Slow Cooker Side Dishes

Credit: Hector Sanchez

When your main dish requires extra attention, turn to your slow cooker for a delicious side dish. These recipes require little prep and are infused with bold flavor, thanks to their lingering cook times. You can make flavorful veggies, rice, or potato dishes you can serve as a side to any main dish. If you are preparing for a backyard barbecue, your slow cooker can help you with Uncle Jack's Mac and Cheese and Barbecue Beans. During the holidays, making Green Bean Casserole and Mashed Sweet Potatoes in the slow cooker will help free up oven space for the rest of your holiday dinner.

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Slow-Cooker Green Beans

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Green Beans

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Uncle Jack's Mac-and-Cheese

Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Uncle Jack's Mac-and-Cheese

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Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

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Wild Rice Pilaf

Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Wild Rice Pilaf

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Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Bacon

Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Bacon

Cooking for the holidays? Pop this sweet potato mixture into your slow cooker on Thanksgiving morning. It will be ready to serve when everyone sits down to dinner.

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Barbecue Beans

Recipe: Barbecue Beans

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Stewed Green Beans and Tomatoes

Credit: Photo: Alison Miksch; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Recipe: Stewed Green Beans and Tomatoes

Our update to this favorite Southern side will remind you of great Asian takeout.

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Easy-Does-It Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Credit: Helen Norman

Recipe: Easy-Does-It Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Use your microwave to easily cook sweet potatoes, and then tap your slow cooker to hold the mashed sweet potatoes at the perfect serving temperature. You can use the same procedure for your favorite mashed potato recipe with white potatoes.