The magic of the holidays is in the little moments, and having a slow cooker full of something delicious makes everything feel even more special.

In these 20 Make-Ahead Slow Cooker Christmas Recipes, you’ll find cozy favorites that fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas, from sweet cinnamon apples to savory marinara sauce.

These recipes make your life easier while still delivering big flavors. You can prep them beforehand, so there’s less time in the kitchen and more time sipping cocoa by the fire.

Pair the rich Nando’s chicken pasta with a fresh salad or serve the dirty Cajun rice with cornbread for a perfect meal.

1. Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

There’s nothing cozier than a bowl of tender beef Bourguignon on a chilly day.

Smoky bacon, earthy mushrooms, and rich red wine simmer together, creating flavors so incredible you’ll feel like a French chef. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds.

Just toss everything in your slow cooker (searing the beef is a nice touch if you’ve got the time), and let the magic happen. Serve it with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes, and voilà—a holiday-worthy meal with zero stress.

2. Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lasagne

This lasagna is a veggie lover’s dream—and it’s ridiculously easy.

With layers of tender eggplant, zucchini, and rich tomato sauce, it’s hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. No pre-cooking the pasta, no fuss. Just layer everything in your slow cooker and let it bubble away.

The best part? That cheesy, golden topping. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or a meatless option at your Christmas feast.

3. Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This recipe is all about buttery, garlicky goodness.

Juicy chicken thighs rest on a bed of tender potatoes, slow-cooked in a creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out, with no effort at all.

Just a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon, and you’ve got a dish that feels fancy but is as cozy as dinner can get.

4. Slow Cooker Sticky Date Pudding

Sticky date pudding is pure magic—rich, moist, and draped in a gooey caramel sauce.

All you have to do is mix the batter, pour it into your slow cooker, and let the cozy aromas fill your home. The dates make it sweet and soft, while the sauce comes together like magic as it cooks.

Top it off with a dollop of cream, and you’ve got a dessert that feels like a big, warm hug.

5. Slow Cooker Dauphinoise Potatoes

Creamy, dreamy, and utterly indulgent, these Slow Cooker Dauphinoise Potatoes are the perfect side for your holiday feast.

Thinly sliced potatoes bathe in a garlicky cream mixture that’s rich, comforting, and so easy to make. Just layer, cook, and let your slow cooker work its magic.

Want a golden top? Pop it under the grill for a few minutes before serving. Either way, this dish is guaranteed to steal the show.

6. Slow Cooker Butter Chicken With Jar Sauce

Butter chicken doesn’t get easier—or tastier—than this.

With just a jar of Tikka Masala sauce, a few spices, and tender chicken, you can create a dish that rivals your favorite Indian takeout. A splash of coconut milk and a swirl of cream at the end make it extra luxurious.

Serve it over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan bread, and watch it disappear from plates in no time.

7. Slow Cooker Dirty Cajun Rice

Spicy, smoky, and packed with flavor, Dirty Cajun Rice is the ultimate comfort dish.

Tender pork, vibrant peppers, and perfectly seasoned rice come together in your slow cooker for a one-pot meal that’s hearty and satisfying.

Garnish with spring onions and fresh coriander for a pop of color—and don’t forget the hot sauce for an extra kick!

8. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Wedges

Sweet potatoes, but make them cozy.

These slow-cooked wedges are soft, lightly caramelized, and bursting with garlicky, herby goodness. A shake of Italian seasoning and a drizzle of dressing make them flavorful without any fuss.

Perfect as a side dish or a snack, they’ll be gone before you know it.

9. Slow Cooker Christmas Plum Pudding

This Slow Cooker Christmas Plum Pudding is the holiday dessert of your dreams.

Rich, fruity, and spiced just right, it’s made with a splash of amaretto and brandy for a festive twist. Slow cooking ensures every bite is moist and full of flavor.

Make it ahead, reheat on the big day, and serve with cream or custard. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

10. Slow Cooker Artichoke And Spinach Dip

This dip is the life of the party—creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly good.

Just toss fresh spinach, artichokes, garlic, and plenty of cheese into your slow cooker, and let it transform into a warm, gooey masterpiece. Serve it with crunchy veggies, tortilla chips, or crusty bread, and watch it disappear.

Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.

11. Slow Cooker Tomato Relish

This homemade tomato relish is a flavor bomb—sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy.

With fresh tomatoes, onions, and a touch of chili, it’s slow-cooked to perfection. Spoon it onto sandwiches, burgers, or even cheese boards for an instant upgrade.

Make a big batch—it’s perfect for gifting or keeping all to yourself!

12. Slow Cooker Bacon Jam

Bacon lovers, this one’s for you.

This sweet and smoky jam is packed with caramelized onions, maple syrup, and crispy bacon, slow-cooked into a sticky, savory treat. Spread it on toast, burgers, or anything that needs a little magic.

Trust me, you’ll want to keep a jar of this in your fridge at all times.

13. Slow Cooker Rhubarb Jam

Bright, tangy, and perfectly sweet, this rhubarb jam is a slow cooker gem.

With just a handful of ingredients, it’s easy to make and even easier to love. Spread it on toast, dollop it on scones, or swirl it into yogurt for a taste of homemade heaven.

Perfect for lazy weekend breakfasts or thoughtful homemade gifts.

14. Slow Cooker Salmon Orzo Pasta

This dish is a complete meal that practically cooks itself.

Tender salmon fillets, hearty orzo, and a rich tomato sauce come together beautifully in the slow cooker. A sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley takes it over the top.

Serve it with garlic bread for a dinner that feels fancy but is secretly fuss-free.

15. Slow Cooker Nando’s Chicken Pasta

This one’s for the spice lovers! Juicy, tender chicken is slow-cooked in a creamy, tangy Peri-Peri sauce for the ultimate comfort dish.

Just shred the chicken, stir everything together, and spoon it over pasta. Top with Parmesan, and voilà—a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that’s perfect for sharing.

16. Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce

A rich, homemade marinara without any babysitting—yes, please!

This sauce is all about slow-cooked goodness. Tomatoes, garlic, and herbs simmer for hours, creating the perfect base for pasta, pizza, or dipping warm bread.

Simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor.

17. Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese Using Dolmio

Think of this as the easiest way to a comforting bowl of spaghetti Bolognese.

Let your slow cooker handle the work as lean beef, veggies, and Dolmio sauce simmer together into a rich, hearty sauce. Serve it over spaghetti, and dinner is sorted with minimal effort.

18. Slow Cooker Baked Apples

These spiced baked apples are like autumn in dessert form—sweet, warm, and filled with cozy flavors.

Stuffed with mincemeat, honey, and citrusy spices, they cook to tender perfection in your slow cooker. Add a dollop of vanilla ice cream or yogurt for the ultimate treat.