How to make stuffing in the slow cooker

Want to free up some oven space this holiday season? Try making your stuffing or dressing in the slow cooker. You can use your favorite recipe or try this deliciously moist and flavorful dressing. With the addition of sausage, you can make this a complete meal by serving it alongside a few veggies or mashed potatoes. If your house is anything like ours, I am sure that you can appreciate the extra room in the oven on Thanksgiving or Christmas.

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Can I really use my slow cooker to make stuffing or dressing?

The answer is yes! Yes, you can make the yummiest stuffing in the slow cooker. It takes the same amount of prep time as your usual recipe with the advantage of more oven space. If you have one of the “newer” style slow cookers, such as a green pan, you can sauté the meat and veggies right in the pan of the slow cooker! So easy! Indeed! Additionally, not only is it an easier way to cook the dressing with less mess, it’s also healthier. The green pan is made from non-toxic materials, and the insert is said to be pretty much scratch resistant. However, it can easily be made in a traditional style crock pot as well.

Ingredients needed to make stuffing in the slow cooker

• 1 standard size loaf of bread (@1 and 1/2 lbs.) https://simplyeatathome.com/sourdough-discard-sandwich-bread/
• 2 to 3 cups hot broth (chicken, turkey, beef, veggie)
• 1 and 1/2 cups chopped onion
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 1 large carrot, minced
• 1 to 2 teaspoons dried sage
• 1 to 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
• 1 and 1/2 to 2 sticks butter
• 1 Lb ground sausage (optional) but highly recommended for flavor
• 1 tsp salt
• fresh cracked black pepper to taste

Surely, you don’t need to make your own bread. However, if you have the time, it will be worth it. On the other hand, any bread will do. Consequently, I have used leftover hot dog buns, bagels, Ezekiel bread with great results.

Equipment needed

• slow cooker (this one is my favorite https://amzn.to/3AKsFVm
• pan for sauteing if slow cooker doesn’t provide that function
• spatula or spoon for stirring
• knife for chopping
• cutting board
• large measuring cup

Steps in How to make the best stuffing in the slow cooker or crock pot

1. First, chop the onions and celery and mince the carrot.
2. Add the sausage to the slow cooker or pan and sauté until fully cooked.
3. Add the veggies in with the sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
4. Add the butter and allow that to melt and stir in the rosemary and sage.
5. Next, add the bread on top.
6. Slowly pour the broth over the bread adding just enough to moisten all of the bread, you don’t want it soaked or swimming in broth.
7. Lastly, top with the fresh parsley and cook on low for 4 hours.
8. After 3 and 1/2 hours, uncover the slow cooker and allow to cook with the cover off for the last 30 minutes.