The Coziest Slow Cooker Dressing (Stuffing) Recipe for Family Meals

Thanksgiving gatherings spark memories of warmth and comfort, with slow cooker dressing bringing nostalgic flavors to every family table.

This classic side dish promises rich, herb-infused goodness that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Tender bread cubes soak up savory seasonings, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that rivals traditional oven-baked versions.

Home cooks adore how effortlessly this recipe comes together with minimal preparation.

The slow cooker works its magic, blending sage, thyme, and subtle hints of celery into a harmonious blend.

Each spoonful carries the essence of home-cooked comfort and cherished culinary traditions.

Serve this dressing alongside roasted turkey or enjoy it as a standalone comfort food that connects generations through delicious simplicity.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients Breakdown For Slow Cooker Dressing (Stuffing)

• White Bread, Sourdough: Provides sturdy foundation, select day-old bread for better texture absorption.
• Whole Wheat Bread: Adds nutty depth and extra nutrition, ensures more robust flavor profile.

• Onions, Celery: Builds classic dressing flavor base, choose fresh crisp vegetables for maximum crunch and sweetness.
• Garlic: Enhances overall savory complexity, select firm bulbs without sprouting.

• Poultry Seasoning, Sage, Thyme: Creates traditional herbal warmth, use dried herbs for concentrated flavor intensity.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Balances and elevates other ingredient profiles, freshly ground pepper recommended.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and rich underlying taste, opt for low-sodium versions for better control.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients together, ensuring cohesive texture, use fresh room temperature eggs.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps sautéing vegetables, select unsalted for precise seasoning control.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright color and fresh note, choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.

Tools And Supplies For Slow Cooker Dressing (Stuffing)

• Large skillet: Perfect for sauteing onions, celery, and garlic in butter over medium heat.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining bread cubes, sauteed vegetables, seasonings, and broth.
• Slow cooker: Key appliance for cooking the dressing evenly and keeping it moist.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping bread into cubes and preparing vegetables.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise bread and vegetable cutting.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure broth and ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the slow cooker.

How To Make Slow Cooker Dressing (Stuffing)

• Bread Transformation

Slice bread into tiny chunks and let them turn crispy overnight or quickly dry in the oven at a low temperature.

• Flavor Building

Heat butter in a pan and dance onions, celery, and garlic around until they become soft and fragrant.

• Create Magic Mixture

Blend dried bread pieces with sauteed vegetables and seasonings. Gently pour broth to create moisture, mixing carefully. Incorporate beaten eggs to help everything stick together.

• Slow Cooking Comfort

Move the delicious mixture into a greased slow cooker. Cover and let it simmer quietly for a few hours, giving an occasional gentle stir to ensure even cooking.

• Final Touch and Serve

Give the dressing a playful fluff, check its texture, and add extra liquid if needed. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top and bring to the table while warm and inviting.

Helpful Ideas And Tweaks For Slow Cooker Dressing (Stuffing)

• Bread-Drying Pro Tip: Letting bread cubes air-dry overnight concentrates flavor and helps absorb liquid perfectly without becoming soggy.
• Texture-Perfect Technique: Use day-old bread or slightly stale bread for optimal texture and better moisture absorption in the dressing.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit eggs to create a delicious vegetarian version that's equally flavorful and satisfying.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dressing mixture a day in advance and refrigerate, then transfer to slow cooker when ready to cook for deeper, more developed flavors.
• Herb Variation Station: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or marjoram to create unique flavor profiles and personalize your traditional dressing recipe.

How To Serve Slow Cooker Dressing (Stuffing) With Style

• Thanksgiving Table Star: Nestle this golden-brown dressing next to roasted turkey, creating a classic holiday plate that feels like a warm family hug.
• Leftovers Magic: Stuff leftover dressing into sandwich bread with sliced turkey and a dollop of cranberry sauce for an incredible next-day lunch.
• Side Dish Symphony: Pair this hearty dressing with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots to create a balanced, comforting meal that celebrates seasonal flavors.
• Potluck Perfection: Transport the slow cooker directly to gatherings, keeping the dressing warm and ready to delight hungry guests with its rich, herb-infused goodness.

Slow Cooker Dressing (Stuffing) Prep And Storage Tips

• Meal Preservation Tactics
• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Transfer leftover dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Stays fresh for 3-4 days when sealed tightly.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Portion cooled dressing into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze up to 1 month, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Rescue Plan: Warm refrigerated dressing in microwave, adding 2-3 tablespoons broth to restore moisture. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare bread cubes and chop vegetables 1-2 days ahead. Store separately in sealed containers to streamline cooking process and reduce day-of preparation time.

Comforting Slow Cooker Dressing

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Slow cooker herb dressing delivers classic Thanksgiving comfort with minimal kitchen effort. Herbs, bread cubes, and aromatics meld into a savory side dish you’ll crave at holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 loaf (about 12 cups) bread, cubed (French, sourdough, or cornbread)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2.5–3 cups (590–710 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 0.5 cup (1 stick/113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsps poultry seasoning
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bread Preparation: Transform stale bread into crisp cubes by air-drying overnight or quickly toasting in the oven at 300F (150C) until perfectly crunchy.
2. Vegetable Sauté: Caramelize onions, celery, and garlic in butter over medium heat until translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Flavor Infusion: Combine toasted bread cubes with sautéed vegetables, integrating poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper to create a harmonious flavor foundation.
4. Moisture and Binding: Gradually fold in broth and beaten eggs, ensuring even moisture distribution and structural cohesion without creating soggy patches.
5. Slow Cooker Assembly: Thoroughly grease the slow cooker’s interior, transfer the seasoned mixture, and spread evenly to promote consistent cooking.
6. Cooking Process: Cover and simmer on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, pausing midway to gently redistribute ingredients and ensure even heating.
7. Final Touches: Evaluate moisture content, adding extra broth if needed, and delicately fluff the dressing with a fork to achieve a light, airy texture.
8. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, creating a vibrant and aromatic side dish that perfectly complements main courses.

Notes

• Prevent Bread Sogginess: Use day-old or stale bread cubes to absorb moisture without turning mushy, ensuring a perfect texture with crisp edges and soft interior.
• Master Moisture Balance: Add broth gradually and stir gently to distribute liquid evenly, preventing dry spots or overly wet patches in the dressing.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast bread cubes and sauté vegetables before mixing to develop rich, caramelized undertones that elevate the overall taste profile.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap traditional bread with gluten-free alternatives, use vegetable broth for vegetarian version, or add herbs like rosemary for a personalized touch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg