Stove top stuffing, that classic Thanksgiving side dish, just got easier! This recipe shows you how to make perfectly moist and flavorful stuffing in your slow cooker, freeing up oven space and reducing your cooking stress. Say goodbye to dry, crumbly stuffing and hello to a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.
Why Make Stuffing in a Crock-Pot?
Several reasons make a crock-pot the perfect vessel for your stuffing:
- Even Cooking: The slow, even heat of a crock-pot ensures every bite is perfectly moist and cooked through. No more dry edges or undercooked centers!
- Frees Up Oven Space: Especially during the holiday rush, freeing up your oven is a huge advantage. This allows you to focus on other dishes without sacrificing quality.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Once you've assembled your stuffing, simply set it and forget it! The crock-pot does all the work, leaving you free to enjoy your preparations.
- Enhanced Flavor: The low and slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a richer, more complex taste.
Ingredients for Crock-Pot Stove Top Stuffing
This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, vegetables, and even meats!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups cubed bread (day-old bread works best!)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
Instructions: Making Your Crock-Pot Stuffing Magic
Get Started:
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet (not the crockpot), heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In your crock-pot, combine the sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add Bread Cubes: Gently stir in the cubed bread. Make sure the bread is evenly distributed.
Slow Cooking Process:
- Pour in Broth: Gradually pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture, ensuring the bread is well moistened but not soggy. You may not need all 4 cups.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the stuffing is heated through and the bread is tender. Stir halfway through for even cooking.
Optional Additions:
- Sausage: Add 1 pound of cooked and crumbled sausage for a heartier stuffing.
- Cranberries: Stir in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness and tartness.
- Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add a delicious earthy note.
Tips for Perfect Crock-Pot Stuffing
- Don't Over-Stuff: Leave some space at the top of your crock-pot to allow for steam to escape.
- Check for Moisture: If the stuffing seems too dry after 2 hours, add a little more broth.
- Bread Choice Matters: Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the liquid without becoming mushy.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your delicious crock-pot stuffing alongside your favorite Thanksgiving dishes or enjoy it as a standalone side dish. It's equally delicious hot or at room temperature.
This easy crock-pot stuffing recipe is sure to become a Thanksgiving staple. Enjoy the extra time you'll have to spend with family and friends, knowing your stuffing is taking care of itself! Happy cooking!
