Crock Pot Stuffing: The Easiest Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipe

Crock Pot Stuffing: Is there anything more comforting than the aroma of Thanksgiving dinner wafting through the house? For me, it’s the savory, herb-infused scent of stuffing that truly signals the start of the holiday season. But let’s be honest, juggling oven space on Thanksgiving Day can be a real challenge. That’s where this recipe comes in to save the day!

Stuffing, or dressing as it’s sometimes called, has a rich history dating back centuries. Originally, it was a practical way to utilize leftover bread, transforming it into a flavorful and satisfying side dish. Over time, it has evolved into a beloved staple, gracing tables across the country during Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. The beauty of stuffing lies in its versatility; every family has their own unique twist, passed down through generations.

What makes stuffing so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures – the soft, moist bread mingled with the crisp edges, the savory herbs dancing on your tongue, and the subtle sweetness of vegetables like celery and onions. And now, imagine achieving that perfect stuffing texture without hogging precious oven space. My Crock Pot Stuffing recipe delivers all the flavor and comfort you crave, with the added convenience of slow cooker cooking. It’s a game-changer for busy holiday cooks, freeing up your oven for the turkey and other essential dishes. Get ready to enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving with this easy and delicious recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound bulk pork sausage
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 (12 ounce) package seasoned stuffing mix
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Preparing the Sausage and Vegetables:

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to brown our sausage. This step is crucial because it adds a depth of flavor to the entire stuffing. Nobody wants bland stuffing, right? I like to use a large skillet for this, but any pan will do.

1. Brown the Sausage: Place the bulk pork sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want to cook it until it’s completely browned and there’s no pink left. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Drain Excess Grease: Once the sausage is browned, drain off any excess grease. You can do this by carefully pouring the sausage into a colander lined with paper towels. This step is important because too much grease will make the stuffing heavy and greasy. Nobody wants that!
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Now, in the same skillet (no need to wash it!), add the chopped celery and onion. Sauté them in the skillet with the residual sausage flavor (and a little extra butter if needed) until they are softened. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir them frequently to prevent burning. You want the onions to be translucent and the celery to be slightly tender.

Combining the Ingredients:

Now comes the fun part – putting everything together! This is where the magic happens, and all those individual flavors start to meld into something truly delicious. Don’t be afraid to get your hands a little dirty (or use a big spoon!).

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the seasoned stuffing mix, dried sage, dried thyme, and ground black pepper. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. I like to give it a good toss with a whisk to ensure there are no clumps of spices.
2. Add the Sausage and Vegetables: Add the browned sausage and sautéed celery and onion to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix well to combine. You want to make sure the sausage and vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the stuffing mix.
3. Melt the Butter: In a separate small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Make sure it’s completely melted.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the melted butter, chicken broth, chopped fresh parsley, and lightly beaten eggs into the bowl with the stuffing mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the stuffing tough. You want the stuffing to be moist but not soggy. If it seems too dry, add a little more chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Cooking in the Crock-Pot:

Alright, we’re almost there! Now it’s time to let the crock-pot do its thing. This is where the low and slow cooking really brings out the flavors and creates a wonderfully moist and flavorful stuffing. I love using a crock-pot for stuffing because it frees up oven space, especially during the holidays when oven real estate is at a premium!

1. Grease the Crock-Pot: Lightly grease the inside of your crock-pot with cooking spray. This will prevent the stuffing from sticking to the sides and bottom.
2. Pour in the Stuffing Mixture: Pour the stuffing mixture into the prepared crock-pot. Spread it out evenly.
3. Cook on Low: Cover the crock-pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the stuffing is heated through and the edges are slightly browned. The exact cooking time will depend on your crock-pot, so keep an eye on it. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork into the center of the stuffing. If it comes out clean, it’s ready.
4. Optional: Crisp the Top (Oven Method): If you want a crispier top, you can transfer the stuffing to a baking dish and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. This step is optional, but it adds a nice textural contrast to the moist stuffing.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and variations to make this Crock-Pot Stuffing even more amazing!

• Add-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients to customize your stuffing. Some popular additions include chopped apples, cranberries, pecans, walnuts, or mushrooms.
• Bread Type: You can use different types of stuffing mix, such as cornbread stuffing mix or sourdough stuffing mix, for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: To make this stuffing vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables to add flavor and texture.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add the wet ingredients right before cooking.
• Broth Adjustment: The amount of broth needed can vary depending on the dryness of your stuffing mix. Start with the recommended amount and add more, a tablespoon at a time, until the stuffing is moist but not soggy.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs to customize the flavor of your stuffing. Rosemary, marjoram, and savory are all great options.
• Crock-Pot Size: This recipe is designed for a 6-quart crock-pot. If you’re using a smaller crock-pot, you may need to reduce the ingredients accordingly.

Serving Suggestions:

This Crock-Pot Stuffing is the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other special occasion. It pairs well with turkey, chicken, ham, or roast beef. You can also serve it as a vegetarian main course with a side salad.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Crock-Pot Stuffing! I hope you and your family love it as much as mine does.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Crock Pot Stuffing recipe is truly a game-changer, especially during the busy holiday season. Forget babysitting a pan in the oven; this method frees up valuable oven space and delivers consistently moist and flavorful stuffing every single time. I know, I know, you might be skeptical, but trust me on this one – once you try it, you’ll never go back to baking your stuffing again!

Why is this a must-try? Well, beyond the oven space liberation, the slow cooker infuses every single ingredient with incredible flavor. The broth, the herbs, the vegetables – they all meld together beautifully over those gentle hours, creating a depth of flavor you just can’t achieve in the oven. Plus, the texture is perfect: tender and moist throughout, with just a hint of crispiness around the edges (if you’re into that, just give it a quick broil at the end!). It’s the kind of stuffing that everyone raves about, and you can secretly smile knowing how easy it was to make.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

This recipe is fantastic as is, but feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas to spark your culinary imagination:

• Add-ins: Consider adding cooked sausage, crumbled bacon, or even some dried cranberries or cherries for a touch of sweetness.
• Bread Choice: While I love using a combination of white and wheat bread, you can experiment with different types of bread. Sourdough, challah, or even cornbread would all be delicious.
• Vegetarian Option: Easily make this vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could also add some chopped mushrooms or roasted butternut squash for extra flavor and texture.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a subtle kick.
• Serving: This stuffing is, of course, the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey. But it’s also delicious served alongside roasted chicken, pork chops, or even as a side dish for a hearty vegetarian meal. I sometimes even enjoy a bowl of it on its own for lunch!

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own! That’s the beauty of cooking, right? It’s all about finding what you love and creating something delicious that you can share with your friends and family.

I truly believe this Crock Pot Stuffing will become a staple in your holiday cooking repertoire. It’s easy, delicious, and frees up your oven for other important dishes (like that pumpkin pie!). So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and get ready to experience the easiest and most flavorful stuffing you’ve ever had.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what variations you tried, what you served it with, and what your family thought. Happy cooking, and happy holidays!