Easy Crockpot Stuffing: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Holiday Side
Hands-off prep lets you multitask while ensuring perfectly moist and savory results.
When the holidays arrive and kitchen space is at a premium, crockpot stuffing emerges as the unsung hero of Thanksgiving dinner. This slow cooker stuffing recipe starts with a quick sauté of aromatic veggies, then conveniently finishes up in the crockpot, freeing your stove and oven for other preparations. From novice cooks to seasoned hosts, anyone can achieve moist, flavorful stuffing—and keep it warm without drying out—using this approachable method.
Why Use a Crockpot for Stuffing?
- Hands-Off Cooking: Minimal oversight required; perfect when multitasking on busy holidays.
- Frees Oven Space: Dedicated oven time for turkey or pies instead of side dishes.
- Moisture Control: The slow cooker traps steam, helping the stuffing stay moist for hours.
- Convenient Serving: Can be kept warm in the crockpot until meal time, so no frantic last-minute reheating.
Stuffing vs. Dressing: What’s the Difference?
The terms “stuffing” and “dressing” are often used interchangeably in American kitchens, but traditionally, they refer to:
| Stuffing | Dressing |
|---|---|
| Cooked inside the turkey cavity | Baked in a separate dish (like a casserole) |
Regional preferences often influence terminology: Northeastern and Pacific Northwestern cooks tend to say “stuffing” regardless of technique, while many Southerners and Midwesterners call it “dressing” whether it’s inside or outside the turkey. No matter what it’s called, this slow cooker method delivers a classic taste and texture that suits every tradition. Call it your favorite!
Crockpot Stuffing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 (8-oz.) package sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 (10.75-oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (14.5-oz.) can chicken broth
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh sage
- 1 (12-oz.) bag dried bread cubes
Tip: You can swap fresh herbs for dried, but use less dried (about 1 tsp. each) since their flavors are more concentrated.
Step-by-Step Directions: How to Make Crockpot Stuffing
- Sauté the Vegetables: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add celery, onion, salt, and pepper; cook about 4 minutes. Add mushrooms and garlic; continue cooking for another 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In the base of a 6-quart slow cooker, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, egg, parsley, rosemary, and sage.
- Combine Bread & Veggies: Add dried bread cubes to the crockpot and gently fold to coat with the wet mixture. Incorporate the sautéed vegetables, folding carefully to maintain bread cube integrity.
- Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 30 minutes, then switch to LOW for 2 more hours. Do not open or stir during cooking! The stuffing is finished when it’s steaming and the center temperature is about 160°F.
- Serve or Hold: Spoon stuffing into a serving bowl, or keep it in the crockpot on the WARM setting for up to an hour—perfectly moist and ready when you are.
Crockpot Stuffing Variations
- Sausage Stuffing: Brown 8 oz. ground breakfast sausage, drain, and add with vegetables in step 3 for extra flavor and richness.
- Herb Swaps: Try thyme, marjoram, or tarragon for different flavor profiles.
- Vegetarian Adaptation: Use vegetable broth and substitute mushroom or celery soup for chicken.
- Different Cream Soups: Any creamy canned soup—like cream of chicken or celery—works well.
- Add Fruit or Nuts: Mix in 1/2 cup dried cranberries, fresh apple chunks, or toasted pecans for seasonal flair.
Essential Tips for Crockpot Stuffing Success
- Bread Dryness: The key to excellent stuffing texture is thoroughly dried bread cubes. Use store-bought or make your own by toasting day-old bread until crisp.
- Moisture Balance: The egg and soup prevent dryness. For extra moisture, add a splash more broth or a little cream.
- No Stirring: Resist the urge to open the lid or stir; slow cookers lose heat and steam, affecting texture.
- Holding & Serving: Stuffing can remain on the warm setting for up to an hour without drying out—plan ahead for your serving window.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.
Nutrition Fast Facts
| Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~250 per serving | 19g | 5g | 17g | 2g |
Exact nutrition will depend on brands, bread types, and optional additions.
Common Substitutions and Ingredient Questions
- Egg Substitution: For egg-free stuffing, replace with 2 tbsp extra broth or use a flaxseed “egg” (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water, mixed and rested).
- Soup Alternatives: Cream of chicken or celery soup are flavorful and offer similar moisture; use what you prefer.
- Bread Choices: White, wheat, sourdough, or even cornbread for Southern-style stuffing.
- Herbs—Fresh vs. Dried: Use about one-third as much dried as you would fresh herbs.
What others are reading
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Leftovers
- Make Ahead: Assemble all ingredients, refrigerate overnight, and cook just before serving.
- Storage: Cool and refrigerate leftovers promptly. To reheat, add a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
- Freezing: Freeze in airtight containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven or microwave.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Pairings: Turkey, roast chicken, duck, or pork tenderloin.
- Gravy: Spoon over with giblet or pan gravy for extra richness.
- Vegetarian Sides: Pair with mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or cranberry sauce.
How to Prepare Homemade Dried Bread Cubes
If you want homemade dried bread cubes:
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Cut bread into 1″ cubes and spread on baking sheet.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, tossing once, until golden and dry.
- Cool completely before using in stuffing recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can this crockpot stuffing recipe be doubled?
A: Yes, but use an 8-quart or larger slow cooker for best results and add up to 1 hour more to cooking time.
Q: What’s the best bread for stuffing?
A: Day-old white or sourdough, French bread, or rustic wheat all work well. Texture matters more than type—the bread should be somewhat dry, not soft.
Q: Can I make crockpot stuffing gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free dried bread cubes and confirm that your canned soup and broth are gluten-free.
Q: How long does stuffing stay moist in a crockpot?
A: With the slow cooker on ‘WARM,’ stuffing stays moist for up to an hour after cooking.
Q: Can I add sausage, fruit, or nuts?
A: Absolutely. Brown sausage first and add in step 3. Dried cranberries, apples, or pecans can be folded in with the vegetables for extra flavor.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Holiday Stuffing
- Use homemade dried bread for improved flavor and texture.
- Experiment with fresh herbs for an aromatic twist.
- Do not overmix—gentle folding keeps stuffing fluffy, not gummy.
- Adjust seasoning to personal taste, especially salt.
- Try prepping all veggies the day before to save time.
Nutrition, Allergen, and Dietary Info
- Dairy-free: Substitute plant-based butter and soup.
- Egg-free: Use a flax egg or extra broth as binding.
- Nut-Free: This recipe contains no nuts unless you add them as a variation.
- Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and suitable soup.
Holiday Prep Timeline
- Two days ahead: Buy ingredients; dry bread cubes.
- One day ahead: Prep and chop vegetables, herbs.
- Morning of: Assemble stuffing in crockpot; refrigerate if prepping early.
- Three hours before serving: Begin cooking in slow cooker.
Troubleshooting
- Too Dry? Stir in a little extra broth and cover for 15 minutes.
- Too Wet? Uncover and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes, or place stuffing in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to dry slightly.
More Festive Slow Cooker Sides
- Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
- Slow-Cooked Sweet Potatoes
- Classic Turkey Gravy (while stuffing or turkey rests)
Enjoy Effortless, Delicious Holiday Stuffing
Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, using the slow cooker guarantees a seamless, flavorful holiday side. With endless customization options and simple prep, this recipe can be the cornerstone of your Thanksgiving feast—leaving you stress-free and ready to celebrate with loved ones!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a37856883/crockpot-stuffing-recipe/
- https://www.spendwithpennies.com/crock-pot-stuffing/
- https://www.humoroushomemaking.com/fix-and-forget-friday-crock-pot-stuffing
- https://community.qvc.com/t5/Recipes/Pioneer-Woman-Crock-Pot-Stuffing/td-p/7176230
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g44639764/stuffing-recipes/
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