There’s something about homemade stuffing that just hits differently. It’s savory, buttery, herby, and packed with comfort in every bite. And when you make it in the crock pot, it’s even better—because who doesn’t love a set-it-and-forget-it holiday side dish?
I started making stuffing this way when I realized how crowded my oven gets during Thanksgiving. Between the turkey, pies, and all the sides, I needed a way to free up space without sacrificing that rich, classic stuffing flavor.
Enter the crock pot, where everything comes together into a perfectly moist (but never soggy!) dish with those crispy, golden edges we all crave.
The mix of white and brown bread cubes, buttery onions, and celery, and just the right blend of herbs and seasoning makes this stuffing a total standout. And if you need a fresh, vibrant side to balance it out, try these Brussels Sprouts—because nothing pairs better with stuffing than a little green on the plate!
Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this crock pot stuffing saves time and delivers big on flavor.
What’s so Special About This dish?
- Frees Up Oven Space: Perfect for busy holiday cooking.
- Perfectly Moist (But Never Mushy!): The crock pot keeps it just right.
- Rich, Buttery, and Herby: Classic stuffing flavors, made easy.
- Customizable: Add sausage, apples, or nuts for a twist.
- Crispy Edges? Yes, Please! The best part of any stuffing.
Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe
Equipment
- Slow cooker (5-6 qt)
- Large skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon for stirring
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning store bought or homemade
- 2 medium onions diced
- 2 cups sliced celery
- 6 cups dry white bread cubes
- 6 cups dry brown bread cubes
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs or to taste thyme, sage, rosemary ,optional
- 3 cups chicken broth plus an additional 1 cup if needed
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and stir in poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add diced onions and celery; cook until softened, then let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, parsley, and fresh herbs (if using).
- Pour the cooled onion and celery mixture over the bread cubes and mix gently.
- Gradually add chicken broth to moisten the bread cubes, then stir in beaten eggs.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased slow cooker.
- Cook on High for 30 minutes, then reduce to Low and cook for 3-4 hours.
- Keep on the Warm setting if done before serving.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 254kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 19g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Sodium | 638mg |
Expert Tips for The Best Slow Cooker Stuffing!
- Use Day-Old or Dried Bread – Fresh bread will become too mushy. For the best texture, use completely dried-out bread cubes. If your bread is fresh, toast it in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes before using.
- Balance the Bread Types – The mix of white and brown bread provides a great balance of texture and flavor. White bread soaks up moisture, while brown bread (like whole wheat or rye) adds depth.
- Sauté the Veggies for Maximum Flavor – Cooking the onions and celery in butter with seasonings before adding them to the bread ensures a deeper, richer flavor. Let the mixture cool before mixing with the bread to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Moisture Control – Start with 3 cups of broth and mix gently. The bread should be damp but not soaking wet. If it looks dry after an hour of cooking, stir in extra broth (up to 1 more cup).
- Eggs for Structure – Beaten eggs help bind the stuffing, giving it a slightly firmer texture. For a fluffier result, whisk the eggs with a bit of broth before adding them to the mix.
- Layer in Fresh Herbs – Fresh thyme, sage, and rosemary add an earthy aroma and enhance the flavor. If using dried herbs, reduce the amount by half.
- Avoid Overcooking – Slow cookers can vary, so check at 3 hours. The stuffing should be moist but not soggy, with the edges slightly crisp.
- Crispier Top Hack – If you prefer a crunchy top, transfer the cooked stuffing to a baking dish and broil for 5 minutes before serving.
- Make Ahead for Easy Prep – You can prepare everything the night before and refrigerate the mixture in the slow cooker insert. The next day, let it come to room temperature before cooking.
Joe Miller is the passionate founder of Food Landscape Insight, where he shares his love for cooking and culinary experiences. Growing up in a family-run diner, Joe was immersed in the vibrant world of food from an early age. The kitchen became his canvas, and food, his way of storytelling.
Through years of experimentation and learning, Joe honed his skills and started his blog to inspire others to embrace the joy of cooking. Each recipe he shares is a blend of tradition, creativity, and the heartfelt memories that food brings to life, all with the aim of fostering a deeper connection to food.
