15 of the Craziest VMA Red Carpet Looks We Still Can’t Get Over

While award shows like the Golden Globes or the Academy Awards are filled with classy, super fancy and, let’s face it, sometimes boring outfits, the VMAs are another story entirely. This award show has proven to be something of a red carpet free-for-all. Some celebs choose to keep things simple, but others use this event to really go for something wild. The results are definitely varied. Scroll on down to take a look back at some of the best, worst and wildest looks in VMA history.

1. Taylor Swift: Who needs pants when you’re Taylor Swift, right? (Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)

2. Katy Perry: Katy Perry is kind of the queen when it comes to VMA outfits. Last year she showed up in a full denim dress, and before that she walked the red carpet in this leopard number accessorized with a full mouth of grillz. (Photo via Jamie McCarthy/Getty)

3. Lil’ Kim: I mean, we who can forget this number? Back in 1999 Lil’ Kim rocked this purple getup. Then in 2013, Miley Cyrus went ahead and brought it back. (Photo via Scott Gries/Getty)

4. Ciara: J. Lo, Kim K and Beyoncé all made waves at this year’s Met Gala in barely-there dresses, but Ciara was rocking the look way back in 2013. (Photo via Jamie McCarthy/Getty)

5. Lady Gaga: Ah, the infamous meat dress. We’re not really sure what to say about this one except that we’re glad she’s moved on to dresses made of fabric. (Photo via Frederick M. Brown/Getty)

6. Macy Gray: Macy Gray with a monocromatic look FTW. (Photo via George De Sota/Getty)

7. Sarah Hyland: Costume-ish antics aside, we’re loving this super sleek number Sarah rocked at last year’s event. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

8. Kelly Rowland: Also at last year’s shindig, Kelly Rowland showed us how to rock a bump like a pro. (Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)

9. Rose McGowan: Seems like this Charmed actress may have performed a malfunctioning spell that made 99% of her dress disappear. (Brenda Chase/Getty)

10. Rita Ora: Giving off some serious Lupita Nyong’o vibes, Rita Ora’s showstopper of a dress was so massive it needed an assistant. (Photo via Larry Busacca/Getty)

11. Jennifer Lopez: Ah, there is just so much magic happening in this red carpet photo a la 2001. Whatever happened to matching celebrity couple outfits? We vote they make a comeback ASAP. (Photo via George De Sota/Getty)

12. Nicki Minaj: Hmm, we’re not even really sure where to start with this one. It looks a little bit like Nicki won the jackpot at the arcade’s claw crane game. (Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)

13. Destiny’s Child: Oh Destiny’s Child, how we miss you and your matching fashion. (George De Sota/Getty)

14. Rihanna: We love it when Rihanna brings the drama on the red carpet, but at the same time it’s refreshing to see her keeping things clean and classic like she did at the 2012 VMAs. (Photo via Frederick M. Brown/Getty)

15. Solange: Taking a cue from the boys, Solange ditched the dramatic dress and instead opted for a super sultry pant suit. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

What VMA look do you like best? Share with us in the comments below.

When any red carpet rolls around, there are certain couples we can pretty much always count on to show up looking cuter than ever. John Krasinski and Emily Blunt, Eddie Redmayne and his wife Hannah Bagshawe, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend… But anyone who’s ever seen a tabloid knows that celebrity couples often have a relatively short lifespan. And so when we decided to look back at the red carpet couples of the past, we rediscovered a whole bunch of duos we totally forgot ever existed. These stars are incredible on their own, but even more powerful together. Scroll on down to take a look at all the now-Hollywood exes who made us do a double take.

Juliette Lewis + Brad Pitt

Vinnie Zuffante/Archive Photos/Getty Images

We tend to think of Angelina and Jennifer as Brad’s two big loves, but before them (and Gwyneth) came Juliette Lewis. The two dated for four years when they were both on the cusp of total stardom. These two just might be tied with Johnny Depp and Kate Moss as the most ’90s couple that’s ever existed.

Michael Jackson + Brooke Shields

Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images

A budding supermodel and a global pop sensation? It’s kind of a Hollywood match made in heaven, just like Brooke's curls. That dress on the other hand? We’re not so sure.

Matthew Broderick + Jennifer Grey

Vinnie Zuffante/TriStar/Getty Images

As much as we’d like to believe Sarah Jessica Parker was Matthew Broderick’s one and only, this couple makes a lot of sense. The two were both the main characters in epic teen ’80s movies – we’ll just forget about the fact that they played brother and sister in one of them…

Jake Gylenhaal + Reese Witherspoon

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Dang, why didn’t this couple work out again? Oh right, probably because that much wonderfulness packed into one couple would make the world explode. But they sure did look good together!

Drew Barrymore + Corey Feldman

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

Feldman once said that his first date with Drew was arranged by her mother when she was 10 and he was 14, because apparently Barrymore had a huge crush on him. They later dated briefly (this time for real) in 1989, when Drew was a teenager. Unfortunately, he was heavily into drugs during that time and she was trying to stay sober after multiple stints in rehab, so it didn’t last long.

Winona Ryder + Christian Slater

New World Pictures/Getty Images

Here’s to hoping this relationship ended a little more amicably than it did for their Heathers characters.

Julia Roberts + Kiefer Sutherland

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

It was supposed to be one of the biggest Hollywood weddings ever, and then all of a sudden, Julia called it off. Tragic. At least we have this red carpet moment to remember the couple by.

Stacy Keibler + George Clooney

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Now that Amal is in the picture, it’s hard to imagine George with anyone else. But before that British vision of elegance came Stacy Keibler, the stunning professional wrestler and George’s beau for two years.

Who’s your favorite throwback red carpet couple? Share with us on Twitter @BritandCo.

This post has been updated.

Jennifer Lawrence and Dakota Johnson are two of my favorite people in Hollywood because of the fact they do literally whatever they want, and they don’t care what you think about it. I aspire to be this confident and unbothered!! They've both had pretty big years — Dakota led both Madame Web and Daddio, while Jennifer announced she's pregnant with her second child at the end of October, and when I saw they hung out together, I knew this was one celebrity friendship I'd LOVE.

Are Jennifer Lawrence & Dakota Johnson friends?

Yes, Jennifer Lawrence and Dakota Johnson are friends! The actresses were recently spotted on a stroll in Los Angeles, beverages in hand. Jennifer wore a tee and blue hoodie that showed off her growing baby bump while Dakota kept things chic with a black-on-black coat and v-neck sweater over a white tee shirt. They both looked super cozy! And, let's face it, beverages are basically an accessory at this point, and their drinks of choice prove they love little treats as much as we do!

And this isn't the first moment Jennifer Lawrence BFF moment that's made us fangirl this year! At the Oscars in March, Jennifer introduced Emma Stone, who ended up winning Best Actress for her role as Bella in Poor Things. Emma cried, Jennifer couldn't stop smiling, and it was an adorable moment for girls' girls everywhere.

Did Jennifer Lawrence date Chris Martin?

Not only are they two of Hollywood's "It" girls, but they also share an overlap in their dating history. Jennifer Lawrence (who's now married to Cooke Maroney) dated Dakota Johnson’s current beau Chris Martin between 2014 and 2015. Dakota started dating him just two years later.

Rumors started circulating in August that Dakota and Chris had called it quits, but thankfully, Dakota proved they were just rumors when her rep told Page Sixthe couple is still "happily together." The Social Network actress also told Bustle that when it comes to Chris' kids (whom he shares with ex Gwyneth Paltrow), she loves them "like my life depends on it. With all my heart." I'm simply obsessed.

Stay tuned for all the best Jennifer Lawrence & Dakota Johnson friendship moments, and read up on why Dakota Johnson's Book Club Isn't Your Average Celebrity Reading List.

Sarah Jessica Parker captured our hearts as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, but she captured Matthew Broderick's heart much before that. What sets SJP apart from her character on Sex and the City is that while Carrie is indecisive, frantic, lost, and even problematic in her relationships over the years, Sarah is the exact opposite. She's remained steady in her relationship over the course of many years and is still as in love with Matthew as ever.

Their secret to staying in love? SJP told the Hollywood Reporter, "I’ve always said one of the reasons we’ve had success is because we don’t talk about our marriage. I’m not flattering myself that anyone’s discussing my marriage, but we’re certainly not going to add to it by saying, 'Well, this is why it works.' Next thing you know, there’ll be a very public divorce. So we just try to respect each other." Sounds like respect and privacy have gone a long way to nurture their personal love story despite being in the public eye!

We just adore this duo and how dedicated and supportive they've been to each other so we just had to give you the scoop on how the love birds met along with a deep dive into their whole relationship history!

Did You Know This Fun Fact About the SJP & Matthew Broderick?

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick have known each other since 1991 — that's over 30 years! They've known each other and been married since 1997. SJP and Matthew Broderick also share three kids together whose names are James, Tabitha, and Marion. We just love their love and can't wait to tell you all about it below so keep reading!

A Full Relationship Timeline of Sarah Jessica Parker And Matthew Broderick's Love Story

Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

November 1991/January 1993 — Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick Meet

The two actually met through Parker's brothers who ran a local theatre in New York City. SJP was visiting the theatre to see her brothers' play and Broderick had recently directed a play at the very same theatre. The two met and a couple months later, Broderick sweetly left her a voicemail which led to the romance! We love a direct man!

After almost two years of dating, the new couple attend their first Golden Globes red carpet together on January, 23 1993 in Beverly Hills.

Photo by Diane Freed/Getty Images

March 1996 — Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick Work Together For the First Time

The two take their chemistry to the stage! After dating for five years, they decided to work together on Broadway for a play, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. This was their debut of working together and it was so sweet!

Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images

May 1997 — Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick Tie the Knot

The two finally get married after years of dating! They ended up doing a surprise ceremony for all of their closest friends and family to enjoy while SJP's sister officiated the ceremony. Sarah Jessica Parker didn't even wear white on her wedding day — what would Carrie think?

She later told Marie Claire in an interview, "I wore black on my wedding day, and I really regret that," Sarah Jessica Parker says. "I was too embarrassed to get married in white, and both Matthew and I were reluctant to have people pay so much attention to us. Which is ridiculous, because that's when you can relish the attention, when it's natural. We treated it like it was a big party on a Monday night, and I regret it."

But it definitely wasn't bad luck to not wear white because the couple is now revered for having one of the longest lasting marriages in Hollywood!

Photo by Keith Bedford/Getty Images

August 2002 — Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick Are Expecting Their First Child

Sarah Jessica Parker was pregnant with her first son during filming for the fifth season of Sex and The City (although the wardrobe department did a great job at concealing the pregnancy for Parker's on-screen character). The couple remained very private throughout their whole pregnancy and birth.

Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images

September 2004 — Sarah Jessica Parker Wins Her First Emmy Awards

Sarah Jessica Parker won an Emmy Award for her role in our favorite show, Sex and the City. She thanked her three cast members in her speech and then went on to thank her family, including Matthew, who was of course sitting in the audience proudly watching her experience this incredible moment.

Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images

November 2006 — Sarah Jessica Parker And Matthew Broderick Are All Family

As it turns out, talent runs in the family as Matthew's mother, Patricia Broderick, was a well-known artist and playwright. Here they are pictured at an art show in New York that was honoring the late artist who had passed away a few years before this. Keeping family close is clearly important to the couple, as they remain a tight-knit family unit even now.

Photo by Lawrence Lucier/Getty Images

June 2009 — Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick Have Twins

In 2009, the couple welcomed twins! Holy moly! The former group of three became five with the birth of their sweet twin babies. The twins are now in high school, believe it or not! Broderick said of the twins being super close on Live with Kelly and Mark, "When it was time to decide for real," Matthew explained, "they were like, 'No, we're going to the same high school.'"

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

March 2010 — Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick Attend The Oscars

The pair showed up to stun at the 82nd Oscars together. They looked fabulous, in no surprise to anyone. In this photo, the pair had been together for around 17 years.

Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

September 2011 — Sarah Jessica Parker Talks Parenthood

Fast forward to 2011 where their oldest is a toddler and the twins are still very young. We can't imagine the busy-ness for SJP and Broderick, balancing life and work while having three young kids under the age of five! SJP told E! that "Everyone should be scared of motherhood." She goes on to elaborate that, "It's good to be scared. You should be! Love is scary and friendship is scary and children, even more so." Well that we can definitely agree with!

Photo by Paul Hawthorne

June 2016 — Sarah Jessica Parker And Matthew Broderick On "Conscious Coupling"

The couple ditched their shared home and instead opted for two adjoining yet separate townhouses to create a better space for "conscious coupling" which allows them to work harder on their marriage and commitment to each other. They made the move as an effort to allow some individuality but still be a united front when it comes to their commitment to their marriage and staying together.

Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

February 2020 — Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick Star on Broadway Together

The showbiz stars paired up once more to do a show on Broadway in 2020! They reunited on stage together in Neil Simon's Plaza Suite play. SJP said of the experience in an article to the Hollywood Reporter, "I think we were more so thinking about the play, like, “How are we going to do this?” And I only thought about being concerned when people ask us, “Are you concerned that this is going to be harmful to your marriage?” And then I was worried. “Well, should we be?” We’ve never spent this much time together ever, even before we had kids." She later went on to say that despite it being strange to navigate that it was still a great experience to spend time together working!

Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

December 2021 — Sarah Jessica Parker Premiers And Just Like That

And Just Like That, the show is back! SJP showed up in a stunning outfit with her sweet son and husband to support the return of her iconic show. She walked the carpet to celebrate her work with the two men in her life. It was a family affair!

Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images

Current Day — Still As In Love As Ever

While on Howard Stern's show recently, Sarah Jessica mentioned that her and Matthew Broderick haven't been apart since they met over 30 years ago. She said they have, "never spent a night apart since then, with the exception of work on location, or his mother was ill for a bit so he went to take care of her, but from that first night, we’ve never been apart.”

What else does she have to say about him after all these years? "It seems so silly, but I think you're very lucky if you like the person," she told People. "I still just really like him. I'm sure I annoy him and he annoys me, but I literally learn about him every day. I'm like, 'You're doing what? You're reading what?'

"I think marriage has a lot of vitality," she added. "If you're fortunate, it's like this dazzling organism."

We couldn't have said it better ourselves, SJP! This is a marriage that we are definitely still rooting for after all these years!

Check back here for the latest news on SJP and Matthew Broderick's relationship!

Lead image by Jason Kirk/Getty Images.

So long, pumpkin spice season: Starbucks’ holiday menu is on the way, and per menu leaks, it reportedly brings back a ton of seasonal favorites starting next week.

From a classic Peppermint Mocha to the beloved Caramel Brûlée Latte, the recent menu rumors say a new Refresher flavor, 6 unique cold foams, and 4 new bakery items are on the way as the holidays draw near – including many items we predicted! The speculated lineup is honestly wild. Starbucks teased that the holiday menu will hit stores on November 7.

If you just can’t wait to order off the Starbucks holiday menu, here’s every offering reportedly coming to your closest cafe!

When will the Starbucks holiday drinks for 2024 come out?

Starbucks

According to an Instagram post from Starbucks, new holiday drinks and snacks will come out on November 7, 2024.

Will there be holiday cups?

Starbucks

We do anticipate that the Starbucks holiday menu will include some new holiday cup designs! Though we don't know what they'll look like just yet, previous holiday menus over the years have featured vibrant reds, greens, and pinks, plus stars, sparkles, Christmas trees, swirls, and stripes. Typically, Starbucks' holiday cups span across hot and iced drinks. Additionally, a new lineup of reusable cups and mugs should become available!

What's missing from this year's rumored Starbucks holiday menu?

Starbucks

Per rumors around the Starbucks holiday menu, the Eggnog Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew, and Gingerbread Loaf won't be returning to cafes for 2024. We're especially sad to see the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha not included, though the official menu lineup has yet to be released!

When is Starbucks Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Though there's no official word out about Red Cup Day for 2024, our best guess – based on the Red Cup Days of years past – is it'll return mid-November. In 2023, Red Cup Day fell on November 16. In 2022, the coffee chain held the event on November 17. Both dates landed on the third Thursday of November, so we predict it to hit on November 21 for 2024. Red Cup Day is when Starbucks customers can get a free reusable red cup when they order a seasonal drink off the holiday menu.

Drinks On The Starbucks Holiday Menu 2024

@markie_devo

NEW! Cran-Merry Orange Refresher

The Starbucks holiday menu leak reported that this brand-new Refresher is packed with sweet orange, tart cranberry and warm spice. It also has cranberry inclusions and is order-able mixed with water, lemonade or coconut milk.

Starbucks

Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

Chai is a totally underrated holiday flavor in our opinion. This iced drink is crafted with warm chai spices and creamy oat milk, then gets topped with even more frothed oat milk infused with gingerbread-flavored syrup and a sprinkling of spice.

Starbucks

Peppermint Mocha

You know it, and you love it! The Peppermint Mocha has hit Starbucks menus year after year, making it a total statement sip for the holiday season. This drink (available hot or iced) combines peppermint syrup, mocha sauce, and your milk of choice with espresso for a festive feel. It's traditionally topped with whipped cream and tasty chocolate curls.

Starbucks

Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha

Similar to the classic Peppermint Mocha, this bev swaps chocolate for white chocolate sauce.

Starbucks

Caramel Brûlée Latte

This rumored Starbucks holiday menu drink is very rich. The sweet caramel brûlée sauce totally completes the sip, along with plenty of whipped cream and crunchy lil' brûlée bits for textural variety.

Starbucks

Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte

Literally like a sugar cookie in liquid form, this super-sweet latte is handcrafted with blonde espresso (it's sweeter and lighter than Starbucks' traditional espresso shots), sugar cookie syrup, and almond milk for a little bit of a lighter effect. It's finished off with red and green sprinkles to up the seasonal vibes even more!

Starbucks

Chestnut Praline Latte

This nutty latte – rumored to return for 2024 – brings on notes of chestnut and praline, which is a nice, flavorful departure from the very expected peppermint you'll see everywhere come holiday time.

Starbucks

Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew

Initially introduced for fall 2024, it appears as though the Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew will stay on the Starbucks menu well into winter. The salted, pecan-flavored cold foam offers that classic sweet n' salty twist you'd enjoy on fall snacks like trail mix or dipped pretzels. The best part is you can now also order the cold foam in non-dairy form!

Starbucks

Holiday Cold Foams

Per the menu leak, Starbs will be bringing back four beloved holiday-flavored cold foamsand two new options for 2024. They're the perfect drink customization to add to your iced coffees and cold brews if you don't want to order an all-out holiday drink. See all the predicted flavors below:

  • NEW! Gingerbread
  • NEW! Salted Pecan
  • Peppermint Chocolate
  • Sugar Cookie
  • Chestnut Praline
  • Caramel Brûlée

Snacks On The Starbucks Holiday Menu 2024

@markie_devo

NEW! Dark Toffee Bundt

Per the menu leak, this sweet toffee-flavored bundt will be topped with holly- and berry-shaped sprinkles. How perfect for the holiday season!

@markie_devo

NEW! Turkey Sage Danish

This savory snack reportedly includes "turkey sausage with creamy béchamel sauce in a pastry." It sounds like Thanksgiving in a single treat, and we can't wait to try it!

@markie_devo

NEW! Penguin Cookie

This cutie sugar cookie is decorated like a lil' penguin bundled up for the cold.

Starbucks

Snowman Cake Pop

Starbucks' classic vanilla cake pop gets a wintry twist with an adorable snowman face – this sweet really makes us crave the holiday season!

Starbucks

Sugar Plum Cheese Danish

This cream cheese-filled danish is topped with a slightly-spiced sugar plum jam. It's been one of our go-to's over the past few holiday seasons at Starbucks!

Starbucks

Cranberry Bliss Bar

The Cranberry Bliss Bar has become an absolute staple on the Starbucks holiday menu, and for good reason! This blondie treat is smothered in a delicious cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with orange zest and dried cranberries for added seasonal enjoyment.

What People Are Saying About The Leaked Starbucks Holiday Menu

Though most commenters on @markie_devo's Starbucks holiday menu leak post seemed to be excited for the upcoming rumored menu items, some Starbs fans noticed a few things missing from the leaked lineup.

"Still missing eggnog 😢," someone noted.

"Where is the toasted white chocolate mocha 😢😢😢😢," another questioned.

"ALLLLLL these cold foams, and not the one people want: Irish Cream," one more commenter said.

"Ugh still no gingerbread loaf 😭," a disappointed user wrote. "Everything else looks bomb though!"

Despite the Eggnog Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew, and Gingerbread loaf not being part of this year's menu predictions, the holiday season is our favorite time of year at Starbucks. Many more users shared the same sentiment:

"So excited for all chestnut praline shaken espressos & cranberry bliss bars 🎄🎄🎄🎄," someone wrote.

"Oh hell yess all the chestnut praline offerings," another rejoiced.

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay posted on the latest Starbucks news, including when the official holiday menu lineup drops!

This post has been updated.

It seems Thanksgiving is barely a week away by the time we start thinking about the menu. But while ovens all over the country will be working overtime this year, don't forget your secret weapon — the crock pot! Kitchen strategy is key when you're trying to factor various cook and prep times for both oven and stovetop dishes. There just never seems to be enough time (or counter space).

Whether you're already finalizing your menu for the day or are just in charge of a few side dishes, we've scoured the web and found 18 Thanksgiving crock pot recipes that are perfect for any gathering.

Creamed Corn

Damn Delicious

Cornis a standard side dish for most Thanksgiving meals, but this recipe is a total game-changer. Five simple ingredients go in your crock pot, and three hours later you’re greeted by corn that is so creamy and delicious, you’ll never be able to eat the canned stuff again.

Wheat Bread Stuffing

Recipe Runner

Free up some room in your oven and cook the stuffing right on the counter this year. Crusty whole wheat bread, celery, onions and chicken broth will have you going back for seconds. Once it’s cooked, turn the heat to low and it will be ready whenever you are.

Brussels Sprouts

Damn Delicious

These aren’t Grandma’s Brussels sprouts. Covered in a brown sugar balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, these sprouts will have you converted after just one bite.

Sweet Potatoes

The Magical Slow Cooker

This one takes minimal effort, but packs maximum flavor. Wash and dry your sweet potatoes before wrapping them in tinfoil and piling into the crock pot. Cook on high for six hours, and resist the urge to open the lid so the steam doesn’t escape. Serve with butter, brown sugar and mini marshmallows.

Apple Cider

Damn Delicious

Your guests are going to need something to sip on. Made 100% from scratch, this apple cider recipe will definitely steal the show: Combine apples, cinnamon sticks and spices and cover with water, and drink in the delicious smell while it simmers in the slow cooker.

Candied Sweet Potato Casserole

Creme de la Crumb

Okay, so this does require a little oven time, but it’ll be the last thing you heat up before you can dig in (and it’s totally worth it). Peel and chop 5lbs of sweet potatoes and let your slow cooker do all the work for the next four hours. Transfer to a casserole dish, spread a layer of pecans over the sweet potato mixture then bake for 20 minutes to achieve maximum crunch before adding the mini marshmallows. Bake for five more minutes (or until marshmallows are golden brown) and dig in.

Caramel Fondue

Creme de la Crumb

From apple slices to pretzels, there’s no wrong way to dunk with this dip, made from only three ingredients — caramels, heavy cream and marshmallows. Say hello to your new post-Thanksgiving party trick.

Garlic Ranch Potatoes

The Cookie Rookie

Tender red potatoes are a great alternative to the typical mashed variety. Top the wedges with ranch seasoning, chives and garlic for a fresh side dish that no one will believe you made entirely in the crock pot.

Cranberry Sauce Crock Pot Recipe

Gimme Some Oven

This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe. Toss in the ingredients and come back in three hours for cranberry sauce that is the perfect combination of tart and sweet. Add a splash of vanilla extract right before serving.

Cinnamon Apples

A Spicy Perspective

The best side dishes double as dessert. Cover thinly sliced apples in brown sugar, cinnamon and bourbon, then simmer for four hours. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy as is — they’re delicious either way.

Cranberry Meatballs

Spicy Southern Kitchen

Trade out the usual jar of grape jelly in your famous meatball recipe for cranberry sauce to give it a holiday update. The sweet and tangy flavor will keep you coming back for more. In fact, you better double the recipe.

Maple Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix

Averie Cooks

This tasty party snack is perfect for clearing out your cabinets: cereal, peanuts, pretzels, dried fruit and graham crackers all come together in a salty sweet crunch. Drench the mix in butter, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spices before testing your willpower for the next two hours.

Apple Pie Oatmeal

The Healthy Maven

Breakfast is still the most important meal of the day (especially on Thanksgiving), but this oatmeal couldn’t be easier: Toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker before you go to bed and you’ll wake up to the aroma of nutmeg and maple syrup.

Buttery Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creme de la Crumb

A pile of fresh herbs, butter and garlic make these mashed potatoes stand out on the buffet table. Use red potatoes and leave the skins on for a rustic flair that not only adds a ton of flavor, it also saves you some work.

Spinach + Artichoke Dip

Damn Delicious

Keep your guests from getting hangry while they wait for dinner: Serve this creamy spinach and artichoke dip with bread, pretzels or pita for a Thanksgiving staple made super easy, thanks to your crock pot.

Butternut Squash Soup

Life Made Sweeter

Combine coconut milk with chunks of butternut squash and sweet potato, then cook in the crockpot for four hours. Once everything is fork tender, break out your immersion blender to make the texture velvety smooth. Top with extra coconut milk and toasted pumpkin seeds before devouring.

Pumpkin Cobbler

The Gunny Sack

Trade in your standard pumpkin pie for a cobbler that is made in the crock pot from start to finish. Pro tip: place a paper towel underneath the lid to keep the condensation off the food and ensure a crispy crust. Top the plated perfection with a dollop of whipped cream and caramel syrup.

Dinner Rolls

Lil Luna

The slow cooker might be the last place you'd think to bake dinner rolls, but trust us on this one. This trick comes in handy year-round, especially on hot summer days when you don't feel like blasting that oven. Genius.

Don't miss out on knocking out a dish or two this year with these Thanksgiving crock pot recipes and if you need more inspiration, join our newsletter or explore our new cooking classes on B+C Classes.