Crock Pot Dressing Recipe

Thanksgiving dinner just isn’t the same without a hearty serving of dressing (aka bread stuffing) that has been cooking in your Crock Pot.

This comforting side dish is a Thanksgiving menu staple. And making it in a slow cooker is a game-changer for those who need more oven space and less last-minute worries on the holiday. 

Whether you like your stuffing moist or crispy on the outside, the slow cooker can help you achieve the perfect texture. In fact, it is my absolute favorite way to make dressing and to be honest, I love the dressing more than any other dish on the table.

Stuffing vs. Dressing: What’s the Difference?

Although often used interchangeably, “stuffing” traditionally refers to the bread-based side dish cooked inside the turkey, while “dressing” is typically baked separately. 

Today, more people lean toward cooking this dish outside the bird, as it not only simplifies the cooking process but also allows you to make larger batches. This is especially useful if you’re serving a big family where one turkey’s worth of stuffing just wouldn’t be enough.

Not to mention that cooking stuffing inside the cavity of the bird is no longer recommended. That is because the raw juices of the turkey penetrate into the bread cubes and may not be cooked to a safe consumption temperature by the time the turkey is ready to be pulled out of the oven. 

Why Use a Crock Pot for Dressing?

For many of us, Thanksgiving involves juggling multiple dishes, all of which need oven or stovetop space. Between the oven roasted turkey, casseroles, gravy, and sauces, it’s a tight fit! 

Your crock pot offers a hands-off method for cooking stuffing, allowing you to focus on other dishes without worrying about the stuffing drying out in the oven or needing to stir it constantly on the stove.

Another benefit of using a slow cooker is that you can prepare it in advance. You can get the stuffing going in the slow cooker a few hours before dinner, set it to cook, and then it will switch to the Keep Warm setting until it’s time to serve.

Programmable Slow Cookers are great at keeping food warm after the cook time is up, which is perfect if your dinner timing needs to be flexible, because we all have that one person in the family that may not always show up on time (I won’t mention any names here).

Not to mention that it is easy to transport the entire slow cooker to the house where the holiday dinner is being held. So this Thanksgiving, if you are responsible for making the stuffing, be sure to try this recipe!

Crock Pot Dressing Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 12 cups of soft bread cubes, approximately 18 slices of standard white bread
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cup chopped celery, about 3 large stalks
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, optional
• Additional chicken or vegetable stock, as needed

INSTRUCTIONS

Preparing the Bread Cubes: Save Money and Add Flavor

One of the key ingredients for stuffing is, of course, bread. While you could buy dry bread cubes, it’s easy—and often tastier—to make your own. Start with a basic loaf of bread, preferably a day or two old. A slightly stale loaf absorbs liquid better, giving you a stuffing that’s flavorful without becoming mushy.

To prepare your bread, tear or cut it into cubes the night before Thanksgiving and leave it out in a large bowl. Exposing it to air will dry it out, making it perfect for absorbing the butter and seasonings without turning soggy.

You can even use a mix of bread types, such as white and whole wheat, to add depth to the stuffing’s flavor.

Building the Flavor: Sautéing the Vegetables

About five hours before serving time, start by sautéing celery and onions in butter. These vegetables give stuffing its classic flavor base, with the butter adding richness. 

Cook them until they’re soft and fragrant, but not browned. This step is essential, as it brings out the natural sweetness of the onions and celery, which compliments the savory flavors of the dish.

Once the vegetables are ready, add the seasonings to the mixture. Heating the spices will add more flavor when tossed with the bread cubes and give you that classic Thanksgiving flavor. 

To Add Stock or Not: Finding the Right Balance

One of the most debated aspects of making dressing in the crock pot is whether or not to add stock, and how much. This depends on the texture you’re after. 

If you like your stuffing a little on the drier side, start with minimal stock, if any. The slow cooker’s sealed environment traps moisture, which naturally softens the dressing as it cooks. This way, you can check the consistency halfway through and add stock if you feel it’s needed.

For those who prefer a moist dressing, adding a bit of stock from the beginning will help achieve that texture. Generally, adding just enough to lightly dampen the bread cubes completely works well. 

Remember, you can always add more if you check it later and find it’s too dry, but it’s difficult to reverse over-moistened dressing.

Cooking the Dressing in the Crock Pot

Once you’ve prepared everything, place the bread mixture into the slow cooker. Cook it on low heat for about 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally to check the texture and to ensure even cooking. 

If you want a slightly crispier texture on the edges, you can increase the heat setting to high for the last hour or so, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Keeping It Warm Until Serving Time

When your dressing has reached the perfect consistency, switch your slow cooker to the “Keep Warm” setting. This is incredibly helpful if you aren’t quite ready to serve dinner. As it is on Keep Warm it keeps the dressing at an ideal serving temperature without drying it out.

 If your slow cooker doesn’t have a “Keep Warm” function, simply unplug it and cover the stuffing tightly, or transfer it to a serving dish and cover with foil.

Possible Recipe Variations

If you are looking a way to add more or unique flavors to your Crock Pot Dressing try these popular variations:

1. Add Sausage: For a heartier stuffing, brown some sausage and mix it in with the bread cubes. The sausage adds delicious flavor and makes the dressing even heartier. 
2. Include Apples or Cranberries: A handful of chopped apples or dried cranberries adds a touch of sweetness and more texture making the dressing even more delicious. 
3. Try Different Bread Types: While white bread is classic, you can use other varieties. Try adding some rye, sourdough, or even cornbread to create new flavor profiles. Experimenting with different breads is a great way to customize your stuffing. (See my Cornbread Stuffing recipe).
4. Mushrooms:  If you love a rich, earthy flavor, sauté some mushrooms with the celery and onions. Mushrooms add depth to the stuffing, making it extra savory and flavorful.
5. Herb Swaps: If you’re not a fan of sage or thyme, consider other herbs like rosemary or parsley. Each herb brings a different character to the stuffing, so play around to find your favorite.

Crock Pot Dressing is a great way to get a classic Thanksgiving side dish on the table with minimal effort. And more importantly without taking up precious space in the oven or on the stove top. 

Whether you’re cooking for a big family gathering or a small family dinner, using a slow cooker ensures your stuffing turns out flavorful, moist, and perfectly cooked.

So, take a little stress out of Thanksgiving this year and give my Crock Pot Dressing a try. It may just become your favorite side dish that you make throughout the year. 

Enjoy! Mary

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