Slow Cooker Stuffing: The Easiest Way to Perfect Holiday Flavor

Slow Cooker Stuffing is the ultimate time-saving trick for holiday meals or even weeknight comfort food. This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes of prep time and delivers perfectly seasoned, moist stuffing with a slightly crisp edge after hours of hands-off cooking. You can set it, stay focused on your turkey, and return to find stuffing that’s practically magic.

Traditional stuffing requires constant babysitting in the oven, and let’s not even start on stovetop juggling. With this easy slow cooker stuffing, you skip the extra effort without sacrificing a shred of flavor. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or just want a cozy dinner side, trust me—this one’s a lifesaver.

Why This Slow Cooker Stuffing Is a Game-Changer

• Hands-off cooking: Once it’s in the slow cooker, you’re free to focus on other dishes. No stirring, flipping, or worrying.
• Consistent results: The slow cooker ensures even cooking and deep flavor as all those seasonings meld together over time.
• Prep time minimized: It takes 25 minutes to throw everything together. Most of that time is chopping, which you can speed up with pre-cut veggies.
• Perfect texture: You get moist, fluffy stuffing that’s loaded with flavor—it’s never overly dry or gummy.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Slow Cooker Stuffing

To nail this recipe, all you really need is a trusty slow cooker. Here are my go-to tips and recommendations:

• Slow cooker size: A 6-quart slow cooker is just right for this recipe. If yours is smaller, halve the recipe to avoid overflowing.
• Setting and time: Start on High for the first 45 minutes, then switch to Low for 4 to 8 hours. This ensures the stuffing cooks evenly while absorbing all that broth.
• Bonus gear: If you have one, use a sauté pan for pre-cooking the veggies—the browning adds a world of flavor.

Simple Ingredients for Slow Cooker Stuffing

This recipe uses pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, making it easy to throw together:

• Dry bread cubes: Stick with day-old bread that’s fully dry or lightly toasted for texture. Homemade or store-bought works equally well.
• Butter: Adds richness you can taste in every bite. Don’t skimp!
• Herbs & seasonings: Sage, thyme, and parsley make the stuffing taste like it came straight out of grandma’s recipe box.
• Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth keeps everything moist and flavorful. Use vegetarian broth for vegetarian slow cooker stuffing.

Slow Cooker Stuffing Recipe Details

• Servings: 16
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes

Slow Cooker Stuffing Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups chopped onion
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 12 ounces sliced mushrooms
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 12 cups dry bread cubes
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried sage
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 ½ cups chicken broth, or more as needed
• 2 large eggs, beaten

How to Make Slow Cooker Stuffing

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, celery, mushrooms, and parsley. Sauté until the veggies are softened, about 5 to 8 minutes.
3. Place dry bread cubes in a large bowl. Add the cooked vegetable mixture, salt, sage, poultry seasoning, thyme, marjoram, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Pour chicken broth over the bread mixture a little at a time, stirring to coat. The mixture should feel moist but not soggy.
5. Fold in beaten eggs until evenly combined.
6. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on High for 45 minutes.
7. Reduce the heat to Low and let cook for 4 to 8 hours. It’s ready when the flavors are fully blended, and the texture is soft yet firm.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Stuffing

• Skip moist bread cubes: Dry bread soaks up the broth without getting mushy. Toast fresh bread in the oven if you don’t have day-old bread.
• Adjust broth carefully: Add it gradually until the bread is moist but not soaked. Too much liquid can result in soggy stuffing.
• Make it ahead: Prep the stuffing mixture the day before and refrigerate it. On the day of, just transfer to the slow cooker and cook.
• Customize your add-ins: Cooked sausage, dried cranberries, or diced apples make amazing additions.

Easy Slow Cooker Stuffing Variations

• Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and ensure all seasonings are vegetarian-friendly.
• Classic sausage stuffing: Add 1 pound of cooked turkey sausage crumbles to the mix before transferring to the slow cooker.
• Apple and cranberry stuffing: Toss in 1 cup of dried cranberries and 1 cup of diced apples for a subtly sweet twist.
• Gluten-free version: Use your favorite gluten-free bread to turn this into a celiac-friendly recipe.

Slow Cooker Stuffing FAQs

Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Yes! Prep everything the day before and refrigerate. Assemble and cook in your slow cooker on the day of your meal.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Warm in the slow cooker on Low or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist while reheating.

Can I use fresh bread instead of dry?

Fresh bread can make the stuffing too dense. If all you have is fresh bread, toast it in the oven for about 10 minutes before starting the recipe.

Does this work for vegetarian slow cooker stuffing?

Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You’ll still get tons of flavor.

What’s the ideal slow cooker size for this recipe?

A 6-quart slow cooker works best. If you’re using a smaller one, cut the recipe in half.

So, there you have it—delicious Slow Cooker Stuffing that’s low on effort but big on flavor. What’s your go-to kitchen shortcut? Drop your tips in the comments—I’d love to hear them!