Crockpot Stuffing: A Thanksgiving Must-Have (That's Actually Easy!)
Thanksgiving is almost here, and that means one thing: stuffing! But let's be honest, traditional stuffing can be a real hassle. It requires constant attention and often ends up dry or unevenly cooked. This year, ditch the oven and embrace the ease of the crockpot stuffing recipe. This method delivers perfectly moist and flavorful stuffing every single time, leaving you with more time to enjoy your holiday.
Why Make Crockpot Stuffing?
There are tons of reasons to switch to this amazing method! Here are just a few:
- Effortless Cooking: Simply toss everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it! No more hovering over the oven or worrying about burning.
- Perfectly Moist Stuffing: The slow cooking process ensures that your stuffing is evenly moist and delicious, from the inside out. Say goodbye to dry, crumbly stuffing!
- More Time for You: Free up valuable oven space and your time to focus on other Thanksgiving dishes. You can relax and enjoy the preparations without the added stress.
- Flavor Infusion: The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more intense and satisfying taste.
The Best Crockpot Stuffing Recipe: Ingredients & Instructions
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking and add your own personal touches!
Yields: 12 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 2-3 hours on low, or 1-1.5 hours on high
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced (or your favorite kind!)
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
- 1 (10 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or chicken!)
- 6 cups cubed bread (day-old is best!)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 more minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, rosemary, pepper, salt, chicken broth, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Add Bread: Gently stir in the cubed bread, pecans (if using), and cranberries (if using). Make sure the bread is evenly distributed and coated with the liquid.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or on high for 1-1.5 hours, or until heated through and the bread is tender. Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even moisture.
- Serve: Remove from the slow cooker and serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Stuffing:
- Bread Choice: Day-old bread is ideal as it soaks up the liquid better. You can also use a variety of breads—cubed sourdough, cornbread, or even a mix!
- Liquid Adjustment: If your stuffing seems too dry after cooking, add a little more broth or water.
- Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. Consider adding sausage, apples, or other vegetables for extra flair.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Just add an extra 30-60 minutes to the cooking time.
This crockpot stuffing recipe is guaranteed to be a Thanksgiving hit! It's easy, delicious, and will free up your time so you can focus on what truly matters: spending time with loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!
