If you’ve ever wanted a cozy, savory dish that practically melts in your mouth and fills your home with irresistible aromas, then this Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect blend of tender bread cubes, crisp celery, and just the right balance of herbs and seasoning, all slow-cooked to perfection. Whether you’re gathering for a holiday feast or simply craving comfort food, this recipe offers an effortless way to serve up homemade stuffing without tying yourself to the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe uses simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create a rich, flavorful side. Each component adds its own unique texture or taste—from the buttery base to the fresh herbs that brighten the whole dish.
- 1 cup butter: Provides a luscious, creamy richness and helps soften the vegetables.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle kick to balance the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste): Enhances every other ingredient without overpowering.
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning: The classic blend that brings warmth and depth to the stuffing.
- 2 medium yellow onions (diced): Adds subtle sweetness and moisture.
- 2 cups sliced celery: Brings a fresh, crisp texture that complements the softness.
- 6 cups dry white bread cubes: Creates bulk and soaks up all the wonderful flavors.
- 6 cups dry brown bread cubes: Adds a heartier texture and color contrast.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Lifts the dish with a bright herbal note.
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (thyme, sage, rosemary, optional): Infuses an aromatic, savory essence.
- 3 cups chicken broth (plus an additional 1 cup if needed): Moistens the bread and carries the flavor throughout.
- 2 eggs: Bind everything together for a satisfying texture that slices well.
How to Make Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the flavorful base
Start by melting your butter over medium heat, then swirl in the poultry seasoning, black pepper, and salt to create a perfectly seasoned butter bath. Toss in the diced celery and onion, cooking gently until they’re soft and tender without browning. This step unlocks the vegetables’ sweetness and ensures each bite of your stuffing has a delicate balance of flavors.
Step 2: Combine the bread and veggies
Gather your dry white and brown bread cubes in a large bowl—it’s important they’re dry to absorb just the right amount of moisture. Add the cooled celery and onion mixture, sprinkle in fresh parsley and optional herbs, and toss everything together. This layering of textures and fresh herbs guarantees your stuffing will be vibrant and full-bodied.
Step 3: Moisten and bind
Slowly pour in the chicken broth a little at a time, gently stirring just enough so the bread cubes soak it up without becoming soggy. Depending on your bread’s dryness, you might not need all the broth, so keep an eye on the texture. To finish the mixture, beat in two eggs which will hold the stuffing together and give it a rich, cohesive bite.
Step 4: Optional overnight rest
If you like, cover the bowl and refrigerate the stuffing overnight. This little rest allows the flavors to meld even more deeply and can make your preparation easier on a busy day.
Step 5: Slow cook to perfection
Grease your 5 to 6-quart slow cooker thoroughly to prevent sticking. Transfer the stuffing in and cook it on high for 30 minutes to start. Then reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for 3 to 4 hours, until it’s piping hot and cooked through. If it’s ready before you are, just keep it on warm—its flavors only improve as it sits!
How to Serve Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley over the top adds a pop of color and freshness that makes the dish look as inviting as it tastes. For an extra treat, try dotting with a few patty-sized knobs of melted butter or freshly cracked black pepper to bring out the herbs’ aroma.
Side Dishes
This Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe shines alongside roasted turkey or chicken, making it a holiday staple. It also pairs beautifully with simple steamed green beans, glazed carrots, or a crisp winter salad to balance the rich textures and keep your meal lively.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of serving it straight from the crock pot, scoop the stuffing into a decorative baking dish and broil for a few minutes to create a golden, crisp top layer. You can also stuff it into large roasted mushrooms or use it as a savory filling for baked acorn squash to impress your guests with beautiful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover stuffing in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy your comforting Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe without worry and reheat portions as needed.
Freezing
If you want to keep the yumminess around even longer, freeze the stuffing in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to keep its perfect texture intact.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftovers is either in the microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out, or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to keep moisture in. You can also pop it back into the slow cooker on warm for gentle reheating before serving.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for white and brown bread cubes, you can experiment with sourdough, whole wheat, or even gluten-free bread. Just make sure the bread is dry so it absorbs the broth well.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and ensure your butter and seasonings are vegetarian-friendly. The resulting stuffing will still be rich and flavorful.
Do I need fresh herbs, or can I use dried?
Fresh herbs add brightness and aroma, but dried herbs work well too—just use about a third of the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated. The choice depends on what you have and the flavor profile you enjoy.
Can I prepare the stuffing directly in the slow cooker?
For best texture, it’s recommended to mix everything in a bowl first, then transfer to the slow cooker. This helps distribute the seasoning and broth evenly throughout the bread cubes.
How do I know when the stuffing is fully cooked?
The stuffing is done when it’s heated through completely and holds together nicely without being mushy. You can check by inserting a fork—if it’s hot all the way through and slightly firm, it’s ready!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about diving into a warm, comforting dish like this Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe, especially when it’s made with love and just a handful of simple ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners. So grab your slow cooker, gather those ingredients, and let the delicious magic happen—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Crock Pot Stuffing recipe delivers a warm, comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals or any family gathering. Featuring a flavorful blend of butter, celery, onions, poultry seasoning, and fresh herbs, it is moist and savory, slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot for a fuss-free preparation and outstanding taste.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 medium yellow onions, diced
- 2 cups sliced celery
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (thyme, sage, rosemary – optional)
Dry Ingredients
- 6 cups dry white bread cubes (*see note)
- 6 cups dry brown bread cubes (*see note)
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning (store bought or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 3 cups chicken broth (plus an additional 1 cup if needed)
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Cook Aromatics: Heat butter over medium heat until melted. Stir in poultry seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Add celery and onions and cook until softened, making sure not to brown them. Allow the mixture to cool completely before proceeding.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the white and brown bread cubes in a large bowl. Add the cooled celery and onion mixture, chopped fresh parsley, and fresh herbs if using.
- Moisten Stuffing: Gradually add chicken broth a little at a time, stirring gently just to moisten the bread. You might not need all the broth depending on how dry your bread cubes are. Then stir in the eggs to bind the mixture.
- Optional Make-Ahead: Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight if you want to prepare the stuffing ahead of time. This helps flavors meld together.
- Cook in Crock Pot: Grease a 5-6 quart slow cooker well. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the slow cooker. Cook on high for 30 minutes, then reduce heat to low and continue cooking for an additional 3 to 4 hours, or until the stuffing is hot and cooked through. If finished early, keep the stuffing on warm until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use slightly stale or dry bread cubes for best texture; fresh bread can make the stuffing too mushy.
- Adjust salt according to taste and the saltiness of your broth.
- The optional fresh herbs add extra aroma and flavor but can be left out if unavailable.
- Adding the eggs helps bind the stuffing and provide structure.
- If stuffing seems too dry after adding broth, add more broth in small increments until desired consistency is reached.
