If you’ve been on the hunt for a comforting, flavorful side that feels like a warm hug in every bite, let me introduce you to this Easy Crockpot Stuffing Recipe. It takes the tradition of classic stuffing and transforms it into a hands-off, slow-cooked delight that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with joy. With just a handful of simple ingredients and your trusty crockpot, you’ll have a stuffing that’s moist, perfectly seasoned, and utterly crave-worthy. Trust me, once you’ve tried this method, you’ll never want to go back to the oven again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the perfect first step toward that cozy, homemade taste. Each element plays its part, from the freshness of celery and onion adding crunch and flavor, to the fragrant herbs that give this dish its classic profile. The mix of bread types ensures the perfect texture balance—soft yet with a little chew—and the butter and broth bring everything together in rich, savory harmony.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Melts into a silky base that enriches every bite without overpowering the other flavors.
- Chopped celery (2 cups): Adds a fresh, crisp texture and a subtle sweetness that balances the herbs.
- Medium onion, chopped (1): Brings a savory depth and natural sweetness after sautéing.
- Chopped parsley (1/4 cup): Provides a vibrant green pop and a mild, herbaceous twist.
- White bread cubes (6 cups): Soft and familiar, these cubes absorb the broth beautifully without getting soggy.
- Wheat bread cubes (6 cups): Offers heartiness and a slightly nutty flavor for complexity and texture.
- Poultry seasoning (1 1/2 teaspoons): The classic herb blend that screams “thanksgiving” and cozy comforts.
- Dried sage (1 1/2 teaspoons): Earthy and slightly peppery, this herb is a stuffing essential.
- Dried thyme (1 1/2 teaspoons): Adds a subtle lemony aroma that brightens the mix.
- Dried rosemary (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers piney notes for depth and an herby finish.
- Dried marjoram (1/4 teaspoon): A delicate hint of sweetness to balance the savory spices.
- Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances every flavor in the dish.
- Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.
- Chicken broth (2-3 cups): The key to moist, flavorful stuffing—adjust depending on your bread’s dryness.
- Beaten eggs (2): This binder helps everything hold together beautifully while cooking low and slow.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the flavorful base
Start by melting your butter in a skillet on medium heat. Once melted, toss in your chopped onions, celery, and all of your dried herbs and seasonings. Cook gently until the veggies soften and release their fragrant aromas, but be careful not to let them brown. Browning could add bitterness, and we want pure, savory goodness. When everything is perfectly softened, transfer the mixture into a large bowl and set it aside to cool completely—this step ensures your eggs won’t cook prematurely when combined.
Step 2: Combine the bread and eggs
Once your flavorful veggie and herb mixture is cool, it’s time to add the bread cubes. Using both white and wheat bread cubes provides the stuffing with a fantastic textural contrast and a richer flavor. As you fold in the bread, gently pour the beaten eggs over the top. These eggs are the secret to creating a stuffing that holds its shape without becoming dense or rubbery.
Step 3: Add broth to moisten
Now comes the part where you get to decide just how moist your stuffing will be. Pour in 2 to 3 cups of chicken broth gradually, stirring gently until the bread is just moistened. Too little broth can leave your stuffing dry and crumbly, while too much will turn it mushy. The type of bread you use impacts how much broth you’ll need—sandwich bread typically requires less broth, while denser, crusty bread soaks up more. If you add too much broth, don’t worry—just mix in a bit more bread cubes to soak up the excess.
Step 4: Cook low and slow in your crockpot
Finally, grease your crockpot thoroughly to prevent sticking, then pour in your prepared stuffing mixture. Set your crockpot on LOW and let it cook patiently for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking lets all the flavors marry together beautifully while the eggs and broth set the perfect texture — soft but not soggy, moist but firm. The wait is well worth it when you lift the lid and breathe in that incredible, homey aroma.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle a handful of chopped parsley right before serving. Not only does this add a bright pop of color, but it also gives the stuffing a pleasant herbal lift that balances the rich buttery base. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkling of toasted pecans or crispy fried onions on top can add delightful crunch and texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This Easy Crockpot Stuffing Recipe pairs beautifully with all your holiday favorites. Think juicy roasted turkey or baked chicken, cranberry sauce with its tart sweetness, and silky mashed potatoes with gravy. Don’t forget to add some sautéed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts to round out your plate with vibrant veggies and a touch of earthiness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate your stuffing presentation, serve it in small, rustic ramekins or in a hollowed-out pumpkin or squash for a festive flair. You can even use it as a stuffing for mushrooms or bell peppers as a fun appetizer or side twist. The versatility of this crockpot stuffing means you can get creative and impress your guests without extra stress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once you’ve enjoyed your stuffing, you can store leftover portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the textures intact and flavors fresh so you can enjoy it again the next day without a hitch.
Freezing
This stuffing freezes beautifully! Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When planned ahead, this is a lifesaver for quick meals or holiday prep. Just thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your stuffing gently in the microwave or transfer it to a baking dish and heat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Cover it loosely with foil to prevent it from drying out. You’ll find that it tastes just as delicious as when it was first made, with all the comforting flavors intact.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this stuffing?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses a mix of white and wheat bread cubes, you can experiment with sourdough, multi-grain, or even gluten-free bread. Just keep in mind that different breads absorb broth differently, so adjust the moisture accordingly.
Do I need to precook the veggies before adding to the crockpot?
Yes, sautéing the onions, celery, and herbs before mixing everything ensures the vegetables are tender and their flavors fully developed. Adding raw veggies directly to the crockpot won’t give you the same delicious result.
Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and you can omit the poultry seasoning or replace it with herbs that suit your taste. The recipe is very adaptable without compromising flavor.
What if I don’t have a crockpot, can I bake stuffing instead?
You can! Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, cover it with foil, and bake in a 350°F oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes to get a nice golden top. Keep in mind, the crockpot method gives a uniquely moist and tender result.
How do I know how much broth to add?
Start by adding 2 cups of broth and mix gently. The bread should be moist but not swimming in liquid. If it feels too dry, add broth a little at a time. If too wet, add a few more bread cubes. It’s all about balance and personal preference.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crockpot Stuffing Recipe truly turns traditional holiday cooking into a stress-free celebration of flavors and textures. It’s like having your favorite comforting side dish ready and waiting while you focus on other things. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make this your go-to stuffing for every special meal. You’re going to love how effortlessly delicious it is!
Print
Easy Crockpot Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Crockpot Stuffing recipe offers a deliciously moist and flavorful side dish perfect for holiday meals or any comforting dinner. Combining a mix of white and wheat bread cubes with sautéed celery, onions, and a blend of savory herbs, all slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot, this stuffing is simple to prepare and yields a tender, aromatic dish without fuss.
Ingredients
Butter and Vegetables
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Bread and Seasonings
- 6 cups white bread cubes
- 6 cups wheat bread cubes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Other
- 2–3 cups chicken broth
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions, celery, and all the seasonings including poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture until the vegetables soften, stirring occasionally, but do not allow them to brown. Once softened, transfer the vegetables to a large mixing bowl and let them cool completely to prevent the eggs from cooking prematurely.
- Combine with Bread Cubes and Eggs: After the vegetable mixture has cooled, add the white and wheat bread cubes into the bowl. Pour in the beaten eggs, gently mixing everything together until well incorporated, which helps bind the stuffing.
- Add Chicken Broth: Gradually pour in 2 to 3 cups of chicken broth, adding just enough to moisten all the bread cubes. The goal is to have the bread moist but not soggy. If the mixture becomes too wet, you can balance it out with additional bread cubes. The amount of broth needed varies depending on the bread type; softer sandwich bread requires less broth, while crustier bread needs more.
- Cook in Crockpot: Grease your crockpot well to prevent sticking. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the crockpot, spreading evenly. Cover and cook on LOW heat for 3 to 4 hours until the stuffing is thoroughly cooked, tender, and infused with all the flavors.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best texture; fresh bread may become mushy.
- If you prefer, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially if using salted broth or butter.
- Ensure vegetables are cooled before mixing with eggs to avoid curdling.
- Check doneness early at 3 hours to prevent overcooking, as crockpot temperatures can vary.
