The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a warm, comforting, and delicious meal that's been simmering away in your crock pot all day? Christmas crock pot recipes are a staple of the season, and we've got some mouth-watering ideas to share with you.
Whether you're hosting a holiday dinner party or just want to enjoy a cozy meal with your loved ones, these Christmas crock pot recipes are sure to impress. From classic comfort foods to innovative twists on traditional dishes, we've got something for everyone.
So, let's dive in and explore some of the most delicious Christmas crock pot recipes to try this year!
The Benefits of Using a Crock Pot During the Holidays
Using a crock pot during the holidays is a game-changer. Not only does it free up space on your stovetop and oven, but it also allows you to cook a variety of dishes with minimal effort and attention.
Some of the benefits of using a crock pot during the holidays include:
- Easy meal prep: Simply add your ingredients to the crock pot in the morning, and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.
- Space-saving: Crock pots are perfect for small kitchens or for when you need to cook multiple dishes at once.
- Hands-off cooking: Let the crock pot do the work for you, so you can focus on other holiday tasks.
5 Delicious Christmas Crock Pot Recipes to Try This Year
Here are five mouth-watering Christmas crock pot recipes to add to your holiday menu:
Recipe 1: Crock Pot Christmas Ham
Ingredients:
- 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
- Place the ham in the crock pot and score the fat in a diamond pattern.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, mustard, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Brush the mixture evenly over the ham.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Recipe 2: Crock Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Add the beef, onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme to the crock pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Recipe 3: Crock Pot Vegetable Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Add the onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and basil to the crock pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Recipe 4: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 pound macaroni
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
- In the crock pot, combine the cooked macaroni, milk, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
Recipe 5: Crock Pot Hot Cocoa
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In the crock pot, combine the milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
- Serve hot, topped with whipped cream and marshmallows, if desired.
Conclusion
These delicious Christmas crock pot recipes are sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering. From classic comfort foods to innovative twists on traditional dishes, there's something for everyone. So why not give one (or two, or three!) of these recipes a try this year?
And don't forget to share your favorite holiday recipes with us in the comments below!
What is the best way to cook a Christmas ham in a crock pot?
+To cook a Christmas ham in a crock pot, place the ham in the crock pot and score the fat in a diamond pattern. Mix together a glaze made from brown sugar, honey, mustard, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and brush it evenly over the ham. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Can I make crock pot mac and cheese ahead of time?
+
What is the best way to serve crock pot hot cocoa?
+Serve crock pot hot cocoa hot, topped with whipped cream and marshmallows, if desired. You can also add a pinch of salt or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flavor.