The Holiday Heartbeat in a Pot
Thanksgiving brings special sights, wonderful smells, and happy anticipation. We think of family gatherings, favorite recipes, and, of course, the stuffing. The holiday rush and limited oven space can be tricky. But a crockpot saves the day! It makes Thanksgiving dinner easier and less stressful. Get ready for delicious, moist, and flavorful stuffing with little effort.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving
You will love this stuffing because it is easy. You can set it and let it cook, which frees up your oven. The crockpot’s gentle heat keeps the stuffing perfectly moist. It will not be dry or crumbly. This recipe has all the classic Thanksgiving tastes you love. It feeds many people without extra stress. You can also prepare parts of it beforehand.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving
Making this stuffing is very simple. You will prepare your bread first. Then you will cook the vegetables. Mix everything in a bowl, then put it in the crockpot. You will set the crockpot to cook. For a crispy top, you can put it under the broiler briefly.
Ingredients of Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving
You will need these items for your stuffing:
- Stale bread cubes (sourdough, brioche, or challah work well)
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Butter
- One onion
- Celery
- Fresh herbs (sage, thyme, parsley)
- Eggs
- Salt
- Black pepper
You can add these for more flavor:
- Garlic
- Mushrooms
- Dried cranberries
- Cooked sausage (like turkey sausage)
- Toasted pecans or walnuts
Directions of Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving
- Prepare Your Bread: Use stale bread. This helps it absorb liquid. If your bread is fresh, cut it into cubes and spread them on a baking sheet. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 15-20 minutes until dry, or leave it out overnight.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery. Cook until they are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic (if using) and fresh herbs. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Combine Everything: Place the stale bread cubes in a large bowl. Add the sautéed vegetables to the bread. If using, add mushrooms, dried cranberries, cooked sausage, or toasted nuts now. In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth and eggs. Pour this liquid over the bread mixture. Gently toss everything until the bread is evenly moistened. Do not overmix.
- Transfer to the Crockpot: Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with butter or cooking spray. Pour the stuffing mixture into the crockpot. Spread it evenly.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover the crockpot. Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5-2.5 hours. Cooking times can change based on your crockpot. The stuffing is ready when it is hot all the way through and set in the center. A thermometer should read 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Crispy Top: For a golden, crispy top, you can scoop the cooked stuffing into a baking dish. Place it under a preheated broiler for 3-5 minutes. Watch it closely so it does not burn.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving
This stuffing is perfect with roasted turkey and gravy for Thanksgiving. You can also serve it with roasted chicken or turkey. It makes a savory side dish for a holiday brunch.
How to Store Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving
Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until it is warm all the way through.
Tips to Make Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving
- Do Not Overcrowd: Fill your crockpot only about two-thirds full for best results. This allows for even cooking.
- Adjust Liquid: Different types of bread absorb different amounts of liquid. If your mixture seems too dry, add a little more broth. If it seems too wet, you can add a few extra bread cubes.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the mixture before cooking. Add more salt or pepper if needed.
- Do Not Peek Too Often: Try not to lift the lid too much. Each time you open it, heat escapes, and your cooking time will increase.
- Consider a Liner: Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup after cooking.
- Keep Warm Setting: If your crockpot has a “keep warm” setting, use it to keep the stuffing hot for serving during a long meal.
Delicious Variations to Your Easy Crockpot Stuffing Recipe
- Turkey Sausage and Apple: Add browned turkey sausage and diced apples when you combine everything.
- Mushroom and Wild Rice: Mix in cooked wild rice and sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Cornbread Stuffing: Use cornbread instead of regular bread cubes.
- Vegetarian Delight: Use vegetable broth and make sure all other ingredients are plant-based. Skip any meat additions.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread for a similar result.
FAQs
Q1: Can I assemble this easy crockpot stuffing the night before?
Yes, you can prepare most parts the night before. Chop the vegetables and cube the bread. You can also sauté the vegetables and mix them with the bread cubes. Store this dry mixture in the refrigerator. Whisk the broth and eggs separately and keep them in the fridge. Combine all ingredients and put them in the crockpot the next morning before cooking.
Q2: How long does it take to cook easy crockpot stuffing?
Cooking times vary. Typically, it takes about 3-4 hours on LOW or 1.5-2.5 hours on HIGH. Check for doneness by making sure it is hot in the center and reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q3: What if my easy crockpot stuffing looks too dry or too wet?
If it looks too dry, stir in a little more warm broth, about 1/4 cup at a time, until it reaches the right moisture. If it looks too wet, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking. This allows some moisture to escape.
Classic Easy Crockpot Stuffing for Thanksgiving
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Large pan
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Crockpot
- Baking dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound stale bread cubes sourdough, brioche, or challah work well
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- If using fresh bread, cut it into cubes and dry them on a baking sheet at 250°F (120°C) for 15-20 minutes, or simply leave them out overnight.
Sauté Aromatics
- Melt butter in a large pan, then add chopped onion and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in fresh sage, thyme, and parsley, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients
- Place dried bread cubes in a large bowl, then add the sautéed vegetables. Whisk broth and eggs in a separate bowl and pour over the bread mixture, tossing gently to moisten evenly. Season with salt and pepper, being careful not to overmix.
Crockpot Cooking
- Lightly grease your crockpot, then transfer the stuffing mixture, spreading it evenly and ensuring it doesn't exceed two-thirds full.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5-2.5 hours until hot and set in the center (165°F / 74°C), avoiding frequent lid opening.
Finishing Touch
- For an optional crispy top, transfer the cooked stuffing to a baking dish and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.