Slow Cooker Stuffing Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for the perfect, hands-off side dish that fills your home with cozy holiday aromas, then you’re in for a treat. This Slow Cooker Stuffing Recipe is my go-to for effortless comfort food that turns out beautifully every single time. I love this recipe because it lets you set it and forget it, freeing you up for whatever else your busy day requires, while still delivering stuffing that’s moist, flavorful, and full of savory herbs. Trust me—once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever made stuffing any other way!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to stuffing, the right ingredients make all the difference—and here, everything works together to create that classic savory, buttery, and herbaceous flavor that makes your mouth water. I like to use toasted bread cubes because they soak up all the tasty juices without getting soggy.

• Toasted bread cubes: I prefer using sturdy bread like a good artisan or sourdough to stand up to all the moisture.
• Unsalted butter: Unsalted lets you control the salt level better, plus it gives that rich, creamy flavor.
• Sweet onion: Adds a mellow, natural sweetness that balances the herbiness.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic cooks into a gentle aroma without overpowering the dish.
• Cremini mushrooms: These bring earthiness and a nice juicy texture that accents the bread.
• Fresh sage: The star herb for stuffing—fresh is key here for that punchy flavor.
• Fresh rosemary: Adds piney aroma that pairs beautifully with sage.
• Fresh thyme: Gives a subtle, fragrant note that ties the herbs together.
• Low-sodium chicken stock: You want some moisture with good flavor—low-sodium lets you adjust salt to taste.
• Eggs: They bind everything together gently without toughening the texture.
• Salt and pepper: To season just right before cooking.

Variations

This Slow Cooker Stuffing Recipe is a fantastic base, but I love how easy it is to tailor to your family’s favorites or dietary needs. Feel free to swap, add, or leave out things to suit your taste—this recipe’s forgiving like that.

• Vegetarian variation: Use vegetable stock instead of chicken to keep it fully meat-free without losing flavor. I made this for a friend who’s vegetarian, and it was just as delicious!
• Add sausage: For a heartier dish, brown some breakfast sausage to mix in with the vegetables before combining it with the bread cubes. My family goes crazy for this twist.
• Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free bread cubes, and double check your stock is GF too—easy swap for friends who need it.
• Make it seasonal: Adding dried cranberries or chopped apples brings a lovely fall vibe I enjoy every Thanksgiving.

How to Make Slow Cooker Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Toast Your Bread Cubes to Perfection

Start with good toasted bread cubes—this is where it all begins. If your bread isn’t already toasted, cut it into cubes about an inch square, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and toast in a 250°F oven for about an hour until they’re dry and lightly golden. This step is key for that perfect texture later because stale bread just doesn’t soak up flavors the same way.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms

Melt your butter over medium-low heat, then add diced onions, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions soften and turn translucent. Toss in the chopped cremini mushrooms and keep stirring for another 6 to 8 minutes until they release their juices and become tender. This step builds the deep savory base that your stuffing needs.

Step 3: Mix in the Herbs and Bread Cubes

Once the mushroom mixture is ready, stir in fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme—these herbs bring that unmistakable stuffing flavor. Then add your toasted bread cubes and gently toss everything so the bread starts absorbing those tasty juices.

Step 4: Pour in the Egg and Chicken Stock Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken stock, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper. Pour this slowly over the bread mixture while stirring to evenly coat it all. This wet mix will keep your stuffing moist and help it bind together nicely once it cooks.

Step 5: Cook Low and Slow

Transfer everything to your slow cooker, cover it, and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. If your slow cooker has a sauté feature, you can do steps 2 and 3 right in there before moving on. The long, gentle cooking time lets all those flavors marry beautifully without drying out. Before serving, give it a taste and add extra salt or pepper if needed.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley just before serving—it adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh herb aroma that lightens the richness. Sometimes, I like a dash of crispy fried sage leaves on top for a little texture contrast, which everybody notices and loves.

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs beautifully with almost anything roasted or glazed. My go-to sides are roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze and cranberry sauce—classic flavors that balance the savory. And of course, lots of gravy, because gravy makes everything better!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like to serve this Slow Cooker Stuffing Recipe in a pretty ceramic bowl lined with fresh herbs or edible flowers, making it feel extra special without extra effort. Once, I layered it in a casserole dish with slices of cooked turkey on top—it was a total crowd-pleaser and made leftovers that much easier to plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always save leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for about 3 to 4 days. I find that letting it cool completely before sealing helps maintain texture and flavor better than just shoving it in while warm.

Freezing

Freezing leftover stuffing works great. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and it holds up well for up to 3 months. When I thaw it, I usually plan for a slow thaw in the fridge overnight to keep it tender and moist.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the stuffing into a covered baking dish in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, giving it a gentle stir halfway through to heat evenly. Adding a splash of extra broth before reheating helps keep it moist. If you’re short on time, reheating in the microwave works too, just cover it loosely and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making stuffing in the slow cooker has truly changed my holiday game. It’s one less thing to worry about on a hectic day, and you get reliably delicious results that have become a family favorite. I hope this Slow Cooker Stuffing Recipe inspires you to try it for yourself—the warm, comforting flavors and easy prep will make you want to make it a tradition. So go ahead, give it a shot, and enjoy every cozy bite with your loved ones!

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