Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving Recipe
Introduction: The Secret to a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Feast (and the Best Stuffing Ever!)
Thanksgiving. The word itself conjures images of bustling kitchens, the aroma of roasted turkey, and a table laden with beloved dishes. But let’s be honest, for many, it also brings a hefty dose of holiday stress. Between managing multiple dishes, keeping track of oven space, and ensuring everything is ready at the exact same time, it can feel more like a culinary marathon than a joyful celebration. What if I told you there’s a way to reclaim some of that precious time, ease your kitchen woes, and still deliver a show-stopping side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds? Get ready, because today we’re diving into the absolute easiest (and most delicious) way to make Thanksgiving stuffing – right in your trusty crockpot!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe helps you make the best stuffing ever. It saves you time during your holiday cooking. The slow cooker makes the stuffing moist and full of flavor. You use simple ingredients for a big taste. This stuffing is good for potlucks because it stays warm. You will have less stress and more fun on Thanksgiving day.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving
Making this stuffing is very easy. First, you prepare your bread and chop your vegetables. Then, you cook the vegetables in butter. After that, you mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. Finally, you put the mixture in your crockpot and cook it until it is perfect.
Ingredients of : Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving
Pantry Staples
- Bread Cubes: store-bought stuffing mix or stale bread (sourdough, French bread, cornbread – your choice!)
- Broth: chicken or vegetable, low-sodium
- Butter: unsalted
- Seasonings: poultry seasoning, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper
Fresh Aromatics and Vegetables
- Celery: chopped
- Onion: yellow or white, finely diced
- Garlic: minced
- Fresh Herbs (Optional): parsley, sage, or thyme, chopped
Directions of : Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving
Prep Work: Getting Started
- Prepare Your Bread: If using fresh bread, cut it into 1/2-inch to 1-inch cubes. Let it air dry overnight, or toast it lightly in the oven until crisp.
- Chop Your Veggies: Dice celery and onion. Mince garlic.
Sautéing the Aromatics
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped celery and onion. Cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic. Cook for one minute until it smells good.
Combining Ingredients
- Large Mixing Bowl: Transfer the cooked vegetables to a large mixing bowl.
- Add Bread: Add the bread cubes to the bowl.
- Season generously: Sprinkle in poultry seasoning, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to mix.
- Moisten with Broth: Slowly pour in the broth. Toss until the bread is moist. Do not make it too wet.
Slow Cooking to Perfection
- Prepare Crockpot: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or cooking spray.
- Transfer Stuffing: Put the stuffing mixture into the prepared crockpot. Spread it evenly.
- Cook High or Low:
- High: Cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
- Low: Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours.
- Achieve Golden Crispness (Optional): For a crispier top, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking. Or, put the stuffing into a baking dish and broil it for a few minutes. Watch it carefully!
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving
Serve your stuffing warm. It tastes great with gravy. A little cranberry sauce on the side adds a nice touch. This stuffing goes perfectly with roasted turkey or chicken, which is a classic Thanksgiving meal.
How to Store Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving
Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or the oven. If using the oven, cover it with foil to keep it from drying out. You can also warm it back up in the crockpot on low heat with a little broth.
Tips to Make Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving
- Bread Type Matters: Use sturdy bread. Soft sandwich bread can get mushy.
- Do Not Over-Mix: Mix the bread gently to keep some texture.
- Adjust Broth: The amount of broth can change. Start with less and add more if the bread is too dry.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the mixture before cooking. Add more seasonings if needed.
- Monitor Moisture: If the edges look dry, add a bit more broth. If it is too wet, cook with the lid slightly open.
- Do Not Peek Too Much: Do not lift the lid often, as this lets out heat and makes cooking take longer.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the bread and vegetable mixture a day before. Store it in the refrigerator. Add broth and cook on Thanksgiving day.
- Double the Batch: You can easily make more of this recipe. Make sure your crockpot is big enough.
Variation
- Sausage Stuffing: Cook 1/2 lb of ground sausage (breakfast, Italian, or sage). Add it to the mixture with the already cooked vegetables.
- Apple and Pecan: Add 1 chopped apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) and 1/2 cup chopped pecans. This gives sweetness and crunch.
- Mushroom and Leek: Cook 1 cup sliced mushrooms and 1 chopped leek (white and light green parts) with the onions and celery.
- Dried Fruit: Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries or other dried fruits for a sweet touch.
- Fresh Herbs: Add more fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for brighter flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can mix all the stuffing ingredients except the broth a day before. Keep it in the refrigerator. On Thanksgiving day, add the broth and cook it as the recipe says. This makes cooking very easy.
How do I prevent my Easy Crockpot Stuffing from getting soggy?
Do not add too much broth to the bread. Start with the amount given in the recipe. Only add more if the bread is still too dry after mixing. Also, you can cook with the lid slightly open for the last 30 minutes. This lets out extra moisture and keeps your stuffing from getting too wet.
What kind of bread is best for Easy Crockpot Stuffing?
Use bread that is firm and a little stale. Good choices include French bread, sourdough, cornbread, or good quality sandwich bread that you let dry out. Do not use very soft or fresh bread because it can turn mushy in the slow cooker.
Classic Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Slow cooker
- Spatula/spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups bread cubes from stale sourdough or French bread
- 1 cup chicken broth low-sodium
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare bread by cubing it and allowing it to air dry overnight, or lightly toast it in the oven until crisp.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped celery and onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the cooked vegetables to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the prepared bread cubes to the bowl with the cooked vegetables.
- Sprinkle in poultry seasoning, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, then toss gently to combine.
- Slowly pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, tossing gently until the bread is moist but not saturated; add more broth a tablespoon at a time if needed.
Cooking
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared slow cooker and spread evenly.
- Cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 3-4 hours, until heated through and the edges are lightly browned.
- For a crispier top, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking or briefly broil the stuffing in a baking dish.
- Serve the stuffing warm.