This classic crockpot stuffing is easy to make ahead for Thanksgiving! With timeless flavors, this homemade bread stuffing frees up oven space for your turkey dinner.
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Simple Slow Cooker Stuffing
A humble crockpot stuffing with maximum flavor is what everyone needs on their Thanksgiving menu or at Christmas dinner. I
t’s a no-fuss Thanksgiving side dish that doesn’t take up any room in the oven and can be left alone while the oven roasted turkey is being taken care of. That’s why this and other crockpot side dish recipes are my go-to for the holidays!
This slow cooker stuffing recipe is simple and inexpensive, especially when you’re able to use leftover homemade bread. It’s made with savory flavors of celery, carrot and onion along with the perfect amount of herbs and seasoning. It’s moist without being mushy and may very well become your new favorite side dish!
Recipe Ingredients
Take this stuffing to the next level with fresh ingredients and simple recipe to follow! These ingredients each come with their own flavor and texture. When combined, your tastebuds will be thanking you!
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- White bread: Cube all the bread and dry it either on a baking sheet or leaving it out overnight.
- Vegetables: Chop celery, onion, and carrots the same size to help them cook evenly in a skillet.
- Butter: Salted butter is perfect! This will add a little bit of flavor to the vegetables.
- Seasonings: Just two seasonings, sage and parsley. If you are using dried seasoning only 1 teaspoon or 1 Tablespoon for fresh seasonings.
- Eggs: Whisk together to help bind the stuffing together.
- Chicken broth: Helps the stuffing keep moist and adds in flavor! This is added at the very end when pouring over the stuffing in the slow cooker.
Variations
Sometimes adding in more possibilities for stuffing is just what you need! This delicious crockpot stuffing can be perfected and even more amazing with extra add-ins or variations. Make this crockpot stuffing just the way you like it!
- Dried apples: Adding in some diced apple for sweeter flavor can be a wonderful addition. Mix it in just before adding the broth.
- Dried cranberries: You can add them with or instead of the apples. Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a different type of sweetness.
- Bread: I love French bread because of how sturdy it is, but you can use sourdough, Italian and regular white bread as well. Take it one step further and make a cornbread stuffing.
- Sausage: Cook up some sausage (mild or spicy) and mix it into the stuffing as well. Sausage stuffing is so hearty and a nice way to bulk it up with some extra protein.
How to Make Crockpot Stuffing
This easy slow cooker stuffing has all the simple ingredients that taste amazing when combined! Cook on the oven then combine in a crockpot for all the flavors to enhance. These ingredients are fresh and simple!
- Dry the bread. Place the bread on a sheet pan and bake until the bread is dry and crusty.
- Cook vegetables. Melt the butter in a skillet. Cook the onions, celery, and carrots on the stovetop until they are soft and tender.
- Combine. Add all the ingredients into the crockpot and slowly stir together.
- Cook in slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours or until cooked through. Stir together throughout the duration of the cooking time.
Cooking Tips
You can’t go wrong with knowing exactly how to make a recipe! With these cooking tips you will have the best crockpot stuffing on the table. Follow these guidelines and you will love how your easy stuffing turns out!
- Store-bought stuffing cubes can be used in place of bread you cube yourself. One way to simplify things even more.
- When cooking the mirepoix (celery, onions, carrots) in the skillet, be sure to cook just until the onions are soft. Burnt bits will change the flavor of the stuffing.
- Mix all of the ingredients to combine before baking. You want to make sure that all of the bread is coated evenly. No pieces are left dry and none are drenched in the broth.
- Make it a completely vegetarian version and use vegetable broth instead.
Prepare Your Bread!
The secret to stuffing is making sure the bread doesn’t get soggy! Other than your liquid-to-bread ratio being right on the mark, you need to make sure your bread is nice and dry. Here are two ways to prepare your bread:
- Place cubes of bread on a baking sheet and allow them to sit out for 1-2 days.
- Lightly toast them in a preheated 200 degree oven for 20 minutes. Toss halfway.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! That is the benefit of cooking in the crockpot. Keep it warm until you serve it or leave it out while you are ready to eat.
Seasonings, dried fruit, fresh fruit like apples or pears can help enhance the flavor and taste of the stuffing. Sweet and savory are always a great combination!
Stuffing doesn’t always have to have eggs. In this recipe, it is in the ingredients but it is not mandatory. Eggs help keep the shape of the stuffing.
Make Ahead Crockpot Stuffing
Just when you thought this stuffing recipe couldn’t get any easier, here we are! Holidays and dinners are hard enough, make this simple crockpot stuffing ahead of time to help manage the other recipes too.
- Assemble the stuffing ahead of time by placing all ingredients in the crockpot as directed.
- Cover with foil and place in the fridge.
- When you’re ready to bake it, place it directly in the oven and tack on 30 extra minutes.
Are you wanting desserts to end your night with?! Try this classic pumpkin pie, dutch apple pie, or this razzleberry pie that are some of my favorite traditional holiday desserts
Other Easy Slow Cooker Sides
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Crockpot Stuffing
Ingredients
- 10 cups cubed and dried white bread , see note
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup grated carrots
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried sage , or 1 Tablespoon fresh
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley , more for top
- 2 large eggs , whisked
- 2 to 3 cups chicken broth , more as needed
S&P , to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet. Add the onion, celery and carrots and cook for 3-5 minutes or until soft. Stir in the sage and salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Grease the bottom of a 5-6 quart crockpot. Combine the toasted bread, cooked veggies and fresh parsley in the base of the pot. Add the whisked eggs and then slowly stir in 2 cups chicken broth and stir until combined. Add more as needed. You want all the bread to be lightly covered but not drenched. There shouldn't be extra liquid in the bottom. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top, to taste.
- Cook on low for 4 hours or until cooked through. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top if desired.
Notes
- Diced apples: You can add 1 apple diced for a sweeter flavor. Mix in just before adding the broth.
- Dried cranberries: You can also add in 1/2 cup dried cranberries for a sweet kick.
- Bread: My personal favorite is French bread, but you can use sour dough bread, Italian bread and old fashioned white bread. You could even mix in some corn bread.
- Sausage: You can cook 1 pound mild Italian sausage and mix that into the stuffing as well.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Christmas, Crockpot, Crockpot, Nut-Free, One Pot, Side Dishes, Thanksgiving
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
Using the crock pot for this definitely makes like easier!
I am glad you found this useful, Allyson. Happy Thanksgiving!
I made this using vegetable broth instead, and it tasted so delicious! Such a great recipe for thanksgiving and for vegetarians who love stuffing too!
Thanks for sharing this option, Olivia. I love to hear what variations followers try out!
I was looking for the perfect stuffing recipe, I think I found it! Such a crowd pleaser and totally expected dish at thanksgiving! Thank you for posting!
Glad you got a chance to try it out before the big day, Julia. Thanks for sharing. Happy Thanksgiving!
It looking forward to making some of these
Hope you enjoy :D
I was looking for something new to try this Thanksgiving. I think I found it! This looks amazing and super tasty. Can’t wait to give this a try.
I hope you enjoy!
Wonderful recipe. We will make this again for Thanksgiving!
So glad you enjoyed it :)