With minimal prep time and your trusty slow cooker, these dump-n-go side dishes make dinnertime so much easier.
45 Easy Dump and Go Side Dishes
Updated on Sep. 06, 2024
Comforting Cheesy Potatoes
As a four-generation Idaho family, we love our potatoes and cook with them in every way possible. I have served these cheesy potatoes for weddings, family dinners and special occasions. They’ve become a favorite of many. —Karla Kimball, Emmett, Idaho
1/45
2/45
Creamed Corn with Cream Cheese
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Five ingredients are all you'll need for my popular creamed corn recipe. It's wonderful no matter what the occasion is. Try it on a barbecue buffet or holiday menu. —Barbara Brizendine, Harrisonville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 378 calories, 26g fat (16g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 439mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
3/45
Orange Spice Carrots
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To get my son to eat veggies, I mix and match flavors and spices. My slow-cooker carrots with orange and cinnamon won him over. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 187 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 339mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.
4/45
Scalloped Taters
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy, comforting slow-cooked side tastes marvelous with almost any main dish and is a snap to assemble with frozen hash browns. It's a good way to make potatoes when your oven is busy with other dishes. —Lucinda Wolker, Somerset, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 234 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
5/45
Slow-Cooker Sriracha Corn
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A restaurant here advertised Sriracha corn on the cob, but I knew I could make my own. The golden ears cooked up a little sweet, a little smoky and a little hot—perfect if you ask my three teenage boys! —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn: 209 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 287mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
6/45
Italian Mushrooms
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Only four ingredients create a rich and flavorful side dish that goes well with beef and mashed potatoes. —Kim Reichert, Fargo, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 99 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 281mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
7/45
Coconut-Pecan Sweet Potatoes
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings (2/3 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
These delicious sweet potatoes cook effortlessly in the slow cooker so you can tend to other things. Coconut gives the classic a fresh twist. —Raquel Haggard, Edmond, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 269 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
8/45
Spiced Acorn Squash
Total Time
3 hours 45 min
Servings
4 squash halves
From the Recipe Creator:
Working full time, I found I didn't always have time to cook the meals my family loved, so I re-created many of those dishes in the slow cooker. This treatment for squash is one of our favorites. —Carol Greco, Centereach, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 squash half: 433 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 86g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
9/45
Lemon Red Potatoes
Total Time
2 hours 35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Butter, lemon juice, parsley and chives enhance this simple side dish. I usually prepare these potatoes when I'm having company. Since they cook in the slow cooker, there's plenty of room on the stove for other dishes. —Tara Branham, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 150 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
10/45
Slow-Cooked Bean Medley
Total Time
5 hours 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I often change the variety of beans in this classic recipe, using whatever I have on hand to total the five cans called for. The sauce makes any combination delicious! It's a gluten-free side dish that's popular with just about everyone. —Peggy Gwillim, Strasbourg, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 255 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 942mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 7g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
11/45
Slow Cooker Cheesy Corn
Total Time
3 hours 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family really likes this creamy, cheesy side dish—and it's so easy to make. Even those who usually don't eat much corn often ask for a second helping. —Mary Ann Truitt, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 265 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
12/45
Slow-Cooked Broccoli
Total Time
2 hours 50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This family-favorite side dish is quick to fix and full of flavor. Because it simmers in a slow cooker, it frees up my oven for other things. That's a tremendous help when I'm prepping a big meal at home. —Connie Slocum, Antioch, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 159 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
13/45
Italian Spaghetti Squash
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a unique and easy way to cook spaghetti squash. Be sure the squash is on the small or medium side so that it fits into the slow cooker after being cut in half. —Melissa Brooks, Sparta, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 stuffed squash: 140 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.
14/45
Candied Yams
Total Time
55 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My town is known as "the yam capital of the United States." This is a simple recipe that goes well with baked ham or roasted turkey. —Essie Nealey, Tabor City, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 248 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 59mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.
15/45
Party Time Beans
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend brought this colorful bean dish to my house for a church circle potluck dinner. As soon as I tasted the slightly sweet slow-cooked beans, I had to have the recipe. I've served the beans and shared the recipe many times since. —Jean Cantner, Boston, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 166 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 528mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 7g fiber), 6g protein.
16/45
Rosemary Beets
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a simple side dish, I use a slow cooker and let the beets mellow with rosemary and thyme. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 200 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 511mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 fat.
17/45
Slow-Cooked Cajun Corn
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves corn on the cob, and I love this slow-cooker recipe because I don't have to stand at a hot stove. We like a little spice, so the Cajun seasoning works well for us, but any spice blend works. —Audra Rorick, Lyons, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn: 190 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 307mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
18/45
Glazed Spiced Carrots
Total Time
6 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Glazed carrots are a classic side dish for all kinds of special occasions. They're the perfect accompaniment for all kinds of main entrees. This recipe is very easy to put together, leaving your oven and stove top free for other cooking creations. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 290 calories, 15g fat (10g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 327mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein.
19/45
Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Potatoes are among our favorite side dishes. This version take sa little effort, but you can save time by boiling the spuds ahead of time. The night you want them for dinner, just crisp them up with garlic and Parmesan cheese. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3 smashed potatoes: 354 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
20/45
Fall Garden Medley
Total Time
5 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make this recipe in the fall and winter for special occasions because it's very colorful, tasty and healthy. It's a hearty side that complements many different meat dishes. —Krystine Kercher, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 83 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 633mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
21/45
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever I serve this easy mash, the bowl is always scraped clean. Before holiday feasts, I make it early and keep it warm in a slow cooker so I can focus on last-minute details. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 185 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 318mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
22/45
Ranch-Style Beans
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This ranch-style beans recipe is served at all of our barbecues. It seems most people who live here like spicy, flavorful food, and this fits the bill just right. —Wilma Ruth James, Ranger, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 226 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 345mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 10g fiber), 14g protein.
23/45
Cheddar Creamed Corn
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I took this super easy recipe to a school potluck once and it was gone in no time. I’ve been asked to bring it to every function since. —Jessica Maxwell, Englewood, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 272 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 317mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
24/45
Maple-Walnut Sweet Potatoes
Total Time
5 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Topped with dried cherries and walnuts, this side dish is downright delicious. Even people who aren't into sweet potatoes will grab a second scoop. —Sarah Herse, Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 298 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
25/45
Slow-Cooker Green Beans
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I spent hours in search of sides for a cooking demo to present to women from my church. These easy green beans became my star attraction. —Alice White, Willow Spring, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 143 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein.
26/45
Creamy Hash Brown Potatoes
Total Time
3 hours 35 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Convenient frozen hash browns are the secret behind the cheesy slow-cooker potatoes I cook up for potlucks and big group gatherings. —Julianne Henson, Streamwood, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 214 calories, 13g fat (9g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 387mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
27/45
Simple Vegetarian Slow-Cooked Beans
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I have a hungry family to feed, these tasty beans with spinach, tomatoes and carrots are a go-to dish. This veggie delight is frequently on our menu. —Jennifer Reid, Farmington, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 229 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 13g fiber), 12g protein.
28/45
Corn and Broccoli in Cheese Sauce
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Save room in the oven by making this savory side in your slow cooker. It is a standby in my house. My daughter likes to add leftover ham to create a hearty main course. —Joyce Johnson, Uniontown, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 148 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 409mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.
29/45
Crockpot Veggies
Total Time
7 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to simmer this satisfying side dish in my Crock-Pot. Vegetables, especially the garden-fresh kind, are my favorite to use for potlucks. My sister-in-law shared the recipe with me. —Kathy Westendorf, Westgate, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 113 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 379mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
30/45
Honey-Butter Peas and Carrots
Total Time
5 hours 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic combination of peas and carrots is enriched with a handful of flavor enhancers. Slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld for maximum richness. —Theresa Kreyche, Tustin, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 106 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
31/45
Creamy Corn
Total Time
3 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Out of all my corn recipes, this is my favorite. You need just a few ingredients and a slow cooker to make this delicious side dish. Because it cooks on its own, you'll have extra time to prepare the main course. —Judy McCarthy, Derby, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 289 calories, 24g fat (15g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 414mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
32/45
Jazzed-Up Green Bean Casserole
Total Time
5 hours 50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After trying many variations of this old standby, I decided to give it a little kick. The crunchy texture from the veggies combines with bacon and melt-in-your-mouth cheese to make this dish a hit at any holiday get-together. —Stephan-Scott Rugh, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 200 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 862mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
33/45
Nacho Hash Brown Casserole
Total Time
3 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tasty slow cooker recipe will free up your oven and produce the best hash browns ever. Soft and super cheesy, they make a comforting side dish for meat or poultry. —Pat Habiger, Spearville, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 259 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 640mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
34/45
Mushroom Wild Rice
Total Time
3 hours 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite recipes from my mother. With only seven ingredients, it's quick to assemble in the morning before I leave for work. By the time I get home, mouthwatering aromas have filled the house. —Bob Malchow, Monon, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 192 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 437mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
35/45
Black Bean Potato au Gratin
Total Time
8 hours 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The addition of black beans and vegetables adds hearty protein and fiber to this tasty side dish. For a southwestern twist, add a handful or two of chopped cooked ham or chorizo sausage and replace the peas with 1 cup of frozen, thawed corn. —Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 340 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 1178mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 10g fiber), 15g protein.
36/45
Stewed Zucchini and Tomatoes
Total Time
3 hours 50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A fresh take on traditional vegetable sides, this make-ahead dish stars zucchini, tomatoes and green pepper. Bubbly cheddar cheese adds a down-home feel. —Barbara Smith, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 126 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 678mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
37/45
Slow-Cooker Polenta
Total Time
6 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Italian classic is so simple to make, you can now make it any night of the week. —Elisabeth Matelski, Boston, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 255 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 1168mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
38/45
Slow-Cooker Italian Mushrooms
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For big family gatherings, I love to make these mushrooms—everyone always wants to know what the secret ingredient is! They’re a star as a side dish, and leftovers go well with steaks or a roast. —Becky Schmitz, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 221 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 1394mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
39/45
Slow-Cooked Cheesy Cauliflower
Total Time
5 hours 15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my main course took up the entire oven, I needed a vegetable that I could make in the slow cooker. After searching for a recipe, I ended up writing my own. My dish turned out better than I could have hoped! —Heather Corson, Casper, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 178 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 411mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
40/45
Spiced Carrots & Butternut Squash
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I've got a lot going on, my slow cooker is my go-to tool for cooking veggies. The sweetness of the squash and carrots really complements the spicy seasonings. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 85 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
41/45
Creamed Potatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These melt-in-your-mouth potatoes, in a mild creamy sauce, complement any meat entree, and they're a pleasant change from mashed or baked.
-Susan Ormond, Jamestown, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 243 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 495mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
42/45
Slow-Cooked Summer Squash
Total Time
2 hours 50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love squash, but I got tired of fixing just plain squash and cheese. I decided to jazz up the dish a bit. This was a huge hit with my family. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 111 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 442mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
43/45
Oregano Green Beans with Toasted Pine Nuts
Total Time
5 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This super easy side dish is a wonderful picnic or potluck recipe. It’s a beautiful, surprising mix that leaves guests and family raving. You can substitute any kind of nut for the pine nuts or even replace them with fresh berries. —Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 94 calories, 6g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
44/45
Cranberry-Apple Red Cabbage
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was looking for something new, I started playing with flavors and came up with this very tasty dish. My German grandmother would be impressed, I think! The colorful side dish is just right with pork. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 131 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.
45/45
Saucy Scalloped Potatoes
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For old-fashioned flavor, try these scalloped potatoes. They cook up tender, creamy and comforting, and chopped ham adds a hearty touch. —Elaine Kane, Keizer, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 555 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 831mg sodium, 101g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 9g fiber), 17g protein.
