Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving: The 1 Secret

The Heartwarming Aroma of Thanksgiving

There’s a special kind of magic that fills the air around Thanksgiving, isn’t there? It’s the scent of roasted turkey, simmering spices, and of course, the comforting aroma of stuffing. For many of us, stuffing isn’t just a side dish; it’s a cherished tradition, a taste of home, and a centerpiece of our holiday feasts. But let’s be honest, juggling a turkey, mashed potatoes, and all the fixings can be a challenge. That’s where this recipe steps in, offering a helping hand and a delicious solution to free up your oven and your mind. Get ready to embrace a Thanksgiving that’s as stress-free as it is scrumptious.

Why Make This Recipe

• Effortless Elegance: Say goodbye to oven overcrowding! This recipe brings the beloved flavor of classic Thanksgiving stuffing right to your crockpot, making holiday meal prep a breeze.
• Flavorful & Festive: Packed with savory herbs, aromatic vegetables, and hearty bread, this crockpot stuffing delivers all the traditional tastes you crave.
• Keeps Warm Perfectly: The crockpot is your secret weapon for keeping the stuffing warm and moist, ensuring every serving is as delightful as the first.
• Hands-Off Convenience: With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, you’ll have more time to spend with loved ones and enjoy the holiday festivities.

How to Make Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving

You prepare the base first. This involves drying the bread if it’s not stale and then sautéing the aromatics. After that, you combine these flavors. Next, you assemble and cook the dish by adding liquids to the mixture, transferring it to the crockpot, and letting it cook.

Ingredients of : Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving

• Dry Ingredients:
• Stale bread (cubed – sourdough, challah, or white bread work wonderfully)
• Poultry seasoning
• Dried sage
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh Aromatics:
• Yellow onion (chopped)
• Celery (chopped)
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Liquid & Fat:
• Chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
• Unsalted butter
• Eggs (lightly beaten)
• Optional Add-ins (for extra flavor and texture):
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Cooked sausage (e.g., turkey sausage) or crumbled cooked savory meat alternative
• Toasted pecans or walnuts
• Dried cranberries or apricots

Directions of : Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving

1. Drying the Bread (if not already stale): Spread cubed bread on a baking sheet. Bake at a low temperature (250°F / 120°C) for 15-20 minutes, or air dry overnight. This step is crucial for preventing soggy stuffing.
2. Sautéing the Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Combining Flavors: Remove from heat. In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, sautéed aromatics, poultry seasoning, dried sage, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Gently toss to distribute the spices evenly.
4. Adding Liquids: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken/vegetable broth and lightly beaten eggs.
5. Moistening the Mix: Pour the liquid mixture over the bread mixture. Toss gently until all the bread cubes are evenly moistened. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the stuffing tough.
6. Transfer to Crockpot: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker. Carefully transfer the stuffing mixture into the crockpot, spreading it evenly.
7. Cooking Process: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 3-4 hours, or until the stuffing is heated through and lightly browned around the edges.
8. Browning the Top (Optional): For a crispier top, you can carefully transfer the cooked stuffing to a baking dish and broil for a few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

How to Serve Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving

This easy crockpot stuffing is a star on its own. It pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and creamy mashed potatoes. You can also serve it as a side for weeknight roasts like roasted chicken or pot roast. For individual servings, bake the prepared stuffing mixture in greased muffin tins to create charming stuffing muffins.

How to Store Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving

Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven until warm.

Tips to Make Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving

• Don’t Skimp on Stale Bread: Truly stale bread is key to a stuffing that holds its shape and doesn’t turn mushy.
• Adjust Broth to Your Liking: The amount of broth can vary based on the dryness of your bread. Start with the suggested amount and add more as needed for your desired consistency.
• Butter is Your Friend: Don’t be shy with the butter! It adds incredible flavor and moisture.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your mixture before cooking and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot: Fill your crockpot no more than two-thirds full to ensure even cooking.

Variation

• Sausage & Apple Stuffing: Brown 1 lb of turkey sausage, drain fat, and add to the stuffing mixture along with a diced apple for a sweet and savory twist.
• Mushroom & Herb Stuffing: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and celery for an earthy depth of flavor.
• Cornbread Crockpot Stuffing: Substitute half or all of the white bread with crumbled cornbread for a Southern-inspired dish.
• Vegetarian Delight: Use vegetable broth and omit any meat for a delicious vegetarian option. Add extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in toasted pecans or walnuts for added texture and a rich, nutty flavor.

FAQs

• Can I prepare the ingredients for this easy crockpot stuffing ahead of time? Absolutely! You can chop your vegetables, cube your bread, and even mix your dry ingredients the day before. Store them separately and combine just before cooking for the freshest result.
• How do I prevent my easy crockpot stuffing from getting soggy? The key is to use truly stale or lightly toasted bread. Also, avoid adding too much liquid initially; you can always add more if the mixture seems too dry.
• What if I don’t have poultry seasoning for my easy crockpot stuffing? No problem! You can make your own by combining dried sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, a pinch of nutmeg, and a dash of black pepper.

Classic Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving

A simple and delicious recipe for Thanksgiving stuffing, prepared conveniently in a slow cooker. This classic dish features stale bread cubes combined with sautéed aromatics and savory seasonings, cooked until tender and flavorful.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs

Servings 10 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Large skillet
• Large bowl
• Slow cooker
• Whisk
• Baking dish (optional)

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 12 cups stale bread cubed (sourdough or white bread)
• 1 tsp poultry seasoning
• 0.5 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 large yellow onion chopped
• 2 stalks celery chopped
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth low sodium preferred
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs lightly beaten

Instructions

 

Instructions

• If bread is not stale, spread cubed bread on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 15-20 minutes, or air dry overnight.
• Melt butter in a large skillet, then add chopped onion and celery; cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Remove from heat. In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, sautéed aromatics, poultry seasoning, dried sage, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Gently toss to distribute the spices evenly.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken or vegetable broth and lightly beaten eggs.
• Pour the liquid mixture over the bread mixture and toss gently until all the bread cubes are evenly moistened.
• Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker. Carefully transfer the stuffing mixture into the crockpot, spreading it evenly.
• Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 3-4 hours, or until the stuffing is heated through and lightly browned around the edges.
• For a crispier top, you can carefully transfer the cooked stuffing to a baking dish and broil for a few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

For a crispier topping, consider broiling the stuffing for a few minutes after cooking in the crockpot. Ensure the bread is stale for the best texture; if not, dry it out in the oven or overnight.