Imagine a holiday feast where one of your most beloved side dishes cooks itself, freeing up precious oven space and reducing your kitchen stress. This easy crockpot stuffing recipe makes that dream a reality! Crafted from scratch with perfectly dried bread cubes and a medley of fresh, aromatic vegetables, this slow cooker version delivers all the comforting flavors you crave with minimal fuss. It’s the ideal solution for busy Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones and less time hovering over the stove.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Stuffing Recipe

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When it comes to holiday meals, managing oven space can be a real challenge. That’s where this slow cooker stuffing recipe truly shines. It’s a game-changer for anyone hosting a large dinner, ensuring you can bake your turkey, casseroles, and pies without logistical nightmares. But beyond its incredible convenience, this homemade crockpot stuffing also triumphs over store-bought boxed alternatives by a long mile.

Preparing stuffing from scratch means you control every ingredient, resulting in a depth of flavor and texture that packaged mixes simply can’t match. We’re talking fresh, tender vegetables, perfectly seasoned bread, and a rich, savory broth that melds together beautifully as it simmers. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a centerpiece of comfort, arguably the best part of any Thanksgiving or Christmas table. Once you experience the ease and deliciousness of slow cooker stuffing, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

Our commitment to stress-free holiday cooking extends beyond just stuffing. We’ve successfully adapted other beloved sides to the slow cooker, drastically reducing our day-of workload. Just like our popular crockpot mashed potatoes and crockpot macaroni and cheese, this easy crockpot stuffing is not only a fantastic time-saver but also highly transportable. This makes it perfect for potlucks or when you’re contributing to a family gathering away from home, allowing you to arrive with a warm, ready-to-serve dish.

Essential Ingredients for Homemade Crockpot Stuffing

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Crafting the perfect slow cooker stuffing begins with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. While the full, printable recipe with exact measurements and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of this post, here’s an overview of what you’ll need to create this comforting holiday classic.

At its heart, stuffing is about bread, but it’s the combination of rich butter, aromatic vegetables, savory broth, and a blend of classic herbs that truly brings it to life. This recipe calls for staple ingredients that are easy to find, yet they come together to create an unforgettable side dish. Get ready to elevate your holiday spread with simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.

Ingredient Deep Dive and Substitution Suggestions

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Let’s take a closer look at the key components of this crockpot stuffing and explore how you can customize it to your liking:

• Stuffing Bread: The foundation of any great stuffing is the bread. While our recipe uses a standard loaf, a wide variety of breads work beautifully. Consider using sturdy options like white bread, sourdough, Italian bread, or even country-style loaves. These varieties hold their shape well and absorb moisture without becoming overly mushy, yielding a wonderfully textured stuffing. You can even repurpose hamburger or hot dog buns if that’s what you have on hand, provided they are dried and cubed. We generally prefer breads with a slightly more structured crumb, as they tend to hold up better than very fluffy or soft varieties.
• Drying Your Bread: Drying the bread is a crucial step for achieving the perfect stuffing consistency. You have a couple of options:
  • Air Drying (24 hours): Simply slice your bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them out in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Leave them uncovered and exposed to the air at room temperature for about 24 hours, or until they feel firm and dry to the touch.
  • Oven Drying (Quicker Method): For a faster approach, you can gently dry the cubes in the oven, similar to making homemade croutons. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake at a low temperature (around 250°F or 120°C) for 15-30 minutes, tossing occasionally. The goal is to dry them out, not to brown them, so keep a close eye on them to prevent toasting.

  If you opt for store-bought unseasoned bread cubes, they’re a convenient alternative. However, they are often smaller and denser than homemade cubes, so I typically add about a cup more to achieve the desired bread-to-vegetable ratio.

• Unsalted Butter: This recipe uses 8 tablespoons (1 stick) of unsalted butter, which provides a rich, savory base for sautéing the vegetables. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute with a plant-based butter alternative or a neutral oil like olive oil, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
• Aromatics (Onion and Celery): A large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups), and three ribs of celery, chopped (about 1 cup), form the classic aromatic foundation of this stuffing. These vegetables soften and release their sweet and savory notes as they cook, infusing the entire dish with flavor. Feel free to add other aromatics like finely diced carrots, leeks, or even mushrooms for added depth and complexity.
• Seasonings: Our go-to blend includes 2 teaspoons of sea salt, 1½ teaspoons of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. This combination provides a traditional, robust flavor. You can absolutely play around with the herbs! Marjoram, sage, rosemary, and parsley all complement homemade stuffing beautifully. Freshly chopped herbs added at the end can also brighten the flavors.
• Low Sodium Chicken Broth: We use 2½ cups of low sodium chicken broth to moisten the bread cubes. Using low sodium broth allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish. You can easily substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, or turkey stock if you happen to have some on hand during Thanksgiving. The broth is essential for tenderizing the bread and integrating the flavors.
• Large Eggs: Two whisked large eggs act as a binder, helping the stuffing hold together slightly while still maintaining a tender, fluffy texture. They also add a subtle richness to the dish.

How to Make Crockpot Stuffing: Step-by-Step

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These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. For the complete printable version of this recipe, including exact measurements and detailed instructions, simply scroll to the bottom of this post to Jump to Recipe.

1. Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Begin by spraying the base of your Crockpot (a 6-quart model works perfectly) with a generous amount of non-stick cooking spray, or grease it thoroughly with butter. This ensures the stuffing doesn’t stick and makes for easy serving. Set it aside for later.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a medium-large pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add your chopped onions and celery. Cook them gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and translucent but not browned. This step is crucial for developing the rich flavor base of your stuffing. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the cooked vegetables to cool slightly.
   
   
3. Season the Bread: Place your dried bread cubes into a very large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the sea salt, dried thyme, poultry seasoning, and ground black pepper evenly over the bread cubes. Toss gently to ensure the seasonings are well distributed throughout the bread.
   
4. Combine with Vegetables: Add the slightly cooled cooked onions, celery, and any remaining butter from the pan directly to the seasoned bread cubes in the large bowl. Mix everything together thoroughly but gently. The butter and vegetable juices will start to coat the bread cubes, adding moisture and flavor.
   
5. Moisten with Broth: Gradually add the low sodium chicken broth. Begin by pouring in 2 cups and mix well. Then, add the remaining ½ cup, mixing carefully until all the bread cubes are evenly moistened. It’s important to be gentle during this step to prevent the bread from breaking down too much; the cubes should still largely hold their shape. The goal is moist, not soggy, bread.
6. Add Eggs and Transfer: Pour in the two whisked eggs, mixing them into the bread cube mixture very carefully. The eggs act as a binder, helping the stuffing set. Once thoroughly combined, transfer the entire bread cube mixture into the prepared Crockpot base, spreading it evenly.
   
   
7. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook the stuffing on HIGH for 30 minutes. After this initial burst of heat, reduce the setting to LOW and continue cooking for an additional 4 hours. The long, slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the stuffing to become wonderfully tender and moist throughout.
8. Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, the stuffing should be fragrant and tender. Carefully remove the lid. If desired, season with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.
   

Mastering Your Crockpot Stuffing: Tips, Tricks, and FAQs

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To ensure your slow cooker stuffing is always a hit, consider these expert tips and answers to common questions:

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

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This easy crockpot stuffing recipe is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic base for endless culinary creativity. While it’s perfect as is, you can easily customize it with additional ingredients to suit your taste or complement your main course. For a holiday spread, serve it alongside roasted turkey, ham, or chicken, drizzled with savory gravy. The tender, flavorful stuffing perfectly soaks up pan drippings, creating an unforgettable bite.

Beyond the classic celery and onion, consider tossing in some finely diced carrots, bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms for added vegetables and earthy notes. For a touch of sweetness and crunch, dried cranberries, chopped apples, or toasted pecans and walnuts can be wonderful additions. If you enjoy a more herbaceous flavor, experiment with fresh or dried marjoram, sage, rosemary, or parsley – all of which pair beautifully with homemade stuffing. For a hearty, savory twist, include some cooked crumbled sausage or bacon bits in the mix. The possibilities are truly endless!

More Essential Thanksgiving and Holiday Recipes

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Planning a full holiday feast? Pair this incredible crockpot stuffing with some of our other cherished holiday recipes to create a truly memorable meal:

• Roasted Turkey: The quintessential holiday centerpiece, perfectly roasted to golden perfection.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: A decadent and sweet side, often topped with a crunchy pecan or marshmallow topping.
• Homemade Green Bean Casserole: A comforting classic made from scratch, far superior to the canned soup version.
• Homemade Pull Apart Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy, and utterly irresistible – perfect for soaking up gravy.

I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!

Crockpot Stuffing Recipe

Nothing beats an easy-to-prepare slow cooker dish on a busy holiday. This crockpot stuffing recipe ties Thanksgiving dinner together in the simplest way possible, delivering incredible flavor with minimal effort.

IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Tips within the blog post above that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

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Recipe Details

• Course: Sides
• Cuisine: American
• Servings: 10 servings
• Total Time: 5 hours
• Calories: 299
• Author: Amanda Davis

Ingredients

• 8 Tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped small (about 1½ cups)
• 3 ribs celery, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 loaf bread, dried and cubed (a standard size loaf should yield about 10-12 cups of dried cubes)
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1½ teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2½ cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2 large eggs, whisked

Things You’ll Need

• 6 qt Crockpot
• Large skillet
• Large mixing bowl

Before You Begin (Helpful Notes)

• Feel free to toss in some cooked crumbled sausage for even more flavor!
• To dry your bread, you can either slice it into cubes and let it rest on a baking sheet (uncovered and exposed to air) for around 24 hours. Or, for a quicker alternative, you can follow the same process that you would when making homemade croutons which is drying the cubes out in the oven. However, you’ll want to be careful not to brown the cubes, you simply want to dry them out. Keep an eye on them in the oven.
• From white, brown, sourdough to Italian bread, just about any kind of bread works well for making stuffing. You can easily substitute with store-bought unseasoned bread cubes. I typically like to add a cup or so more if using store-bought cubes as they’re typically smaller than homemade cubes.
• You can play around with the herbs you add to this dish. Marjoram, sage, rosemary, and parsley all pair beautifully with homemade stuffing.

Instructions

1. Spray the base of the Crockpot with non-stick spray (or grease with butter) and set aside.
2. Melt butter in a medium-large pan and cook the onions and celery for about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow them to cool slightly.
3. Add bread cubes into a large bowl and season with salt, dried thyme, poultry seasoning, and black pepper.
4. Add the cooked vegetables and butter to the bread and mix well again.
5. Start by adding 2 cups of stock to the bread, mix well, then add the remaining ½ cup and mix until all the bread is wet. The bread cubes should still hold their shape so be gentle when mixing.
6. Add the two whisked eggs in, mixing carefully again, then transfer the bread cube mixture to the Crockpot base.
7. Cook on high for 30 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 4 hours.
8. Season with fresh thyme and any additional salt and pepper if desired.

Expert Tips & FAQs

• Store leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Make Ahead – You can sauté the onions and celery in butter, allow it to cool, then transfer it to an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator a day ahead of time. Of course, you can also dry out your bread cubes and prep your herbs and seasonings ahead of time as well. When ready to assemble, pop the veggie and butter mixture into the microwave to remelt the butter and continue with the recipe as you would normally. These little steps will remove extra work the day of, especially if you’re making this stuffing for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Serving: 1 serving
• Calories: 299 cal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0.4g
• Cholesterol: 61mg
• Sodium: 830mg
• Potassium: 220mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Vitamin A: 401IU
• Vitamin C: 2mg
• Calcium: 109mg
• Iron: 3mg

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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.