Slow-Cooker Side Dishes You Never Knew Existed

By Anna Monette Roberts

Updated on 8/16/2017 at 4:45 PM

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 — A Beautiful Mess

Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Get the recipe: slow-cooker mashed potatoes.

Pear and Sausage Stuffing — Pinch of Yum

Pear and Sausage Stuffing

Get the recipe: pear and sausage stuffing.

White Bean Gratin — Alexandra's Kitchen

White Bean Gratin

Get the recipe: white bean gratin.

Slow-Cooker Cranberry Pecan Stuffing — Damn Delicious

Slow-Cooker Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Get the recipe: slow-cooker cranberry pecan stuffing.

Dairy-Free Sweet Potato Casserole — MJ and Hungry Man

Dairy-Free Sweet Potato Casserole

Get the recipe: dairy-free sweet potato casserole.

Slow-Cooker Garlic-Herb Mushrooms — Damn Delicious

Slow-Cooker Garlic-Herb Mushrooms

Get the recipe: slow-cooker garlic-herb mushrooms.

Butternut Squash Pasta — A Beautiful Mess

Butternut Squash Pasta

Get the recipe: butternut squash pasta.

Slow-Cooker Enchilada Orzo — Damn Delicious

Slow-Cooker Enchilada Orzo

Get the recipe: slow-cooker enchilada orzo.

Crockpot Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers — Pinch of Yum

Crockpot Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers

Get the recipe: crockpot quinoa and black bean stuffed peppers.

Slow-Cooker Baked Potatoes — Cooking Classy

Slow-Cooker Baked Potatoes

Get the recipe: slow-cooker baked potatoes.

Slow-Cooker Cheesy Tortellini — Damn Delicious

Slow-Cooker Cheesy Tortellini

Get the recipe: slow-cooker cheesy tortellini.

Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes — Sweet Peas and Saffon

Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes

Get the recipe: slow-cooker sweet potatoes.

Slow-Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes — Damn Delicious

Slow-Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

Get the recipe: slow-cooker garlic parmesan potatoes.

Slow-Cooker Balsamic-Glazed Brussels Sprouts With Pine Nuts — America's Test Kitchen

Slow-Cooker Balsamic-Glazed Brussels Sprouts With Pine Nuts

Get the recipe: slow-cooker balsamic-glazed brussels sprouts with pine nuts.

Slow-Cooker Creamed Corn — Damn Delicious

Slow-Cooker Creamed Corn

Get the recipe: slow-cooker creamed corn.

Beef and Bacon Baked Beans — Love Grows Wild

Beef and Bacon Baked Beans

Get the recipe: beef and bacon baked beans.

White Beans, Tomatoes, and Pancetta — Alexandra's Kitchen

White Beans, Tomatoes, and Pancetta

Get the recipe: white beans, tomatoes, and pancetta.

Slow-Cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes — Damn Delicious

Slow-Cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Get the recipe: slow-cooker garlic mashed potatoes.

Slow-Cooker Creamy Garlic Macaroni and Cheese — A Beautiful Mess

Slow-Cooker Creamy Garlic Macaroni and Cheese

Get the recipe: slow-cooker creamy garlic macaroni and cheese.

Slow-Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes — Damn Delicious

Slow-Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes

Get the recipe: slow-cooker cheesy bacon ranch potatoes.