Slow Cooker Stuffing: A Flavorful, Stress-Free Side Dish

Stuffing is the heart and soul of a holiday meal. Its savory aroma, rich flavor, and fluffy texture make it the perfect accompaniment to turkey, chicken, or any roast. But making stuffing from scratch doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. Enter Slow Cooker Stuffing—an easy, delicious solution that frees up your oven and ensures perfectly moist stuffing every time.

With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Stuffing

1. Easy to Make

The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so you can focus on other parts of your meal.

2. Perfectly Moist and Flavorful

Cooking in a slow cooker ensures every bite is perfectly moist and infused with flavor.

3. No Oven Needed

This is a game-changer for busy holidays when oven space is limited.

4. Customizable

You can tweak the seasonings or add extras like sausage, cranberries, or nuts to make it your own.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Stuffing

Here’s what you’ll need for this classic dish:

Ingredient	Quantity
Butter	1 cup (2 sticks)
Chopped onion	2 cups
Chopped celery	2 cups
Sliced mushrooms	12 ounces
Chopped fresh parsley	¼ cup
Dry bread cubes	12 cups
Salt	1 ½ teaspoons
Dried sage	1 ½ teaspoons
Poultry seasoning	1 teaspoon
Dried thyme	1 teaspoon
Dried marjoram	½ teaspoon
Ground black pepper	½ teaspoon
Chicken broth	4 ½ cups (or as needed)
Large eggs	2, beaten

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Slow Cooker Stuffing

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

• Gather all the ingredients and measure them out.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the onion, celery, mushrooms, and parsley. Cook and stir for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened.

3. Combine the Bread Cubes and Vegetables

• Place the dry bread cubes in a very large mixing bowl.
• Spoon the cooked vegetables over the bread cubes.

4. Add the Seasonings

• Sprinkle the bread and vegetables with salt, sage, poultry seasoning, thyme, marjoram, and black pepper. Toss to combine evenly.

5. Mix in the Broth and Eggs

• Gradually pour in enough chicken broth to moisten the bread cubes.
• Add the beaten eggs and mix well to create a cohesive mixture.

6. Transfer to the Slow Cooker

• Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker.
• Transfer the stuffing mixture into the slow cooker and spread it out evenly.

7. Cook the Stuffing

• Cover and cook on High for 45 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to Low and cook for an additional 4 to 8 hours, stirring occasionally.

8. Serve and Enjoy

• Once cooked, fluff the stuffing with a fork and serve it hot.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Moist Texture

The slow cooker locks in moisture, preventing the stuffing from drying out.

2. Even Cooking

The low, consistent heat ensures every piece of bread absorbs the flavors and broth evenly.

3. Customizable Flavors

You can adjust the seasonings or add extra ingredients to suit your preferences.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Stuffing

1. Use Stale Bread

Dry bread cubes absorb the broth better, resulting in a well-textured stuffing.

2. Don’t Overdo the Broth

Add just enough broth to moisten the bread without making it soggy.

3. Stir Occasionally

Give the stuffing a gentle stir once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking.

4. Use Fresh Herbs

For a flavor boost, replace dried herbs with fresh ones.

5. Keep It Warm

If your meal isn’t ready when the stuffing is done, keep it warm in the slow cooker on the “Warm” setting.

Variations and Add-Ins

1. Sausage Stuffing

• Brown 1 pound of sausage and mix it into the stuffing before transferring it to the slow cooker.

2. Cranberry and Pecan Stuffing

• Add ½ cup dried cranberries and ½ cup chopped pecans for a sweet and nutty twist.

3. Apple Stuffing

• Stir in 1 cup of diced apples for a hint of sweetness and tartness.

4. Gluten-Free Stuffing

• Use gluten-free bread cubes and ensure your broth is gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions for Stuffing

1. Pair with Turkey or Chicken

• Stuffing is a classic side dish for roasted turkey or chicken.

2. Serve with Gravy

• Ladle warm gravy over the stuffing for an extra layer of flavor.

3. Add to a Holiday Spread

• Include stuffing as part of a holiday meal with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and green beans.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 Cup)
Calories	210
Protein	5g
Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	28g
Sodium	450mg

This stuffing is hearty yet balanced, making it an excellent addition to any meal.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Stuffing

1. Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the stuffing the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Cook it in the slow cooker the next day.

2. Can I use fresh bread instead of dry bread cubes?

It’s best to use dry or stale bread to prevent the stuffing from becoming too soggy. If using fresh bread, toast it first.

3. Can I freeze leftover stuffing?

Absolutely. Allow the stuffing to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

4. How do I reheat leftover stuffing?

Reheat the stuffing in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for smaller portions.

5. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes! Vegetable broth works perfectly for a vegetarian version of this dish.

6. What’s the best bread for stuffing?

Use a mix of white bread, whole-grain bread, and even cornbread for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Stuffing

Slow Cooker Stuffing is the perfect side dish for any occasion, from holiday feasts to weeknight dinners. It’s flavorful, moist, and incredibly easy to make, freeing up your oven and saving you time in the kitchen.

So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite add-ins, this stuffing will always be a hit.

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