7 Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas Built Entirely From Slow-Cooker Recipes

As we approach the holiday season, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by meal prep. I’ve found that using a slow cooker not only makes things simpler but also allows for rich flavors and tender textures. Whether you’re in the mood for a honey glazed ham or a comforting beef Wellington, there are plenty of options to explore. Let’s discover how these delicious recipes can transform your Christmas dinner experience.

Slow-Cooker Honey Glazed Ham

Slow-Cooker Honey Glazed Ham is a delightful and festive dish perfect for your Christmas dinner. This dish combines the savory flavors of ham with a sweet and sticky honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully during the slow cooking process. Not only is it delicious, but it also allows you to enjoy the holiday without being stuck in the kitchen, as it cooks gently over several hours.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Ham: Start by placing the fully cooked ham in your slow cooker. If your ham has a rind, you can trim it off to allow the glaze to penetrate the meat better.
2. Make the Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Apply the Glaze: Pour the honey glaze evenly over the ham in the slow cooker, making sure to cover it as much as possible. If you like, you can stud the ham with whole cloves for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
4. Cook the Ham: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the ham is heated through and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). If you are short on time, you can cook on high for about 3-4 hours.
5. Baste the Ham: About once every hour, open the slow cooker and baste the ham with the juices to keep it moist and enhance the flavor.
6. Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm along with the remaining glaze drizzled over the slices for an extra sweet touch. Enjoy your holiday feast!

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Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a rich and indulgent side dish that perfectly complements any Christmas dinner. Creamy, buttery, and infused with the delightful flavor of garlic, these mashed potatoes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether served alongside ham, beef, or turkey, they add a comforting and luxurious touch to your holiday feast.

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and Cut the Potatoes: Begin by peeling the Yukon Gold potatoes. Cut them into evenly sized chunks, about 1-2 inches in diameter. This will help them cook evenly.
2. Boil the Potatoes: Place the cut potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
3. Prepare the Garlic: While the potatoes are boiling, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Drain the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander. Allow them to sit for a minute to let excess moisture escape.
5. Mash the Potatoes: Transfer the potatoes back to the pot and begin mashing them with a potato masher or a ricer for a smoother texture.
6. Add the Butter and Cream: Pour the melted garlic butter over the mashed potatoes. Slowly add the heavy cream while continuing to mash. Mix until the potatoes are creamy and smooth. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add more cream as desired.
7. Season: Season the mashed potatoes with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to combine the seasonings, adjusting as necessary.
8. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the creamy garlic mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. If desired, sprinkle chopped chives on top for garnish. Serve warm alongside your favorite holiday dishes and enjoy the delicious comfort of this classic side!

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Slow-Cooked Beef Wellington

Slow-Cooked Beef Wellington is a show-stopping dish that brings an air of sophistication to any holiday dinner. This delicious entrée features tender beef fillet wrapped in a rich mushroom duxelles and flaky puff pastry, all slow-cooked to perfection. The combination of savory flavors and buttery texture makes it a perfect centerpiece for your Christmas feast.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: Season the beef tenderloin generously with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let it rest.
2. Make the Mushroom Duxelles: In the same skillet, add the chopped mushrooms, shallots, garlic, and thyme. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms release their moisture and the mixture becomes dry, about 10-15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and let cool.
3. Assemble the Wellington: Lay the prosciutto slices on a large sheet of plastic wrap, slightly overlapping them. Spread the cooled mushroom mixture evenly over the prosciutto. Place the seared beef in the center and roll it tightly in the prosciutto and mushrooms using the plastic wrap. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.
4. Prepare the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle large enough to encase the beef. Remove the beef from the plastic wrap and place it in the center of the pastry.
5. Encase the Beef: Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg. Fold the pastry over the beef, sealing all edges and creating a smooth surface. Trim any excess pastry and make a few slits on top for steam to escape.
6. Cook the Wellington: Preheat your slow cooker on low. Place the wrapped Beef Wellington inside the slow cooker, ensuring it fits properly. Cover and cook on low for about 4-6 hours, or until the beef is cooked to your preferred doneness.
7. Finish and Serve: Carefully remove the Beef Wellington from the slow cooker. If desired, crisp the pastry in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm alongside your favorite sides and enjoy the festive flavors!

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Festive Vegetable Medley

Festive Vegetable Medley is a vibrant and colorful side dish that adds a touch of holiday cheer to your Christmas dinner. This delightful blend of seasonal vegetables, including Brussels sprouts, carrots, and red bell peppers, is lightly seasoned and roasted to bring out their natural sweetness. It not only enhances your meal’s presentation but also provides a healthy and nutritious option that pairs wonderfully with rich holiday entrees.

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your vegetables roast evenly and develop a nice caramelization.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Rinse the Brussels sprouts and trim the ends, cutting them in half if they are large. Peel and slice the carrots into thin rounds. Core and chop the red and yellow bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Brussels sprouts, carrots, and bell peppers. Add the minced garlic, chopped thyme, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to the vegetables. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated.
4. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Spread the vegetable mixture in a single layer on a large baking sheet. This allows for proper roasting and prevents the vegetables from steaming.
5. Roast the Vegetables: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through cooking, stir the vegetables to ensure they roast evenly and develop a beautiful brown color.
6. Add Balsamic Vinegar: Once the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, remove them from the oven. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the roasted medley and toss gently to combine.
7. Serve: Transfer the Festive Vegetable Medley to a serving platter and garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired. Serve warm as a delightful side dish to complement your Christmas dinner. Enjoy!

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Maple-Orange Glazed Carrots

Maple-Orange Glazed Carrots are a deliciously sweet and tangy side dish that embodies the essence of holiday flavors. These vibrant carrots are cooked until tender and then coated in a luscious glaze made from pure maple syrup and fresh orange juice. This dish not only adds a pop of color to your Christmas table but also brings a delightful balance of sweetness that pairs perfectly with savory entrees.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Carrots: Start by washing and peeling the carrots. Cut them into uniform pieces, either in rounds or sticks, to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Boil the Carrots: In a medium-sized saucepan, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cut carrots and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until tender but still slightly crisp. Drain the carrots and set them aside.
3. Make the Glaze: In the same saucepan, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once it has melted, stir in the maple syrup, fresh orange juice, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Allow this mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine.
4. Glaze the Carrots: Add the cooked carrots back into the saucepan, tossing them gently in the maple-orange glaze. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the carrots to absorb the flavors and the glaze to thicken slightly.
5. Add Orange Zest: If desired, stir in the fresh orange zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
6. Serve: Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish. You can garnish them with additional orange zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Serve warm alongside your holiday main dishes and enjoy the delightful flavors of this special side.

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Slow-Cooker Cranberry Sauce

Slow-Cooker Cranberry Sauce is a festive and effortless side dish that perfectly complements your holiday meals. This sauce combines fresh cranberries with a medley of sweet and tart ingredients, simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. The result is a rich and flavorful sauce that not only enhances the taste of turkey and ham but also adds a beautiful pop of color to your Christmas table.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Cranberries: Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water and remove any stems or damaged berries. Set them aside.
2. Mix Ingredients: In the slow cooker, combine the rinsed cranberries, granulated sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, salt, and water. Stir the ingredients together until everything is well mixed.
3. Cook the Sauce: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it on low heat. Allow the mixture to cook for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally. You will hear the cranberries popping as they cook, releasing their juices.
4. Check Consistency: After 3 hours, check the consistency of the sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can continue to cook it on low for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired thickness.
5. Cool and Serve: Once the cranberry sauce has finished cooking, turn off the slow cooker and let it cool for a bit. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Transfer the sauce to a serving dish or a jar, and refrigerate until ready to serve. It can be made a day or two in advance for added convenience.
6. Garnish (Optional): For a festive touch, consider garnishing the sauce with a few whole cranberries, a sprinkle of orange zest, or a few whole spices before serving.

Enjoy this easy and delicious Slow-Cooker Cranberry Sauce as a flavorful addition to your holiday feasts!

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Easy Holiday Stuffing

Easy Holiday Stuffing is a classic side dish that adds warmth and heartiness to your Christmas dinner. This savory combination of bread cubes, aromatic herbs, and flavorful additions makes for a delicious accompaniment to turkey, ham, or even as a standalone dish. It’s simple to prepare and can be customized to suit your family’s tastes.

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for the stuffing.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent browning.
3. Combine Herbs: Once the vegetables are sautéed, stir in the chopped sage, parsley, and thyme. Cook for about another minute until the herbs are fragrant.
4. Mix Bread and Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes and the sautéed vegetable mixture. Toss gently to mix them evenly.
5. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth over the bread mixture. Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste. If the mixture feels dry, gradually add more broth until the bread is moist but not soggy.
6. Incorporate Eggs: In a small bowl, beat the two eggs and then stir them into the stuffing mixture to bind everything together.
7. Add Optional Ingredients: If you are including any optional add-ins such as nuts, dried fruit, or cooked sausage, fold them into the mixture at this stage for added flavor and texture.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
9. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes. Removing the foil for the last 10-15 minutes will allow the top to get golden and crispy.
10. Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This stuffing is perfect alongside turkey, ham, or as a hearty side dish.

Enjoy this Easy Holiday Stuffing as a comforting and traditional addition to your festive meal!