5 Slow Cooker Christmas Recipes For A Festive Holiday Feast

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by filling your home with the comforting aroma of slow-cooked meals? Slow cookers are a fantastic tool for holiday cooking, offering simplicity and convenience while delivering delicious, tender, and flavorful dishes. Here are five slow cooker Christmas recipes designed to make your festive holiday feast unforgettable, with minimal effort on your part.

🍲 Slow Cooker Christmas Ham with Maple-Orange Glaze

🍖 The Perfect Holiday Ham

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Slow%20Cooker%20Christmas%20Ham" alt="Slow Cooker Christmas Ham"> </div>

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in fully cooked ham (6 to 7 pounds)
• 1/2 cup of maple syrup
• 1/4 cup of orange juice
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of grated orange zest
• A pinch of ground cloves

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Ham: Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, about 1/4-inch deep.

2. Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine maple syrup, orange juice, mustard, garlic, orange zest, and cloves.

3. Cook: Place the ham in the slow cooker. Pour the glaze over the ham, ensuring it's well covered.

4. Cook Time: Set the cooker to low, cover, and cook for 4 to 5 hours until the ham is heated through.

5. Finish: You can thicken the glaze to make it more syrupy by transferring it to a saucepan, boiling it down, and then brushing it back on the ham before serving.

<p class="pro-note">🎄 Note: Check the internal temperature of the ham to ensure it reaches at least 140°F before serving.</p>

🥔 Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

🧀 A Classic Side Dish Made Easy

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Christmas%20mashed%20potatoes" alt="Christmas mashed potatoes"> </div>

Ingredients:

• 5 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Chives for garnish

Preparation:

1. Potatoes: Place potatoes in the slow cooker.

2. Cooking Liquid: Add broth, cream, butter, salt, and pepper.

3. Cook: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or until the potatoes are tender.

4. Mash: Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the potatoes to your desired consistency right in the cooker.

5. Serve: Garnish with chives if desired.

<p class="pro-note">🥔 Note: For an extra creamy texture, add a bit more cream after mashing.</p>

🍯 Honey-Glazed Slow Cooker Carrots

🥕 Sweet and Savory Goodness

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=honey-glazed%20carrots" alt="Honey-glazed carrots"> </div>

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of carrots, peeled and sliced into finger-length pieces
• 1/4 cup of butter
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 2 teaspoons of brown sugar
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation:

1. Prepare Carrots: Place the carrots in the slow cooker.

2. Melt Butter: In a microwave or on the stove, melt the butter and mix with honey, sugar, and salt.

3. Glaze: Pour the mixture over the carrots, stirring to coat them evenly.

4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours until the carrots are tender.

5. Garnish: Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

🍲 Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

🥩 A Hearty French Christmas Dish

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Beef%20Bourguignon" alt="Beef Bourguignon"> </div>

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cups of red wine
• 2 cups of beef broth
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound of mushrooms, halved
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of flour

Preparation:

1. Bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Use the fat to brown the beef.

2. Brown: Season and brown the beef. Add it to the slow cooker with the cooked bacon.

3. Veggies: Sauté the onion and garlic, then add to the cooker. Add carrots and mushrooms.

4. Liquid: Pour in wine, broth, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.

5. Cook: Set on low for 8-10 hours, or until the beef is tender.

6. Thicken: In the last hour, mix flour with some liquid from the pot, then return it to thicken the sauce.

<p class="pro-note">🔥 Note: You can reduce the wine's alcohol content by boiling it slightly before adding.</p>

🎂 Spiced Slow Cooker Apple Butter

🍏 The Sweet Ending to Your Feast

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Apple%20Butter" alt="Apple Butter"> </div>

Ingredients:

• 6 lbs apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon of allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 vanilla bean, split (optional)

Preparation:

1. Mix: Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.

2. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours, stirring occasionally.

3. Blend: Use an immersion blender or food processor to blend until smooth.

4. Reduce: Continue cooking with the lid slightly ajar to thicken for another 2 hours.

<p class="pro-note">🍏 Note: Serve this with bread, pancakes, or as a spread on your Christmas ham.</p>

With these slow cooker Christmas recipes, you can prepare a feast that not only tastes incredible but also fills your home with holiday warmth. From succulent hams glazed with sweet and tangy flavors to comforting sides that are both easy and delicious, your slow cooker will be your best ally in creating a magical Christmas dinner. Let these recipes be your guide to a stress-free holiday cooking experience.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I cook a frozen ham in the slow cooker?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>It is not recommended to cook a frozen ham in a slow cooker due to food safety concerns. Always thaw your ham thoroughly before cooking.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do I keep mashed potatoes warm in a slow cooker?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>After mashing, keep the slow cooker on the "warm" setting. Add a bit more cream or butter and mix occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on top.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What can I do if my slow cooker recipes aren't thickening?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>You can make a slurry with cornstarch or flour mixed with some of the cooking liquid and stir it into the pot. Continue cooking on low until it thickens.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I make these recipes in advance?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, most of these dishes can be prepared a day in advance. Some flavors even develop better when left to sit overnight. Reheat on low or warm setting before serving.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What other sides can pair with these slow cooker Christmas recipes?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Consider adding roasted Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, stuffing, or a simple green salad to complement the rich flavors of these dishes.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>