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This easy crockpot stuffing combines seasoned stuffing cubes, onion, celery, garlic, Italian seasoning, chicken stock, and butter in one slow cooker. It cooks on low for about four hours, giving you a savory Thanksgiving side while your oven stays available for the turkey, casseroles, and pies.
Easy Crockpot Stuffing That Frees Up Your Oven
There is no separate sautéing step and no baking dish to squeeze into the oven. Add the ingredients to your crockpot, scatter the butter over the top, and let everything cook together.
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Pin It NowServe this buttery stuffing with turkey and gravy for Thanksgiving, or spoon it alongside roast chicken for a cozy Sunday dinner. It is a simple way to bring those familiar holiday flavors to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Stuffing
- Frees up oven space: The stuffing cooks in your slow cooker while your other dishes bake.
- Starts with seasoned bread cubes: No cutting bread or drying it overnight.
- No sautéing required: The onion and celery go directly into the crockpot.
- Only seven ingredients: A short shopping list makes holiday planning easier.
- Classic holiday flavor: Butter, herbs, onion, and celery give this stuffing its familiar savory taste.
Ingredients
You only need a few familiar ingredients to make this slow cooker stuffing.
- Seasoned stuffing cubes
- Chopped onion
- Chopped celery
- Minced garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Chicken stock
- Butter
Seasoned stuffing cubes: Use dry, seasoned bread cubes intended for stuffing. Pepperidge Farm is one option mentioned in the original recipe.
Onion and celery: These give the stuffing its classic flavor. Chop them into small, even pieces so they soften as the stuffing cooks.
Italian seasoning and garlic: These add extra savory flavor to the seasoned bread cubes.
Chicken stock: Moistens the bread and adds flavor. Turkey stock, vegetable stock, or broth can also be used.
Butter: Slice it into pats so you can distribute it over the stuffing before cooking.
Tip: Seasoned stuffing cubes and stock already contain salt. Taste the finished stuffing before adding any extra.
How to Make Crockpot Stuffing
1. Add the Stuffing Cubes
Place the seasoned stuffing cubes in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger crockpot.
2. Stir in the Vegetables and Stock
Add the chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken stock.
Stir gently to distribute the vegetables and moisten the bread cubes evenly.
3. Add the Butter
Slice the butter into pats and arrange them over the top of the stuffing.
4. Cover and Cook
Cover and cook on low for about four hours. Slow cookers vary, so check that the vegetables are tender.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Stuffing
Start with dry stuffing cubes. This recipe is written for a 12-ounce bag of seasoned stuffing cubes. Fresh bread absorbs liquid differently and is not a direct substitute.
Chop the vegetables finely. Since the onion and celery go into the crockpot raw, small pieces help them cook evenly.
Keep the lid closed. Repeatedly opening the slow cooker releases heat and can extend the cooking time.
Stir gently. Fold the stuffing over itself instead of stirring vigorously, which can break down the softened bread.
Check before adding more liquid. Start with the two cups of stock listed in the recipe. If the fully cooked stuffing seems dry, gently fold in a little warm stock at a time.
Expect a soft texture. Stuffing cooked in a covered slow cooker has a softer surface than stuffing baked uncovered in the oven.
What to Serve With Crockpot Stuffing
Serve this stuffing alongside roast turkey, baked ham, or roast chicken. Add mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and gravy for a classic holiday plate.
For a smaller dinner, pair it with chicken and a simple vegetable side. A spoonful of gravy brings everything together.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Turkey stock: A flavorful substitute that works especially well for Thanksgiving.
- Chicken broth: Use in place of the stock, checking the salt level before adding extra seasoning.
- Vegetable stock: Use with vegetarian stuffing cubes for a meat-free version.
- Margarine: The original recipe lists this as an alternative, although butter provides a richer flavor.
Stuffing brands can absorb different amounts of liquid. Check the finished texture before making adjustments. Cornbread stuffing also changes the flavor and texture, so treat it as a variation.
Can You Prepare Crockpot Stuffing Ahead of Time
To get a head start, chop the onion and celery the day before and refrigerate them in a covered container. Keep the stuffing cubes dry and separate, and measure the Italian seasoning so it is ready to add. Wait to combine the bread, vegetables, and stock until you are ready to cook.
You can also fully cook the stuffing ahead, refrigerate it promptly, and reheat it before serving.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Stuffing
Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to shallow containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking or removing them from hot holding. Store covered and use within three to four days.
Freeze: Portion the cooked stuffing into freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the date and use within one month for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Place the stuffing in an oven-safe dish, add a small splash of stock if needed, and cover. Reheat at 350°F. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave.
More Crock Pot Thanksgiving Recipes
Crockpot Stuffing Recipe
Crock Pot Stuffing
Equipment
- 6-quart or larger crockpot
Ingredients
- 1 bag 12 ounces seasoned stuffing cubes
- 1½ cups chopped onion
- 1½ cups chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ½ cup butter or 1 stick
Instructions
- Add the Stuffing Cubes – Place the seasoned stuffing cubes in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger crockpot.
- Stir in the Vegetables and Stock – Add the chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken stock.
- Stir gently to distribute the vegetables and moisten the bread cubes evenly.
- Add the Butter – Slice the butter into pats and arrange them over the top of the stuffing.
- Cover and Cook – Cover and cook on low for about four hours. Slow cookers vary, so check that the vegetables are tender and the center of the stuffing reaches 165°F. Food Safety and Inspection Service
- Stir and Serve – Gently stir the stuffing to distribute the melted butter and fluff the bread cubes. Serve warm with your favorite holiday main dish.
