Crockpot Stuffing: The Busy Mom’s Secret Weapon
You know those days when dinner feels like a Herculean task? I get it! That’s why I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe for Crockpot Stuffing. It’s a total lifesaver in my house, especially around the holidays. I remember the first time I tried making Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving. My oven was already packed with the turkey and all the fixings, and I was starting to panic! My mom suggested using the slow cooker, and honestly, it was a game-changer. It freed up oven space, and it came out perfectly moist and flavorful.
My family now asks for it every year! Seriously, my youngest declared it his “favorite part of Thanksgiving.” I knew right then this Crockpot Stuffing was a true comfort food win. It’s become such a staple because it’s simple, delicious, and makes Thanksgiving (or any weeknight, really) feel a little less chaotic. It brings us all together around the table, and that’s what matters most. This Crockpot Stuffing has truly saved me on many occasions!
If you’re a busy mom looking for a simple, comforting way to feed your family, I hope you will find this recipe helpful. I get it, we are all pulled in so many directions. It’s all about making delicious food without losing your mind in the process! Let’s dive in, fellow comfort seekers.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
- 1 loaf of your favorite bread, cubed (about 10-12 cups)
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 cup dried cranberries or chopped walnuts
Trust me, this Crockpot Stuffing ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. I usually buy a day-old loaf of bread for this recipe – it soaks up the flavors even better! No worries if you don’t have fresh herbs – I use dried for extra comfort in my easy Crockpot Stuffing recipe for Thanksgiving | The Kitchn.
This Crockpot Stuffing proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive! You can easily swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian. My family gets extra comfort when I add dried cranberries – they add a touch of sweetness that everyone loves. Here’s a Crockpot Stuffing comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: I prep all the veggies the night before and store them in the fridge. One less thing to do on the day I plan to make it!
Let’s Make it Happen!
- First, lightly toast the bread cubes in the oven at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes, until they are slightly dried out. This step prevents the Crockpot Stuffing from becoming too mushy. While that’s happening, you can melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and celery to the melted butter and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step infuses the vegetables with that rich, buttery flavor that makes Crockpot Stuffing so irresistible. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent burning!
- In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked onion and celery mixture, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed. This will give your Crockpot Stuffing a cozy, aromatic taste.
- Pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture and stir to combine. Make sure the bread is evenly moistened, but not soggy. Don’t worry if your Crockpot Stuffing looks a little wet – it will absorb the liquid as it cooks.
- Grease your slow cooker with cooking spray. Pour the Crockpot Stuffing mixture into the slow cooker and spread it out evenly. Dot the top with a few extra pats of butter, if desired. This adds even more richness and flavor.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Check the Crockpot Stuffing after the minimum cooking time and add more chicken broth if it seems too dry. In my busy kitchen, this comforting Crock Pot Stuffing usually takes about 5 hours on low to get that perfect balance of moist and tender.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the lid to allow the top of the Crockpot Stuffing to brown slightly. Your Crockpot Stuffing should smell amazing by now! This is the perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! Here’s where I used to struggle with my Crockpot Stuffing – learn from my experience! I would overcook it and it would dry out. Make sure you keep an eye on it and add more broth if needed.
While your Crockpot Stuffing is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family!
How We Love to Eat This!
The kids devour this comforting Crockpot Stuffing when I serve it with roasted chicken and green beans. I also love to add a dollop of cranberry sauce for a festive touch. This Crockpot Stuffing is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! It’s also a crowd-pleaser for potlucks and holiday gatherings.
I always make a double batch of this Crockpot Stuffing so we can enjoy leftovers for days. It’s delicious reheated with a fried egg on top for breakfast! For a fun seasonal variation, try adding cooked sausage or crumbled bacon. My husband loves this hearty addition! The kids also enjoy when I form the leftover Crockpot Stuffing into patties and pan-fry them until crispy.
When I’m serving this Crockpot Stuffing Recipe to guests, I like to transfer it to a pretty serving dish and garnish it with fresh parsley. It makes it look extra special! My friends always rave about how moist and flavorful it is. This comforting Crockpot Stuffing reminds me of another family favorite, Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
- Is this Crockpot Stuffing really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The bread, vegetables, and broth make it a hearty and satisfying dish. I often add ground sausage to make it even more filling.
- What if my picky eater won’t try this Crockpot Stuffing? Start by offering them a small taste with a favorite condiment like ketchup or gravy. You can also try adding some shredded cheese or bacon bits to make it more appealing.
- Can I meal prep this Crockpot Stuffing for busy weeks ahead? Yes! You can assemble the Crockpot Stuffing mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add a little extra broth when you’re ready to cook it.
- Can I use gluten-free bread in this Crockpot Stuffing recipe? Yes, you can. Just be sure to choose a gluten-free bread that holds its shape well and doesn’t get too mushy.
- Can I freeze leftover Crockpot Stuffing? Yes, you can! Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven or microwave.
- What if I don’t have chicken broth? You can substitute vegetable broth or even water with a bouillon cube.
- How do I keep the Crockpot Stuffing from getting too soggy? Make sure to lightly toast the bread cubes before adding them to the slow cooker. This will help them retain their texture.
This Crockpot Stuffing has been a total dinnertime game changer. I hope it helps you create a cozy and comforting meal for your loved ones. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out my Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs!
Final Thoughts:
This Crockpot Stuffing truly supports my family’s comfort food goals because it’s easy, delicious, and brings us all together around the table. It’s a simple way to show my family I care, without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a sanity-saver during the holidays and a welcome addition to any weeknight meal.
Here are My Crockpot Stuffing Comfort Hacks:
- I prep the veggies the night before.
- I use day-old bread to prevent sogginess.
- I add a little extra butter for extra richness.
Here are a few family-tested Crockpot Stuffing variations:
- Sausage and Apple: Add cooked sausage and diced apples for a sweet and savory twist.
- Mushroom and Swiss: Add sautéed mushrooms and shredded Swiss cheese for a decadent flavor.
- Cranberry Walnut: Add dried cranberries and chopped walnuts for a festive and flavorful Crockpot Stuffing.
My husband prefers the sausage and apple version, while the kids love the classic Crockpot Stuffing with dried cranberries. No matter how you make it, I encourage you to make it your own way and experiment with different flavors and ingredients. And if you are looking for more easy dinner ideas, check out this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing Recipe.
I hope you enjoy this satisfying Crockpot Stuffing as much as my family does! Remember, you’ve got this. Dinner doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and a slow cooker, you can create a delicious and comforting meal that everyone will love.
Go ahead and give this Crockpot Stuffing a try. I have no doubt you will find it a great addition to your dinner rotation.
Crockpot Stuffing
This Crockpot Stuffing recipe is a Thanksgiving game-changer! Tender, flavorful stuffing cooked to perfection in your slow cooker, freeing up valuable oven space for other holiday dishes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 260 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (16 ounces) day-old white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Place bread cubes in a large bowl.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in sage, thyme, marjoram, pepper, and salt.
- Pour the onion mixture over the bread cubes and toss to combine.
- Add chicken broth and parsley, tossing gently until the bread is moistened but not soggy.
- Grease a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Transfer the stuffing mixture to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until heated through.
Notes
For a richer flavor, add cooked sausage or crumbled bacon to the stuffing mixture before cooking.