Effortless Slow Cooker Stuffing: Your Ultimate Make-Ahead Holiday Side Dish

Transform your cherished homemade stuffing into an incredibly easy, hands-off side dish with this incredible Slow Cooker Stuffing Recipe. Perfectly moist, exceptionally flavorful, and wonderfully aromatic, this stuffing can be prepared up to a full day in advance, making your holiday meal planning significantly smoother. Say goodbye to oven-space dilemmas and hello to a stress-free celebration!

If you’re exploring more delicious Thanksgiving stuffing options, you might also adore our Classic Cornbread Stuffing or this savory Sausage and Apple Stuffing.

Why Slow Cooker Stuffing is a Holiday Game-Changer

When it comes to orchestrating a grand holiday feast, make-ahead recipes are absolute lifesavers. This slow cooker stuffing stands out as a true MVP in the bustling holiday kitchen. It delivers all the comforting, savory goodness of our traditional Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe, but with the invaluable advantage of not monopolizing precious oven space. This means your oven is free for the turkey, roasted vegetables, or that perfect pumpkin pie, while your stuffing cooks to perfection with minimal fuss.

Beyond the convenience, using a slow cooker for stuffing ensures a consistently moist and tender result. The enclosed environment gently steams the bread and vegetables, infusing every bite with rich flavor without drying out. It’s a foolproof method for achieving that coveted texture that often eludes traditional oven-baked stuffings.

We’ve kept this recipe beautifully simple, focusing on classic flavors like sautéed onions, tender celery, and fragrant herbs. However, the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel empowered to personalize it with your favorite additions, turning it into a unique family tradition. Imagine adding savory cooked sausage, sweet diced apples, tart cranberries, or a medley of toasted nuts for extra crunch and complexity. The possibilities are endless!

Creating your own dry bread cubes is a simple yet crucial step for the best stuffing, and we’ve provided detailed instructions below. Alternatively, feel free to use unseasoned, store-bought bread cubes for a quicker prep. The key is to ensure your bread is thoroughly dried. This allows it to fully absorb the flavorful liquid, preventing a soggy stuffing and ensuring a delightful texture. Any unsliced loaf of sturdy bread—be it white, whole wheat, or sourdough—will work wonderfully once properly dried.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Slow Cooker Stuffing

Crafting the ultimate slow cooker stuffing starts with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this holiday masterpiece:

• Dry Bread Cubes: This is the foundation of your stuffing. You can easily make your own by drying a loaf of bread, or opt for the convenience of store-bought unseasoned bread cubes found in the deli or bakery section. Aim for cubes approximately ½” to ¾” in size for the best texture and absorption.
• Butter: Essential for sautéing vegetables and adding rich flavor. Both salted and unsalted butter work well; simply adjust the added salt to your preference.
• Onion: White or yellow onions are ideal for their balanced flavor, providing a sweet and savory base. Dice them evenly to ensure they cook through properly.
• Celery: A classic stuffing ingredient, celery adds a subtle earthy flavor and crucial texture. Use the entire stalk, cutting it into uniform ½” pieces to match the onion.
• Fresh Herbs (Thyme and Sage): These aromatic herbs are the heart of traditional stuffing flavor. While fresh herbs offer the most vibrant taste, dried versions are a perfectly acceptable alternative and still provide fantastic depth.
• Chicken Stock: The liquid that binds all the ingredients and infuses the bread with savory goodness. Store-bought boxed stock is convenient, or you can use homemade for an even richer flavor. For a vegetarian stuffing, vegetable stock is an excellent substitute.
• Eggs: Act as a binder, helping the stuffing hold its shape and preventing it from becoming too crumbly.
• Poultry Seasoning: A pre-blended mix of spices like sage, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram, it enhances the overall “Thanksgiving” flavor profile.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the best in all the ingredients. Adjust to taste.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional Garnish): A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a bright, fresh finish to your cooked stuffing.

Mastering Your Crockpot Stuffing: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to create a truly unforgettable slow cooker stuffing that will impress everyone at your holiday table:

1. Prepare Your Dry Bread Cubes: Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). Using a serrated bread knife, cut your chosen bread into uniform 1/2″ to 3/4″ cubes. Spread these cubes in a single layer across a large baking sheet. Bake for approximately one hour, tossing them gently a few times during baking to ensure they dry out evenly and thoroughly. The goal is crispy, completely dry cubes. Once dried, remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the other components. This crucial step prevents soggy stuffing!
2. Sauté Onions and Celery to Perfection: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 8 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and translucent. This step softens the vegetables and allows their flavors to meld beautifully.
3. Craft the Flavorful Stuffing Mixture: To the cooked onions and celery, add the poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine. Pour in 1½ cups of the chicken broth. In a separate small bowl, lightly whisk the two large eggs, then add them to the pot with the broth and seasonings, whisking until just combined.
4. Combine and Moisten: Transfer the dry bread cubes into a very large mixing bowl. Pour the warm chicken broth and sautéed vegetable mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Using a large spatula or your clean hands, gently fold the ingredients together until the bread cubes are uniformly coated. The stuffing should be moist, but there should be no standing liquid at the bottom of the bowl. If the mixture still appears a little dry, gradually add up to an additional 1/2 cup of chicken broth, mixing gently after each addition, until the desired moist consistency is achieved.
5. Slow Cook to Perfection: Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully transfer the prepared stuffing mixture into the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly. Secure the lid firmly. Cook on the low setting for 4-6 hours. For optimal results and to encourage even cooking, gently stir the stuffing every 2 hours. Your stuffing is ready when the edges appear lightly crispy, the center is set and cooked through, and all the liquid has been fully absorbed.
6. Serve with a Fresh Garnish: To serve this delightful crockpot stuffing, transfer it to a serving dish and generously sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. The vibrant green parsley adds a lovely fresh note and visual appeal. Serve warm and enjoy the accolades from your guests!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Stuffing

Can I make slow cooker stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is designed for make-ahead convenience. You can prepare the entire stuffing mixture (steps 1-6) up to 24 hours in advance. Once mixed, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, simply transfer the mixture to your slow cooker and proceed with the cooking instructions as directed.

How long does it take to cook stuffing in a crockpot?

For this specific recipe, after combining all the ingredients, your stuffing will typically take about 4-6 hours to cook on the low heat setting in a slow cooker. This cooking time assumes that you’ve pre-sautéed the onions and celery in a pot before mixing them with the bread and broth, ensuring a tender and flavorful base.

How do you know when stuffing has finished cooking?

You’ll know your slow cooker stuffing is perfectly cooked when it’s slightly crispy and golden brown around the edges, and the center is firm and set. Crucially, there should be absolutely no visible standing liquid remaining at the bottom of the slow cooker, though the stuffing itself should remain wonderfully moist and tender throughout.

Why is my stuffing soggy?

Soggy stuffing is usually the result of one of two common issues: either the bread cubes weren’t sufficiently dry before mixing, or too much liquid (chicken broth) was added. To prevent this, ensure your bread cubes are thoroughly dry and crispy before incorporating them into the mixture. When adding the broth, do so gradually, mixing until the stuffing is moist but not saturated, with no excess liquid pooled in the bowl.

Storing and Reheating Instructions for Leftover Stuffing

Refrigerator Storage:

Store any leftover slow cooker stuffing in an airtight container or tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures its freshness and prevents it from drying out.

Reheating Methods:

• Microwave: For individual portions, the microwave is a quick and easy option. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Oven: For larger quantities or to restore some crispness, transfer the stuffing to an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until thoroughly hot.
• Slow Cooker: If you have a significant amount of stuffing still in the crock pot, you can simply turn it onto the “warm” setting to gently reheat and keep it at serving temperature. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.

Slow Cooker Stuffing Recipe

Author: The Carefree Kitchen

Summary: This slow cooker stuffing transforms your favorite homemade stuffing recipe into an incredibly easy, make-ahead side dish. Perfectly moist and flavorful, it’s ideal for holidays and can be prepared up to a day in advance.

Yields: 15 servings

Prep time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Cook time: 4-6 hours

Total time: 5 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 16 cups bread cubes, cut into 1/2″ to 3/4″ pieces (from a stale loaf of bread)
• 1/2 cup unsalted or salted butter
• 2 cups white or yellow onion, 1/2″ diced
• 2 cups celery, 1/2″ diced
• 3 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 teaspoon fresh chopped sage)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1½-3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable stock for vegetarian)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Part 1: Preparing Dry Bread Cubes

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Using a serrated bread knife, cut your bread into uniform 1/2″ to 3/4″ cubes. Spread these cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, gently tossing the cubes a few times to ensure even drying. The bread should be completely dry and slightly crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Part 2: Assembling and Cooking the Stuffing

4. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery. Sauté, stirring frequently, for about 8 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and translucent.
5. Stir in the poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper. Pour in 1½ cups of the chicken broth. Lightly whisk the eggs in a small bowl, then add them to the pot, whisking until just combined with the liquid mixture.
6. Place the cooled dry bread cubes into a very large mixing bowl. Pour the warm broth and vegetable mixture over the bread. Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula or your hands until the bread cubes are evenly moistened. The stuffing should be moist, but without any standing liquid at the bottom of the bowl. If it seems dry, gradually add up to an additional 1/2 cup of chicken broth, mixing until the desired consistency is achieved.
7. Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Transfer the prepared stuffing mixture into the slow cooker and spread it evenly. Cover with the lid.
8. Cook on the LOW setting for 4-6 hours. For uniform cooking and to prevent the bottom from sticking, gently stir the stuffing every 2 hours. The stuffing is ready when the edges are lightly crispy, the center is set, and all the liquid has been absorbed.
9. To serve, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright finish. Enjoy warm!

Notes

• Advance Preparation of Bread Cubes: If you prepare the dried bread cubes ahead of time, ensure they cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Adjusting Broth Quantity: The exact amount of chicken or vegetable broth required can vary based on the type and density of your bread, as well as how thoroughly it has been dried. The goal is a moist stuffing mixture with no excess liquid before it begins cooking in the slow cooker.
• Storage and Reheating: Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions, or cover and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. If still in the slow cooker, simply turn it to the ‘warm’ setting for gentle reheating.

Nutrition Information (per serving, estimated)

Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only. Actual values may vary.

• Calories: 769 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 123g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0.3g
• Cholesterol: 42mg
• Sodium: 1506mg
• Potassium: 443mg
• Fiber: 11g
• Sugar: 16g
• Vitamin A: 328 IU
• Vitamin C: 3mg
• Calcium: 338mg
• Iron: 9mg

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More Essential Thanksgiving Side Dishes You’ll Love

Complete your holiday feast with these other crowd-pleasing side dish recipes, perfect for pairing with your slow cooker stuffing:

• Hearty Sausage and Apple Stuffing
• Flavorful Chili Spiced Sweet Potato Chunks
• Exotic Roasted Sweet Potato with Lime and Chipotle
• Classic Quick Dinner Rolls
• Creamy Gruyere Mashed Potatoes
• Irresistible Cheesy Potatoes Casserole
• Easy Cheesy Hash Brown Potatoes in Crock Pot
• Convenient Make Ahead Holiday Potatoes
• Simple and Delicious Green Beans
• The Best Mashed Red Potatoes
• Decadent No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
• Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping
• Comforting Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
• Explore more fantastic Crockpot Recipes
• Discover a collection of the Best Thanksgiving Recipes

Embrace Stress-Free Holiday Cooking with Slow Cooker Stuffing

This crock pot stuffing recipe is truly a culinary gem, offering a perfect blend of moist texture, rich flavor, and unparalleled convenience. It’s the ultimate solution for freeing up valuable oven space during busy holidays, allowing you to focus on other culinary creations or simply enjoy more time with your loved ones. By making it up to 24 hours in advance, you can significantly reduce your Thanksgiving day stress, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. Add this easy, delicious, and perfectly moist slow cooker stuffing to your next holiday menu and prepare for rave reviews!