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Crockpot Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe Easy Make-Ahead Holiday Favorite

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This easy crockpot Thanksgiving stuffing is a make-ahead, hands-off holiday favorite packed with classic flavors from toasted bread, sautéed veggies, and fresh herbs. It frees up oven space and delivers perfectly moist, golden-edged stuffing every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 cups day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (French bread, sourdough, or a mix; about 24 ounces)
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large yellow onions (about 2 cups), diced
  • 4 stalks celery (about 1 1/2 cups), chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 1/2 to 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, warmed (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning (optional)
  • Nonstick cooking spray or butter (for greasing crockpot)
  • Optional add-ins:
  • 1 cup chopped apples or dried cranberries
  • 1 cup cooked mild sausage
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms, sautéed

Instructions

  1. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes (about 12 cups). Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 15–20 minutes, tossing once, until dry and lightly golden. Let cool. (Skip if bread is already stale and dry.)
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and celery; cook, stirring often, until softened (about 7–8 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, sautéed veggies (with any leftover butter), chopped herbs, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Toss gently to combine.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat eggs. Pour over stuffing mixture. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups warm broth, tossing as you go. Add more broth as needed until bread is moist but not soggy.
  5. Fold in any optional add-ins (sausage, apples, cranberries, nuts, mushrooms) if using.
  6. Grease crockpot insert with butter or nonstick spray. Spoon stuffing mixture into crockpot and gently press down (do not compact too much).
  7. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, or until hot throughout and edges are golden and slightly crisp. For a crisper top, uncover for the last 30 minutes.
  8. Switch crockpot to ‘Keep Warm’ until ready to serve. Fluff with a fork before serving and adjust seasonings as needed.

Notes

For best texture, use day-old or toasted bread. Add broth gradually to avoid soggy stuffing. For gluten-free, use GF bread and check broth ingredients. For vegan, use plant-based butter and omit eggs or use a flax egg. To reheat, add a splash of broth and warm in microwave, oven, or crockpot. Stuffing flavors deepen overnight—great for make-ahead!

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving, stuffing, crockpot, slow cooker, make-ahead, holiday, bread stuffing, easy, vegetarian option, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/crockpot-thanksgiving-stuffing-recipe-easy-make-ahead-holiday-favorite/