Crockpot Stuffing Recipe - Cooking Classy (2024)

Published November 16, 2022. Updated November 4, 2023

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Crockpot Stuffing – It’s made with fresh bread, fresh vegetables, lots of butter, and plenty of an abundance of fresh herbs! This method is a great way to free up the oven space during the holidays. This is a family favorite and may likely become your go-to Thanksgiving stuffing recipe.

Crockpot Stuffing Recipe - Cooking Classy (1)

Free up the Oven, Make Stuffing in a Crockpot!

This is a go-to stuffing recipe for us, once you try it you’ll see why. It’s just as good as what you can make in the oven and it takes less tending to, so you can manage the rest of your Thanksgiving menu.

Boxed stuffing is popular, but once I tried this made-from-scratch crockpot stuffing version I was hooked. You’ll love all the fresh, real flavor it has when it’s homemade—plus it’s easier to make than you’d think.

This stuffing is packed with fresh herbs, freshly dried bread cubes (I listed store-bought bread cubes as an option just in case you don’t have time to make your own), and has the perfect amount of butter and veggies.

On Thanksgiving, we all know how little oven space is available so it always helps to either be able to make some of it ahead of time or in the slow cooker. This recipe is a game-changer for a busy kitchen.

And believe it or not, I think you’ll love the way the slow cooker cooks the stuffing. You get a soft buttery center and deliciously crisp edges—the best of both worlds for the perfect easy Thanksgiving stuffing recipe.

I hope this recipe becomes a staple for your Thanksgiving dinner sides! It’s just one of those timeless classics that always pleases.Crockpot Stuffing Recipe - Cooking Classy (2)

Crockpot Stuffing Recipe - Cooking Classy (3)

How to Make Stuffing in a Crockpot

  1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
  2. Dry bread cubes on baking sheet in oven (about 45 minutes).
  3. Mix chicken broth with the eggs, poultry seasoning and S&P.
  4. Pour dried bread cubes into a very large mixing bowl.
  5. Saute onion, celery and carrot in butter until soft, saute with garlic near end.
  6. Pour onion mixture and herbs over bread cubes and toss.
  7. Toss with chicken broth mixture, add more broth if needed.
  8. Pour bread cube mixture into greased slow cooker.
  9. Cook on high heat 30 minutes then reduce heat to low and cook 3 1/2 – 5 hours longer.

Crockpot Stuffing Recipe - Cooking Classy (4) Crockpot Stuffing Recipe - Cooking Classy (5)

Can I make crockpot stuffing in advance?

  • You can dry the bread cubes the day before, let cool then store in an airtight container.
  • Bread can even be dried months in advance and frozen. Then thaw overnight before adding.
  • You can also saute the veggies the day before, reheat briefly in the microwave so butter becomes liquid again.

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Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Stuffing

  • For this recipe, I highly recommend drying your own bread cubes. Today I did a side-by-side comparison of the version I dried myself (which is that pictured here) and then one using the store-bought bread cubes.
  • The homemade bread holds up much better and just had a better flavor – so I say a day or two before Thanksgiving dry your own andthey’ll be ready to useThanksgiving day. It’s worth the extra effort.
  • I like to leave stuffingpretty basic but you can definitely add in some mushrooms with this (if doing so add in along with the garlic), or you could add in a pound of cooked sausage when tossing it all together.

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Crockpot Stuffing Recipe - Cooking Classy (8)

4.92 from 12 votes

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Crockpot Stuffing

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This is a family favorite and may likely become your go-to Thanksgiving stuffing recipe too. It has the perfect amount of buttery moisture, crisp golden brown edges, and a delicious herby flavor. Plus this slow cooker method frees up oven space. It's the perfect stuffing!

Servings: 12

Prep30 minutes minutes

Cook5 hours hours

Ready in: 5 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Spread bread cubes evenly onto 2 rimmed baking sheets.

  • Bake in preheated oven on alternating oven racks, until bread cubes are dried, while rotating baking sheets and also removing from oven and tossing bread cubes occasionally, about 45 - 55 minutes.

  • Remove from oven and allow to cool.**

  • In a bowl mix together 2 cups of the chicken broth with the eggs, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper until well blended.

  • Pour dried bread cubes (I had 17 cups) into a very large mixing bowl.

  • Melt butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery and carrot and saute until soft, about 8 - 12 minutes, adding in garlic during last minute of sauteing.

  • Pour onion mixture, along with parsley, sage, thyme, marjoram and rosemary over bread cubes in mixing bowl and immediately toss.

  • Evenly drizzle chicken broth mixture over top and immediately toss to evenly coat. Add in more broth just as needed to moisten bread.***

  • Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray then pour bread cube mixture into slow cooker.

  • Cover and cook on high heat 30 minutes then reduce heat to low and cook 3 1/2 - 5 hours longer. Sprinkle top with more fresh parsley (about 1 Tbsp) and serve warm.

Notes

  1. If using store-bought dried bread skip the drying in oven step.
  2. I recommend doing this step (drying bread cubes) a day or two before and storing cooled bread cubes in a gallon size resealable bags.
  3. You don't want the bread cubes soaked or it will end up soggy, the bread should hold it shape and doesn't need to be entirely moistened all the way through, I used about 2 1/2 cups.
  4. Recipe makes about 12 cups.

Nutrition Facts

Crockpot Stuffing

Amount Per Serving

Calories 342Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Saturated Fat 8g50%

Cholesterol 57mg19%

Sodium 614mg27%

Potassium 274mg8%

Carbohydrates 42g14%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 6g12%

Vitamin A 2420IU48%

Vitamin C 6mg7%

Calcium 237mg24%

Iron 3.5mg19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: crockpot stuffing, slow cooker stuffing, stuffing in a crockpot

Author: Jaclyn

Categorized:

  • Christmas
  • Thanksgiving

Tagged:

  • bread
  • butter
  • carrots
  • celery
  • chicken broth
  • eggs
  • garlic
  • marjoram
  • onions
  • parsley
  • poultry seasoning
  • sage
  • thyme

You Might Also Like:

  • Stuffing Recipe
  • Cornbread Stuffing
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  • Crockpot Turkey Breast

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74 Comments

  • Jenna

    This is my go to and absolute favorite thanksgiving stuffing!! So fresh and yummy AND in the crock pot, can’t get much better!! Thank you for this delicious recipe!!

  • Maurica

    If I have a larger crock pot would I just not cook as long?

    • Jaclyn

      Crockpot Stuffing Recipe - Cooking Classy (13)

      Yes you’d probably just reduce the cook time slightly.

  • Dee

    I make cornbread stuffing. Can you use cornbread cubes instead of bread crumbs?

    • Jaclyn

      Crockpot Stuffing Recipe - Cooking Classy (14)

      Those should work as well as long as you dry them first.

  • Linda Erickson

    What would be a good hearty bread to buy?

    • Jaclyn

      Crockpot Stuffing Recipe - Cooking Classy (15)

      Any white bread that isn’t super soft and fluffy. Something with some structure to it. Something when pressed that holds up fairly well. Grandma sycamores, oroweat, sara lee artisano, dave’s, la brea Italian loaf, homemade bread – something along those lines (but brands definitely vary based on location).

    • Linda Erickson

      Thank you so much we are redoing our kitchen and I got make everything ahead of time this will work good ☺️ I’ve made a lot of your recipes they are awesome today just made pumpkin bars turned out great 👍

      • Jaclyn

        Crockpot Stuffing Recipe - Cooking Classy (16)

        I love to hear that Linda! I’m glad you’ve had success with my recipes, I hope you enjoy this stuffing too!

  • Trish

    Some of my family members are vegetarians. How would it be if I substituted vegetable broth for the chicken broth? I’m excited to try this recipe.

    • Jaclyn

      Crockpot Stuffing Recipe - Cooking Classy (17)

      That would be just fine.

  • MF

    I’ve made this the last couple years and love the flavor. I keep burning the bottom though in the crockpot, and the 2nd year, I didn’t even do the high for 30 minutes… What am I doing wrong? Thanks!

    • Jaclyn

      Crockpot Stuffing Recipe - Cooking Classy (18)

      Every slow cooker brand and even model will likely have variances. I would try a different one if you have one or maybe borrow one from someone else. The edges should get crisp but not dark and burned, sorry that’s happened!

More Comments

Crockpot Stuffing Recipe - Cooking Classy (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to make stuffing the night before? ›

Absolutely. Most Thanksgiving stuffing recipes can be made at least partially in advance since: A) They're easily assembled a day or two ahead of Thanksgiving Day; and B) They're often baked using a two-step process (once covered with foil to cook through, then uncovered to achieve a crispy top).

Should stuffing be soggy before cooking? ›

The stuffing should be moist but not wet. If there is a puddle of broth at the bottom of the bowl, you've added too much. Add more bread to soak up the excess moisture. If the mix is still dry and crumbly, add more liquid and toss gently until it starts to clump together.

Should you put an egg in stuffing? ›

Eggs: Two lightly beaten eggs help hold the dressing together and add moisture. Water: You can add a few tablespoons of water, if you'd like, to achieve your desired consistency. Seasonings: This turkey dressing recipe is seasoned with salt, pepper, rubbed sage, and garlic powder.

How do you keep stuffing moist when cooking? ›

Typically, baking the stuffing inside the bird helps keep the mixture moist. “I prefer stuffing (in the bird) to dressing (outside of the bird) because all those delicious drippings that come off the turkey gets absorbed right into the stuffing,” Bamford says.

Can you leave stuffing uncooked overnight? ›

USDA recommends that you never refrigerate uncooked stuffing. Why? Remember, stuffing can harbor bacteria, and though bacteria grow slower in the refrigerator they can cause problems because stuffing is a good medium for bacteria growth, therefore a higher risk food in terms of cooking safely.

Can I prepare Paxo stuffing in advance? ›

We have often frozen paxo stuffing balls. And pre cooked and then frozen sausages in blankets. Saves messing about with different oven heats on the big day. Never had an issue with taste on re heating .

Do you have to cook Paxo stuffing? ›

It's simple to make – just combine the stuffing mix with boiling water, mix well and leave to stand for five minutes. Then the mix is ready to either place into an ovenproof dish or shape into stuffing balls and bake in the oven.

Can you mess up stuffing? ›

Using too much (or not enough) liquid.

The key to a good stuffing is using just the right amount of liquid so you get a good contrast of soft and firm pieces. Add too much stock and you'll find yourself with soggy stuffing. Don't add enough stock, and you have an overly dry stuffing on your hands.

Why can't you refrigerate uncooked stuffing? ›

Because stuffing is an excellent medium for bacterial growth, it's important to handle it safely and cook it to a safe minimum internal temperature as measured with a food thermometer. Here are some common ques- tions consumers ask. Stuffing should not be prepared ahead.

What is traditional stuffing made of? ›

Classic stuffing made with bread cubes, seasonings, and held together with chicken stock and eggs. A holiday staple!

Is it a good idea to cook stuffing inside a chicken? ›

Cooking stuffed poultry, pork chops, and other meat can be somewhat riskier than cooking them unstuffed. Bacteria can survive in stuffing that has not reached the safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F, possibly resulting in foodborne illness.

What is the best kind of bread for stuffing? ›

Breads such as sour dough, French bread or Italian loaves are for the best bread for stuffing. Their soft-but-sturdy interiors are the perfect texture for stuffing. The pieces retain their shape without crumbling.

Why is my stuffing gummy? ›

If the stuffing came out too wet and soggy (aka bread soup!) try not to over mix it, otherwise it'll turn into mush. Curtis Stone says to pour it on a large sheet tray and spread it out. Bake it on high heat to crisp it up, but make sure it doesn't burn.

Why does stuffing go bad so fast? ›

People have a habit of leaving the food out on the buffet table long after the meal is finished. If turkey, stuffing, or gravy is left out at room temperature (40 to 140°F) for over 2 hours it may no longer be safe to eat. Bacteria prospers at this temperature, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.

Can you make stuffing ahead of time and reheat? ›

Can you prepare stuffing ahead of time and reheat? YES! This stuffing is baked to golden perfection the day before the big meal. You store it in the fridge overnight and then simply warm it in the oven before dinner.

How long will stuffing keep before cooking? ›

Dry stuffing in a package on the shelf has a very long shelf life, a couple of years. But once out of the sealed package it's a very attractive breeding ground for bacteria and should be refrigerated or if you have far to much, you can even airtight seal it and freeze your extra.

Can you put stuffing in a turkey the night before you cook it? ›

Place the prepared stuffing in the whole turkey just before roasting. Stuffing the night before could cause food-borne illness. Stuff both the neck and body cavities of a completely thawed turkey, allowing ½ to ¾ cup of stuffing per pound. Don't pack stuffing too tightly, as it may cause uneven cooking.

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