Turkey Crockpot Stuffing: A Comforting Recipe

Hey there, fellow comfort seekers! Let’s talk about the magic of Turkey Crockpot Stuffing. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, especially after a long day of school runs, soccer practice, and… well, life! As a busy mom myself, I know how much we crave those simple comfort foods that bring the family together. This Turkey Crockpot Stuffing recipe is a total game-changer.

I still remember the first time I made this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing. Thanksgiving was looming, I was swamped, and the thought of juggling a million things in the oven sent shivers down my spine. That’s when I thought, “Why not try the slow cooker?” My family devoured it! They loved the moist texture and the rich flavors. The best part? It freed up precious oven space. That’s a dinnertime win in my book!

This recipe brings back so many memories and has become a staple at our Thanksgiving celebrations. Even my pickiest eater asks for seconds! This Turkey Crockpot Stuffing is so easy and delicious. It’s comfort food at its finest. If you’re looking for a sanity-saving comfort food solution, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need for this easy Turkey Crockpot Stuffing:

  • 1 pound loaf of bread, cubed: (I like to use a hearty Italian or sourdough bread). If you’re gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free bread.
  • 1 cup chopped celery: Adds a nice crunch and subtle flavor.
  • 1 cup chopped onion: Yellow or white onion works great.
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted: For richness and flavor!
  • 2 cups chicken or turkey broth: Adds moisture and flavor to your stuffing.
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage: A classic stuffing herb!
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: For a hint of woodsy aroma.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: To taste!
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: To taste!
  • Optional: 1/2 cup dried cranberries: For a touch of sweetness and tartness.
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts: Adds a nutty crunch.
Ingredients needed to make Turkey Crockpot Stuffing including bread, celery, onion, butter, broth and spices

Trust me, this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! This recipe is also very versatile. No worries if you don’t have fresh herbs – dried herbs work just fine for this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing. I always have dried sage, thyme, and rosemary on hand.

You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. This Turkey Crockpot Stuffing proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive. You can easily adjust the amounts to your liking. My family gets extra comfort when I add a little extra sage – it reminds them of Grandma’s cooking!

Here’s a Turkey Crockpot Stuffing comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: I prepare the bread cubes the night before and let them sit out to dry. This helps the stuffing absorb more of the broth and prevents it from being soggy.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, let’s dive into making this amazing Turkey Crockpot Stuffing! Don’t worry, it’s super easy, and I’ll walk you through every step. Think of me as your kitchen buddy!

  1. Prepare the Bread: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. For best results, let the bread cubes sit out overnight to dry slightly. This helps prevent the stuffing from becoming too soggy.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onion, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step is key for adding depth of flavor to your Turkey Crockpot Stuffing.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed celery and onion, dried sage, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. If using, add the dried cranberries and chopped pecans or walnuts. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
  4. Add the Broth: Pour the chicken or turkey broth over the bread mixture. Toss gently to moisten, but be careful not to over-soak the bread. You want the stuffing to be moist but not soggy.
  5. Transfer to Crockpot: Grease your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter. Pour the stuffing mixture into the slow cooker and spread it out evenly.
  6. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check the stuffing periodically. Your Turkey Crockpot Stuffing should be heated through and slightly crispy around the edges.
  7. Rest (Optional): Let your Turkey Crockpot Stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Here’s where I used to struggle with my Turkey Crockpot Stuffing – I would add too much broth and end up with a soggy mess. Learn from my experience: start with less broth and add more as needed until the bread is just moistened.

In my busy kitchen, this comforting Turkey Crockpot Stuffing usually takes about 15 minutes to prep and then cooks on its own in the slow cooker. This is the perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!

While your Turkey Crockpot Stuffing is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! Your Turkey Crockpot Stuffing should smell amazing by now. Don’t worry if your Turkey Crockpot Stuffing looks a little dry on top – just give it a gentle stir. For more great slow cooker recipes check out Crock Pot Stuffing | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch.

How We Love to Eat This!

My family absolutely loves this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing! We usually serve it as a side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas, but it’s also great for weeknight dinners. I love to serve it with roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans for a complete and comforting meal.

The kids devour this comforting Turkey Crockpot Stuffing when I serve it with a dollop of cranberry sauce. The sweet and tart flavors complement the savory stuffing perfectly. My husband loves it with a side of gravy.

This Turkey Crockpot Stuffing is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! I often make a big batch on the weekend and then reheat it during the week. It’s also a great way to use up leftover bread.

For a fun twist, try adding sausage or bacon to your Turkey Crockpot Stuffing. My family loves the added flavor and protein. You could also try adding different vegetables, such as mushrooms or carrots. This comforting Turkey Crockpot Stuffing reminds me of another family favorite – Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing.

If you have any leftover Turkey Crockpot Stuffing, you can use it to make stuffing muffins or stuffing-topped chicken breasts. I’ve even used it as a filling for omelets!

For a different take on stuffing, check out this conversation on Reddit about different stuffing options: Kenji’s slow cooker stuffing / dressing : r/seriouseats.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know you probably have some questions about making this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing, so I’ve gathered some of the most common questions I get asked. Here are some helpful tips and tricks!

Is this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing really filling enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! The bread, vegetables, and optional additions like sausage or nuts make it a hearty and satisfying side dish. Plus, it’s packed with carbs for energy!

What if my picky eater won’t try this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing?

Start by offering a small portion alongside something they already love. You can also try pureeing some of the cooked vegetables and mixing them into the stuffing to make it less noticeable. Or, let them help you make it! Kids are more likely to try something they helped create.

Can I meal prep this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing for busy weeks ahead?

Yes! You can assemble the stuffing mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add the broth right before cooking. You can also cook the stuffing ahead of time and reheat it in the microwave or oven.

Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe?

Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free bread. I recommend using a hearty gluten-free bread that can hold its shape well.

Can I add meat to this stuffing?

Of course! Cooked sausage, bacon, or ground turkey would be delicious additions. Just make sure to cook the meat thoroughly before adding it to the stuffing mixture.

Can I make this stuffing without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake it in the oven. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown on top.

What kind of broth should I use?

Chicken or turkey broth works best, but you can also use vegetable broth if you prefer. If you are using drippings, that adds great flavor for a Thanksgiving stuffing recipe!

I hope these answers help! Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing your own! Here’s one mom seeking advice on making great stuffing, just like you!: Gritty cornbread stuffing recipes or crock pot stuffing options?. If your family enjoys this comfort food, they’ll love Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

Final Thoughts:

I hope this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing recipe brings as much comfort and joy to your family as it has to mine. It’s a sanity-saving solution for busy moms who want to create delicious and comforting meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

My Turkey Crockpot Stuffing Comfort Hacks:

  • Dry the bread: Letting the bread cubes dry out overnight makes all the difference.
  • Don’t over-soak: Add the broth gradually to prevent a soggy mess.
  • Taste and adjust: Season to your liking – don’t be afraid to experiment!

Here are a few family-tested Turkey Crockpot Stuffing variations:

  • Sausage Stuffing: Add 1 pound of cooked and crumbled sausage.
  • Mushroom Stuffing: Add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms.
  • Cranberry Walnut Stuffing: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts.

My son loves the sausage version, while my daughter prefers the cranberry walnut version. I personally love them all!

Remember, this recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to make it your own way! Add your favorite ingredients, adjust the seasonings to your liking, and create a Turkey Crockpot Stuffing that your family will love.

Delicious homemade Turkey Crockpot Stuffing served in a bowl

I hope this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing supports your family’s comfort food goals this holiday season. Cooking for your family should be a source of joy, not stress. With this simple recipe, you can create a comforting and delicious meal that everyone will love. So go ahead, give it a try! You got this!

If this easy Bacon Cornbread Stuffing and your family will love it.

 

Print

Turkey Crockpot Stuffing

Delicious Turkey Crockpot Stuffing Ready to Serve

Enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving side dish with this easy Turkey Crockpot Stuffing. This flavorful stuffing cooks to perfection in your slow cooker, freeing up oven space for other holiday favorites.

  • Author: Beatriz
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Crockpot
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (1 pound) day-old bread, cubed
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
  • 1 cup cooked turkey, chopped

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, celery, onion, melted butter, poultry seasoning, sage, and pepper.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and mix well until the bread is moistened.
  3. Gently fold in the chopped cooked turkey.
  4. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a lightly greased slow cooker.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the stuffing is heated through and slightly browned around the edges.

Notes

For extra flavor, brown the butter before adding it to the stuffing mixture. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!