Transform your holiday side dish game with this savory and aromatic crock pot stuffing. Slow-cooked to perfection, this recipe offers a convenient way to achieve a flavorful, moist stuffing that pairs wonderfully with any main course. Perfect for busy cooks aiming to simplify their meal prep.
Some ingredients for this crock pot stuffing might not be commonly found in every kitchen. Fresh herbs like thyme, sage, and rosemary can sometimes be absent from your pantry, so make sure to grab these from the supermarket. Additionally, different types of bread, such as white and brown bread, may need to be purchased in advance.
Ingredients For Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe
butter: Adds richness and moisture to the stuffing.
black pepper: Provides a touch of heat and enhances the flavors.
salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
poultry seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and complexity.
onions: Adds sweetness and a savory note.
celery: Offers a nice crunch and fresh flavor.
white bread: Base component of the stuffing for a soft texture.
brown bread: Adds a heartier texture and flavor contrast.
parsley: Fresh and bright, it enhances the overall taste.
thyme: Earthy and slightly minty, great for depth.
sage: Strong and aromatic, a cornerstone of stuffing flavor.
rosemary: Pine-like and fragrant, adds a unique aroma.
chicken broth: Moistens the bread and adds savory depth.
eggs: Binds the ingredients together for a cohesive stuffing.
One reader, Else Shen says:
This crock pot stuffing recipe is a game-changer! The flavors meld beautifully, and the fresh herbs make it taste gourmet. It's incredibly easy to prepare and frees up oven space. Perfect for any holiday meal!
Techniques for Making the Perfect Crock Pot Stuffing
How to melt butter: Heat the butter over medium heat until it is fully melted. How to cook vegetables: Cook the celery and onions until softened but not browned. How to moisten bread cubes: Add chicken broth a little bit at a time to the bread cubes and gently stir to moisten. How to refrigerate overnight: Cover the mixture and place it in the refrigerator overnight if making ahead of time. How to grease a slow cooker: Grease a 5 to 6-quart slow cooker well before adding the stuffing. How to adjust slow cooker temperature: Turn the slow cooker to high for about 30 minutes, then reduce the temperature to low and cook for 3 to 4 hours.
How To Make Crock Pot Stuffing
Skip the hassle with this easy crock pot stuffing made with butter-sautéed bread cubes, garlic, onion, and fresh herbs, then slow-cooked in chicken broth.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupbutter
- ½tspblack pepper
- ½tspsalt,or to taste
- 2tsppoultry seasoning
- 2medium onions,diced
- 2cupscelery,chopped
- 6cupswhite bread,cubed, dried
- 6cupsbrown bread,cubed, dried
- ¼cupparsley,chopped
- fresh thyme,to taste, optional
- fresh sage,to taste, optional
- fresh rosemary,to taste, optional
- 4cupschicken broth
- 2eggs
Instructions
-
Heat the butter over medium heat until melted.
-
Stir in the poultry seasoning, black pepper, and salt to taste. Add the celery and onions, then cook until softened but do not brown. Cool completely.
-
Place the bread cubes in a large bowl. Add the cooled celery and onion mixture, parsley, and fresh herbs.
-
Add the chicken broth a little bit at a time just to moisten* and gently stir. Stir in the eggs.
-
Cover and refrigerate overnight, if making ahead of time.
-
Grease a 5 to 6-quart slow cooker well. Place the stuffing in the slow cooker and turn onto High for about 30 minutes.
-
Reduce the temperature to Low and cook about 3 to 4 hours or until hot and cooked through.**
-
Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- *If using homemade dried bread cubes, use approximately 2 cups of broth; if using store-bought dried bread cubes/crumbs, use approximately 3 cups of broth.
- **If the stuffing is done before the meal is ready, it can remain in warm setting.
Nutrition
- Calories: 294.88kcal
- Fat: 18.39g
- Saturated Fat: 10.54g
- Trans Fat: 0.63g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.96g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.52g
- Carbohydrates: 25.34g
- Fiber: 2.54g
- Sugar: 4.68g
- Protein: 7.86g
- Cholesterol: 69.73mg
- Sodium: 429.52mg
- Calcium: 87.32mg
- Potassium: 261.17mg
- Iron: 2.26mg
- Vitamin A: 155.34µg
- Vitamin C: 6.74mg
Pro Tip for Achieving the Best Texture in Crock Pot Stuffing
When preparing the bread cubes for the stuffing, ensure they are slightly stale or toasted. This helps them absorb the chicken broth and other flavors without becoming too mushy. To toast, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are dry and slightly golden.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Slow Cooker Stuffing
Pre-chop vegetables: Dice the onions and celery the night before to save time on prep day.
Use pre-cubed bread: Buy pre-cubed bread to skip the step of cutting white bread and brown bread.
Pre-mix seasoning: Combine the poultry seasoning, black pepper, and salt in advance.
Use a food processor: Quickly chop parsley and fresh herbs using a food processor.
Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze half for a future meal.
Refrigerate overnight: Prepare the stuffing mixture the night before to let flavors meld and save time on cooking day.
Substitute Ingredients For Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can provide a similar fat content and texture, making it a good alternative for butter in stuffing.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat and flavor profile without altering the color of the dish.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
poultry seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence contains a mix of herbs that can mimic the flavor profile of poultry seasoning.
onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor, making them a good substitute for onions.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel offers a similar crunchy texture and a slightly sweet, anise-like flavor.
white bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough provides a tangy flavor and a similar texture, making it a good alternative to white bread.
brown bread - Substitute with whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread offers a similar texture and a slightly nutty flavor, making it a suitable substitute for brown bread.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh, bright flavor that can replace parsley in many dishes.
fresh thyme - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can be used in place of fresh thyme, though you should use less since dried herbs are more concentrated.
fresh sage - Substitute with dried sage: Dried sage can replace fresh sage, but use it sparingly as it is more potent.
fresh rosemary - Substitute with dried rosemary: Dried rosemary can be used instead of fresh, but use a smaller amount due to its stronger flavor.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar savory base while keeping the dish vegetarian.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) can act as a binding agent similar to eggs, making them a good vegan alternative.
Presentation Ideas for Serving Stuffing from the Slow Cooker
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the stuffing in elegant, small portions using a ring mold to create a refined shape. This ensures each serving looks sophisticated and uniform.
Use decoration: Garnish the stuffing with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary on top. This adds a touch of color and a hint of the fresh herbs used in the recipe, enhancing both the visual appeal and aroma.
Add texture contrast: Create a crispy topping by sprinkling some toasted bread crumbs mixed with a little melted butter and fresh herbs. Broil briefly before serving to add a delightful crunch.
Use a complementary sauce: Drizzle a light gravy or a reduction of chicken broth around the plate. This not only adds moisture but also enhances the flavor profile of the stuffing.
Incorporate color: Serve the stuffing alongside a vibrant vegetable medley, such as roasted carrots, brussels sprouts, and butternut squash. The contrasting colors will make the dish more visually appealing.
Plate on fine china: Use high-quality, elegant plates to serve the stuffing. The presentation on fine china elevates the overall dining experience and aligns with the expectations of a Michelin-starred meal.
Highlight the ingredients: Place small, decorative labels or cards near the dish that highlight the key ingredients, such as fresh sage, rosemary, and parsley. This educates diners and adds an element of sophistication.
Use precise plating techniques: Employ tweezers for precise placement of garnishes and components. This attention to detail showcases the care and craftsmanship that went into preparing the stuffing.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Crock Pot Stuffing
Medium saucepan: Used to melt the butter and cook the celery and onions until softened.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the butter, seasoning, and vegetables without scratching the pan.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onions, celery, and fresh herbs.
Chef's knife: Essential for finely chopping the onions, celery, parsley, and fresh herbs.
Large mixing bowl: Used to combine the bread cubes with the cooled vegetable mixture and other ingredients.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the butter, chicken broth, and bread cubes.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the poultry seasoning, black pepper, and salt.
Slow cooker: The primary cooking device for the stuffing, ensuring it cooks evenly and stays moist.
Spatula: Useful for gently stirring the bread mixture to avoid breaking the bread cubes.
Refrigerator: Needed to store the stuffing overnight if making ahead of time.
Non-stick spray: Used to grease the slow cooker to prevent the stuffing from sticking.
Serving spoon: For serving the warm stuffing once it is cooked and ready to enjoy.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Crock Pot Stuffing
- Let the stuffing cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the fridge, transfer the cooled stuffing to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- To freeze:
- Divide the cooled stuffing into portion-sized freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the bags or containers with the date and contents.
- Place the stuffing in the freezer, where it will keep for up to 3 months.
- To reheat refrigerated stuffing:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the stuffing to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.
- Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking for a crispy top, if desired.
- To reheat frozen stuffing:
- Thaw the frozen stuffing in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the thawed stuffing to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until heated through.
- Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking for a crispy top, if desired.
- Alternatively, you can reheat smaller portions of stuffing in the microwave:
- Place the desired amount of stuffing in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until heated to your liking.
How To Reheat Leftover Crock Pot Stuffing
The best way to reheat leftover crock pot stuffing is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stuffing into an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and bake for about 20-30 minutes or until it's heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and texture of the stuffing.
Another option is to reheat the stuffing in the microwave. Place the desired amount of stuffing in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes per serving, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. The damp paper towel helps to prevent the stuffing from drying out.
If you have a small amount of leftover stuffing, you can reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet over medium heat, add the stuffing, and stir occasionally until it's heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method works well for creating a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside moist.
For a quick and easy reheating method, you can use your air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), place the stuffing in the basket, and cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the stuffing is heated through and crispy on the outside.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your leftover stuffing, consider stirring in some freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or sage, before reheating. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for a delicious, savory crust.
Interesting Trivia About Crock Pot Stuffing
A random fact about this crock pot stuffing recipe is that using a mix of white bread and brown bread adds a unique texture and flavor. The combination of different breads helps to create a more complex and satisfying dish.
Is Making Stuffing in a Crock Pot Cost-Effective?
This crock pot stuffing recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using common ingredients like butter, onions, celery, and bread, it leverages pantry staples and fresh herbs like thyme, sage, and rosemary. The use of chicken broth and eggs adds richness without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $15-$20 USD.
Is Crock Pot Stuffing Healthy or Unhealthy?
This crock pot stuffing recipe, while flavorful, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- High butter content, which adds significant amounts of saturated fat
- White bread, which is made from refined grains and lacks fiber and nutrients
- High sodium content from the chicken broth and added salt
However, the recipe does include some nutritious ingredients, such as:
- Celery and onions, which provide fiber and vitamins
- Fresh herbs, which offer antioxidants and flavor without added calories
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of butter used, or replace some of it with heart-healthy olive oil
- Use whole grain bread instead of white bread to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the overall salt content
- Increase the proportion of vegetables, such as celery, onions, and even carrots or mushrooms, to boost the nutrient density of the dish
- Use fresh herbs generously to add flavor without relying on excessive salt or butter
By incorporating more whole grains, vegetables, and reducing the saturated fat and sodium content, this stuffing recipe can be transformed into a more nutritious side dish that still delivers on taste and comfort.
Editor's Opinion on This Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe
This crock pot stuffing recipe is a delightful blend of traditional flavors and modern convenience. The combination of white and brown bread adds a pleasing texture, while the fresh herbs like thyme, sage, and rosemary infuse the dish with aromatic depth. Cooking the stuffing in a slow cooker ensures it remains moist and flavorful, making it a perfect side dish for any holiday meal. The overnight refrigeration step allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful balance of ease and taste, ideal for both novice and experienced cooks.
Enhance Your Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe:
This crock pot stuffing recipe is a must-try for any holiday feast. The combination of white bread and brown bread creates a perfect texture, while the blend of fresh herbs like thyme, sage, and rosemary adds an aromatic depth. Cooking it in a slow cooker ensures the stuffing remains moist and flavorful. Plus, the convenience of preparing it ahead of time makes it a stress-free addition to your meal. Trust this recipe for a delicious, hassle-free holiday side dish.
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