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If you’re searching for a cozy, flavorful side dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Crockpot Stuffing Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. It’s the perfect way to get that classic savory stuffing done without the hassle or mess of the oven, and the slow cooker ensures a moist, tender texture with beautifully blended herbs and veggies that make every forkful sing. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a special family dinner, this recipe brings that homemade, comforting magic to your table with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the best part, and each one plays a crucial role in building up the amazing taste, texture, and color of this Crockpot Stuffing Recipe. From creamy butter to fresh herbs, you’ll love how these come together.
- 1 cup butter: Adds rich, silky flavor and helps soften the veggies to perfection.
- 2 cups chopped onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth to the dish once sautéed.
- 2 cups chopped celery: Offers a crisp, refreshing crunch that balances hearty bread cubes.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of green color for visual appeal.
- 16 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced: Adds earthiness and moisture so every bite feels juicy.
- 12 cups stuffing bread cubes: The fluffy base that soaks up all the wonderful flavors.
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning: Classic spice blend that brings warmth and aroma.
- 1½ teaspoons rubbed sage: An essential herbal note that defines traditional stuffing.
- 1½ teaspoons salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme: Adds a subtle, bright herbal note for complexity.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Lends just the right amount of heat.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Keeps the stuffing moist and rich while infusing savory goodness.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Helps bind everything together into a perfect, tender texture.
How to Make Crockpot Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Melt Butter and Sauté Veggies
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s bubbly and hot—this is going to be your flavor foundation. Next, add the chopped onion, celery, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté them until the onions become translucent and the mushrooms have released their juices, creating a savory, aromatic base you won’t be able to resist.
Step 2: Stir in Fresh Parsley and Remove from Heat
Once the veggies have cooked down nicely, stir in the fresh parsley for a burst of bright, herbaceous flavor. It’s important to immediately remove the skillet from the heat at this point so the parsley stays vibrant and fresh, perfectly complementing the other ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Bread and Seasonings
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the bread cubes with poultry seasoning, rubbed sage, salt, fresh thyme, and freshly ground black pepper. This dry mixture is crucial for infusing every cube with the flavors we all love about stuffing, creating a tasty, aromatic foundation.
Step 4: Add Veggie Mixture and Liquids
Pour the warm vegetable and parsley mixture over the bread cubes, stirring gently. Then add the chicken broth and beaten eggs to the bowl. Toss everything lightly but thoroughly to combine, ensuring the bread soaks up all the luscious liquid and the eggs help bind the stuffing for a perfect, tender consistency.
Step 5: Transfer to Slow Cooker and Cook
Finally, transfer your stuffing mixture into the crockpot, taking care not to pack it tightly—this allows the stuffing to cook evenly and develop that irresistible texture. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours, whatever fits your schedule! The low and slow heat melds all those flavors together, resulting in a moist and flavorful stuffing that tastes like it took hours of love and care.
How to Serve Crockpot Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs, especially a sprinkle of chopped parsley or thyme right before serving, elevate the appearance and brighten up the flavor of this Crockpot Stuffing Recipe. You can also add some toasted pecans or crispy fried onions on top for a textural contrast that’s utterly delightful.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken but don’t stop there! Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, or buttery green beans for a classic, well-rounded meal. The herbs and savory notes in the stuffing complement so many holiday and comforting sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond the classic side dish bowl? Use this Crockpot Stuffing Recipe to stuff peppers, mushrooms, or even chicken breasts for a creative twist that will impress your guests. Or spread it in a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake for a crispy golden crust that’s pure comfort food happiness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? No problem! Store cooled stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy your Crockpot Stuffing Recipe even after the main event without sacrificing freshness or flavor.
Freezing
To keep your stuffing longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before freezing, and label it so you’ll know to enjoy a delicious homemade side anytime the craving strikes.
Reheating
For flawlessly reheated stuffing, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also reheat smaller portions in the microwave, just be sure to cover it to keep the moisture locked in. Either way, it tastes just as comforting the second time around!
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh herbs aren’t on hand, dried herbs work well—just use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Is it necessary to use eggs in this recipe?
Eggs help bind the stuffing and give it a tender texture, but if you have dietary restrictions, you can omit them or use a flaxseed egg substitute.
Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll have a flavorful vegetarian version of this Crockpot Stuffing Recipe that everyone will enjoy.
What kind of bread is best for stuffing?
Stale white bread or sourdough bread cubes work best—they soak up liquid well without turning mushy, providing great texture to your stuffing.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
This recipe yields about 14 servings, but you can definitely double it if your slow cooker is large enough—or cook in batches for big family gatherings and holidays.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Stuffing Recipe is a true lifesaver for anyone wanting a delicious, hands-off side that tastes like it took hours of effort. It brings that perfect balance of herbs, butter, and hearty bread all infused with slow-cooked goodness. Give it a try at your next dinner, and trust me—you’ll be making this comforting dish again and again!
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Crockpot Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Stuffing recipe offers a moist and flavorful side dish perfect for holiday gatherings or family meals. Combining savory sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, and tender bread cubes, it’s slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot for convenience and rich taste.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 cups onion, chopped
- 2 cups celery, chopped
- 16 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1½ teaspoons rubbed sage
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 12 cups stuffing bread cubes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Prepare Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it becomes bubbly and hot, creating the perfect base for sautéing your vegetables.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion, celery, and sliced mushrooms to the hot butter. Cook until the onions become translucent and mushrooms release their liquid, enhancing the stuffing’s flavor and moisture.
- Add Parsley: Stir fresh parsley into the sautéed vegetable mixture. Once combined, immediately remove the skillet from heat to preserve the herbs’ freshness.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the stuffing bread cubes with poultry seasoning, rubbed sage, salt, fresh thyme, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss well to evenly distribute the herbs and spices throughout the bread.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the sautéed vegetable and parsley mixture over the seasoned bread cubes. Add the chicken broth and beaten eggs, then toss lightly to combine all components without breaking the bread cubes.
- Cook in Crockpot: Transfer the stuffing mixture to the slow cooker, making sure not to pack it down. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours until the stuffing is cooked through and flavors meld beautifully.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit eggs or use an egg substitute.
- Do not pack the stuffing tightly in the crockpot to allow even cooking.
- Use stale or day-old bread cubes for better texture and absorption.
- Adjust salt according to your broth’s saltiness to avoid over-seasoning.
- If you prefer a crispier top, transfer the cooked stuffing to a baking dish and bake in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes before serving.
