Christmas dinner – the centerpiece of the holiday season! But let's be honest, the hours spent in the kitchen can sometimes overshadow the joy. This year, ditch the frantic cooking and embrace the magic of your slow cooker! These crockpot Christmas dinner recipes are designed for effortless elegance, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones and less time hovering over a hot stove. Enjoy a delicious, healthy, and stress-free Christmas feast!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Ham
This recipe is the star of our Christmas spread – a melt-in-your-mouth honey garlic glazed ham that's incredibly easy to make in your crockpot. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for both a casual get-together or a formal Christmas dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4-6 lb bone-in spiral-sliced ham
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Place the ham in your slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, cloves, and pepper.
- Pour the glaze over the ham, ensuring it's evenly coated.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Remove the ham from the crockpot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tip: For an extra crispy glaze, broil the ham for the last few minutes of cooking time.
Crockpot Cranberry Sauce: A Sweet and Tangy Delight
Homemade cranberry sauce takes your Christmas dinner to the next level, offering a delightful contrast to the savory ham. This crockpot version is unbelievably easy and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Simple Crockpot Green Bean Casserole: A Classic Reimagined
This classic side dish gets a makeover with our easy crockpot method. Say goodbye to oven-bound casserole dishes and hello to effortless holiday cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 (10-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for depth of flavour)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 (10.75-ounce) can French-fried onions, divided
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans green beans, drained
Instructions:
- Combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce (if using), and Dijon mustard in your slow cooker.
- Add the drained green beans and stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until heated through.
- Stir in half of the French-fried onions during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Top with the remaining French-fried onions before serving.
Tip: Use fresh green beans for a more vibrant color and flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving – Honey Garlic Glazed Ham):
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Remember to adjust serving sizes to fit your dietary needs. Enjoy your delicious and stress-free Christmas dinner!