Introduction

This is the ultimate recipe for the Best Crock Pot Stuffing—so easy and foolproof that you’ll make it every holiday! Using your slow cooker frees up oven space and guarantees perfectly moist, flavorful stuffing every time. For a complete holiday spread, try pairing it with Crockpot Cranberry Sauce Recipe or serving it alongside Jenna’s Five Star Rolls Recipe.

Ingredients

This Crockpot Stuffing fills your kitchen with the warm, savory aroma of herbs and toasted bread as it slow-cooks to golden-brown perfection.

• 12 cups dried bread cubes
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 3/4 cup chicken or turkey stock
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon sage
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten

Timing

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	4 hours
Total Time	4 hours 20 minutes

Context: This Crockpot Stuffing recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes since the slow cooker does most of the work while you prepare other dishes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather 12 cups of cubed bread, 1 cup diced onion, 1 cup diced celery, 2 beaten eggs, and 2 cups chicken broth. For best texture, use slightly stale bread or toast fresh cubes at 300°F for 10 minutes.

Step 2 — Sauté Vegetables

Melt ½ cup butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery, cooking until softened (about 5-7 minutes). This step builds flavor foundation for your Crockpot Stuffing.

Step 3 — Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix bread cubes with sautéed vegetables. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, broth, and seasonings like sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour wet mixture over bread and toss gently to coat evenly.

Step 4 — Transfer to Slow Cooker

Lightly grease your crockpot with butter or cooking spray. Spread the stuffing mixture evenly in the insert. Do not pack tightly—leave some air pockets for even cooking.

Step 5 — Cook on High

Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours. The high setting creates steam that moistens the bread while cooking it through. Check at 90 minutes to assess moisture level.

Step 6 — Check for Doneness

Insert a knife into the center—it should come out clean, and the top should be golden. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety. If too dry, add ¼ cup warm broth.

Step 7 — Rest Before Serving

Turn off crockpot and let stuffing rest 15-20 minutes with lid slightly ajar. This allows flavors to meld and makes serving easier. The texture will firm up slightly during resting.

Step 8 — Fluff and Serve

Use a fork to gently fluff the Crockpot Stuffing before transferring to serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm alongside your main course.

Nutritional Information

Calories	245
Protein	6g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fat	11g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	480mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Whole Grain Bread — Use whole wheat or multigrain bread instead of white bread for added fiber and nutrients while maintaining the classic stuffing texture.
• Lower-Carb Cauliflower — Replace half the bread with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates and add vegetable servings without sacrificing moisture.
• Gluten-Free Bread — Opt for gluten-free bread cubes or cornbread to make this Crockpot Stuffing suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Reduced-Sodium Broth — Choose low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to control salt levels while keeping the savory flavor profile intact.
• Dairy-Free Butter — Substitute traditional butter with olive oil or dairy-free butter alternatives to achieve richness without dairy.
• Lean Turkey Sausage — Swap pork sausage for lean turkey sausage to lower fat content while providing a similar herby, savory protein element.
• Extra Vegetables — Add mushrooms, celery, or carrots for more fiber, vitamins, and natural moisture, reducing the need for added fats.
• Herb-Forward Seasoning — Boost fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary to enhance flavor without relying on salt or packaged seasoning mixes.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Crockpot Stuffing with roasted turkey or chicken for a classic holiday meal
• Serve alongside honey-glazed ham and green bean casserole for a festive dinner spread
• Enjoy with pork chops and roasted vegetables for a comforting weeknight dinner
• Accompany with cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes for traditional Thanksgiving flavors
• Serve as a side with roasted chicken and gravy for Sunday family dinners
• Pair with beef roast and steamed vegetables for a hearty winter meal

For elegant plating, scoop the Crockpot Stuffing using an ice cream scoop to create uniform portions that hold their shape beautifully on the plate. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme sprigs to add color and freshness to your presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using stale or dry bread that absorbs too much liquid. Fix: Use day-old bread that’s slightly dried but not rock-hard to maintain perfect moisture.
• Mistake: Overfilling the crockpot, which prevents even cooking. Fix: Fill only ⅔ full to allow heat circulation and proper texture development.
• Mistake: Adding cold broth directly from the refrigerator. Fix: Warm broth slightly before mixing to help the Crockpot Stuffing cook evenly from the start.
• Mistake: Skipping the sauté step for vegetables like celery and onions. Fix: Briefly cook aromatics first to deepen flavors that slow cooking alone can’t develop.
• Mistake: Lifting the lid frequently to check progress, releasing heat. Fix: Trust the process—each peek adds 15-20 minutes to your cooking time.
• Mistake: Not seasoning adequately at the beginning. Fix: Season generously initially since herbs mellow during long cooking.
• Mistake: Cooking on too high heat, causing burnt edges. Fix: Use low heat for 4-5 hours for tender, evenly cooked Crockpot Stuffing.
• Mistake: Forgetting to stir halfway through cooking. Fix: One gentle stir redistributes moisture and prevents dry spots.
• Mistake: Adding raw eggs directly to the mixture. Fix: Temper eggs with warm broth first to prevent scrambling in your stuffing.
• Mistake: Serving immediately without resting. Fix: Let it sit 15 minutes after cooking for flavors to meld and texture to set.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Crockpot Stuffing completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your Crockpot Stuffing in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen stuffing in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, or warm in the slow cooker on low, stirring occasionally.

Always ensure your Crockpot Stuffing cools to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth before storing.

Conclusion

This easy Crockpot Stuffing is a holiday game-changer, freeing up your oven while delivering incredible flavor. We hope you love it! Try the recipe, leave a comment with your review, and subscribe for more slow cooker favorites like our Slow Cooker Onion Potatoes.

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FAQs

Can I prepare Crockpot Stuffing the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in your slow cooker insert the night before. Cover and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to cook, place the insert into the slow cooker and start it, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

How do I prevent my Crockpot Stuffing from becoming soggy?

To avoid soggy stuffing, use slightly stale or dried bread cubes. Also, ensure you do not add too much broth. Check the moisture level during cooking and leave the lid slightly ajar for the last 30 minutes to allow excess steam to escape.

Can I add meat to this Crockpot Stuffing recipe?

Absolutely. You can add cooked sausage, bacon, or other meats to your Crockpot Stuffing for extra flavor. Just make sure any meat is fully cooked before mixing it in, so it heats through safely with the rest of the ingredients.