Let’s talk about Thanksgiving. Or, more specifically, let’s talk about the side dish: stuffing. I love a good, crispy-edged, oven-baked stuffing as much as the next person, but let’s be honest – oven space is prime real estate on Thanksgiving Day. What is the best stuffing recipe for a crock pot? Is it incredibly flavorful, surprisingly moist, and frees up precious oven space for the turkey (or the Sweet Potato Casserole, because priorities!). Is it a game changer? Think of it as the stress-free cousin of traditional baked stuffing, delivering all the comforting flavors without the fuss.
What is crock pot stuffing?
What is stuffing in a slow cooker? Instead of baking stuffing in the oven, you layer all the ingredients – bread, vegetables, broth, herbs – into a Crock Pot and let it do its thing. Think of it as a set-it-and-forget version of a classic Thanksgiving staple. What is the best way to make traditional stuffing but with a hands-off approach that’s perfect for busy cooks (like me)? It’s an incredibly forgiving recipe too, which is always a bonus around the holidays when things can get a little chaotic.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best Crock Pot stuffing recipes? What’s the best thing about slow cooking stuffing? This isn’t one of those complicated Thanksgiving recipes that require hours of prep. What is a dump-and-go situation, perfect for freeing you up to focus on the turkey (or, let’s be real, the appetizers)?
What is the best stuffing you have in your pantry? Can you add sausage? Go for it! Craving a little sweetness? Throw in cranberries or apples. What I love most about this is how it truly takes the pressure off on Thanksgiving. I can prep the stuffing in the morning, pop it in the Crock Pot, and then completely forget about it until it’s time to eat. I love slow cooker mashed potatoes, and it’s a lifesaver!
How do I make crock pot stuffing?
Quick Overview
How do I make Crock Pot stuffing? Then, you’ll combine the sautéed vegetables with bread cubes, broth, herbs, and seasonings. How do you cook bread in a crock pot? The beauty of this method is that the slow cooker keeps the stuffing moist and prevents it from drying out, which can sometimes happen with oven baked stuffing.
Ingredients
For the Base:
* 1 loaf (about 1 pound) of day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes. I usually use a sourdough or French bread, but any sturdy bread will work. If your bread isn’t day-old, you can toast it in the oven to dry it out a bit.
* 1 large onion, chopped. Yellow or white onion works great.
* 2-3 celery stalks, chopped. Adds a nice crunch and savory flavor.
* 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter, melted. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference.
For the Flavor:
I prefer low-sodium broth so I can control the amount of salt in the stuffing. * 4 cups chicken broth.
* 2 teaspoons dried sage. A classic stuffing herb!
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Adds a lovely earthy flavor.
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary. Use sparingly, as rosemary can be overpowering.
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Optional, but I love the added flavor.
* Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to season!
Optional Add-ins:
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley. Adds a pop of freshness and color.
* 1/2 cup dried cranberries or chopped apples. For a touch of sweetness.
* 1 pound cooked sausage, crumbled. For a heartier stuffing.
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans. For added texture.
What is the step-by-
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building flavor, so don’t rush it. You want the onions to be translucent and the celery to be slightly tender.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, sage, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper. How do you toss bread with the broth mixture? How do I make sure every piece of bread is moistened?
Step 3: Layer into Crock Pot
Grease your crock pot with cooking spray. This will prevent the stuffing from sticking to the bottom. Pour the stuffing mixture into the crock pot and spread it evenly. If you’re adding any optional ingredients like sausage or cranberries, sprinkle them over the top of the stuffing.
Step 4: Cook
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The cooking time will vary depending on your crock pot, so keep an eye on it. I always start checking bread around the 4-hour mark on low heat. The stuffing is done when it’s heated through and the bread is tender.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Once the stuffing is done, fluff it with a fork and serve immediately. If you want the top to be crispy, you can broil it in the oven for a few minutes before serving. Just be sure to watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn!
What should I serve it with?
What are some good ways to serve crock pot stuffing for Thanksgiving?
For Thanksgiving Dinner: What is the best way to prepareWhat is a must-have for your Thanksgiving feast? It pairs especially well with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots.
As a Side Dish to Chicken or Pork:This stuffing is a great side dish for everyday meals. Serve it with roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or even a simple baked ham.
Stuffed Peppers:Use the stuffing as a filling for bell peppers. Simply cut the peppers in half, remove the seeds, and stuff them with the stuffing mixture. How do you bake peppers in the oven until tender and the stuffing is heated through?
With Leftovers:Leftover stuffing is delicious reheated, but it’s also great in other dishes! Use it to make stuffing waffles, stuffing frittatas, or even stuffing-crusted chicken. What are some creative ways to use up leftovers?
My family always makes this stuffing with cranberry sauce. It’s a tradition we’ve kept going for years!
What are some tips for perfecting a crock pot?
I’ve made this Crock Pot Stuffing recipe countless times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here are my top tips for making the best stuffing ever.
Use Day-Old Bread:If you don’t have day-old bread, you can toast it in the oven to dry it out.
Don’t overcrowd a crock pot!If your crock pot is too full, the stuffing will not cook evenly. If necessary, cook the stuffing in two batches.
Adjust the Broth:How much broth do you need for bread?
Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the stuffing generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. This is where the flavor comes from!
Add Some Texture:I love adding chopped nuts to my stuffing for added texture and flavor. You can also add cooked sausage for a heartier stuffing.
Experiment with Flavors: ExperimentWhat are some ideas for stuffing? I once added some Parmesan cheese and it was amazing!
I learned the hard way that over-salting this recipe is a no-no. Stick to low-sodium broth and add salt slowly!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do you store leftover crock pot stuff?
Refrigerator Storage: What is theLet stuffing cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to use a container that seals well to prevent it from drying out.
How do I use a freezerFor longer storage, you can freeze the stuffing. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. What is the best way to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating?
Reheating Instructions: To reheat the stuffing, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. You can reheat it in the microwave, in the oven, or in a skillet on the stovetop. If reheating in the oven, cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. I usually reheat it in a skillet with a little butter for extra flavor.
What is Glaze Timing Advice? N/A – This recipe doesn’t include a glaze.
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Final Thoughts
What’s your favorite crock pot stuffing recipe? What are some of the best Thanksgiving side dish recipes? I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! And please, leave a comment below and let me know what you think, or share your own variations of this recipe. I’d love to hear from you!
Crock Pot Stuffing
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 cups bread cubes preferably stale
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 0.5 cup butter melted
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sage ground
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery; cook and stir until tender.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, cooked onion mixture, chicken broth, and seasonings. Toss to combine.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 5-qt. slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until heated through and flavors are melded.
