Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and menu planning is in full swing. If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious stuffing recipe that frees up your oven space, this Crock-Pot stuffing is a fantastic choice. It’s incredibly easy to make, reminiscent of the comforting, hearty recipes you might find from the Pioneer Woman herself, and perfect for a stress-free holiday meal.
Why Choose Crock-Pot Stuffing?
During Thanksgiving, oven space is prime real estate. Juggling the turkey, casseroles, and pies can be challenging. This Crock-Pot stuffing recipe offers a brilliant solution by utilizing your slow cooker. It starts with a quick stovetop saute of aromatic vegetables and then simmers to perfection in your Crock-Pot, right on your countertop. This method not only saves oven space but also ensures a moist and flavorful stuffing every time.
Ingredients for Your Crock-Pot Stuffing
To create this flavorful stuffing, you’ll need these simple ingredients:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 pieces celery, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 8 oz package sliced mushrooms
- 1 10.75 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 14.5 oz can chicken broth
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 1 12oz bag dried bread cubes
Step-by-Step Guide to Crock-Pot Stuffing Perfection
Follow these easy steps to make delicious Crock-Pot stuffing:
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, onion, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 4 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add Mushrooms and Garlic: Introduce the sliced mushrooms and chopped garlic to the skillet. Continue cooking for another 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker Base: In the base of a 6-quart slow cooker, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, egg, chopped fresh parsley, rosemary, and sage.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the dried bread cubes to the slow cooker and gently fold them into the liquid mixture until they are well coated.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Carefully fold in the cooked vegetable mixture into the bread and broth mixture in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the Crock-Pot and cook on high heat for 30 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 2 hours.
- Check for Doneness: The stuffing is ready when it is steaming hot and a thermometer inserted into the center reads around 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the Crock-Pot stuffing to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra fresh parsley before serving. Alternatively, you can keep it warm in the slow cooker on the warm setting for up to an hour.
Tips for the Best Crock-Pot Stuffing
- Bread Choice: While the recipe calls for dried bread cubes, you can also use day-old bread. Cubes of white bread, Italian bread, or sourdough work wonderfully. For a richer flavor, consider toasting your fresh bread cubes lightly in the oven before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Moisture Level: Crock-Pot stuffing tends to be moister than oven-baked stuffing. If you prefer a drier stuffing, you can use slightly less chicken broth or remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some moisture to evaporate.
- Flavor Boosters: Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Add cooked sausage, crumbled bacon, or cranberries for extra flavor dimensions. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
The Taste of Crock-Pot Comfort
Unlike oven-baked stuffing, which develops a crispy top, Crock-Pot stuffing boasts wonderfully toasty sides and a creamy, moist interior. This recipe delivers a deeply savory flavor profile thanks to the mushrooms, complemented by the subtle sweetness of cooked onions and celery. The chicken broth and garlic add depth, while the cream of mushroom soup and egg contribute an unexpected richness, making each bite utterly satisfying. The fresh parsley sprinkled on top provides a bright, fresh finish, balancing the savory notes perfectly. This Crock-Pot stuffing is a comforting and flavorful side dish that will be a welcome addition to your Thanksgiving or any holiday meal.
