Slow Cooker Stuffing Canadian Living

Stuffing might just be my absolutely favorite part of the traditional Thanksgiving feast.

The problem, however, is that even when you plan well, the oven tends to be needed for several dishes right before serving, stuffing being one of them.

So, considering that stuffing is really just a glorified bread pudding, why not move it to the slow cooker? We make bread pudding regularly in our slow cooker, and stuffing works beautifully!

And as an added bonus, if you are responsible for bringing the stuffing to this year's gathering, just pack the prepped ingredients and your slow cooker and you're golden. 🙂

This recipe is based both on the stove-top stuffing recipe in my book, The DIY Pantry, and the shortcut version I mentioned in our Sunday Morning Bread Pudding article. You're certainly welcome to add other favorite stuffing items, such as cranberries, apples, or sausage, if those are ingredients you love – it's versatile.

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In fact, you can use any stuffing recipe you'd like – grain-free, gluten-free, an old family favorite, whatever you like! Just follow the cooking instructions below (and make sure any meats, such as sausage, are pre-cooked).

FAQ: Common Questions for Making Stuffing in the Slow Cooker or Crock-Pot

How do I know when I've added enough liquid?

No matter whether you're using chicken broth, turkey stock, or water, the amount of liquid matters.

Also, the moisture level in whatever bread you're using can vary greatly depending on how dry it is, how large the cubes are, what kind of bread it is, etc.

That said, there's zero need to stress about getting the amount of liquid right when making this slow cooker stuffing recipe. Dried bread is rather forgiving, and you can most definitely make perfect Thanksgiving stuffing with varying amounts of liquid!

There are two rules of thumb I like to follow when adding liquid to the stuffing mixture:

Use less liquid than you think you'll need. You can always add more, but you can't take it away. Also, other ingredients, such as celery, will be sweating out their liquid during cooking, which will add to the total moisture content.
Remember that the stuffing will become softer and moister as it cooks. As you stir, you want bread pieces that still feel firm but are beginning to wilt or appear soft at the edges. (It's totally okay if some pieces are soggy, but you don't want all of the pieces soggy.)

Do I need to sauté the vegetables before I add them to the slow cooker?

Thankfully, no, but you're more than welcome to do so if you so desire. 🙂 Here's why sautéing isn't required:

Magazines and chefs that advocate for sautéing the vegetables (such as celery and onion) first have good reason for doing so. Anytime you brown or caramalize vegetables, you highlight the rich and savory flavors of those vegetables, which deepens your final stuffing.

It also makes all those flavors meld – typically this is a wonderful, desired outcome, but in the case of stuffing, you want that sweet, earthy flavor of celery and onion present and balanced in the final dish, not hidden to merely provide a rich and savory base for the bread and spices.

Obviously, this is a matter of preference, so if you have time, by all means sauté the vegetables if you desire, but this is one time when I advocate that skipping the sauté step isn't just a shortcut, it's preferable!

Besides, if you're needing to get the stuffing made NOW because it's already Thanksgiving morning and you want to move on to working on other dishes, then by all means, toss in the vegetables raw and don't worry one iota about having "done it wrong." There is no wrong here – only delicious. 🙂

Why is this stuffing recipe made without eggs? Can I make stuffing with no eggs?

Yes, absolutely stuffing can be made without eggs.

Eggs are often included in stuffing recipes for a number of reasons: to act as a binder, to create a more custard-y texture, and to create a rich flavor. All good reasons, but none of which are actually *needed* to create a flavorful, delicious stuffing.

So, for the sake of simplicity and because the recipe below simply tastes delicious just the way it is, I've left the eggs out.

Eggless stuffing – who knew?! 🙂

What size of slow cooker or Crock-Pot® do I need to make stuffing in the slow cooker?

A 6-8 quart size slow cooker is easiest and is the size that is used in the recipe below, but you can use any size. Here are a few best practices to keep in mind:

The stuffing will likely expand by 10-20% while it cooks (perhaps a bit more if you use a recipe that includes eggs), so don't fill the slow cooker more than 3/4-full when you pour the stuffing mix in.
You can definitely use a larger slow cooker for a larger amount, but you may want to stir it after the first three hours to aid in even cooking and may need to add an additional 30-60 minutes on the cook time.
A smaller slow cooker will work just fine for smaller amounts, but it will likely only fit enough stuffing for 1-2 people. You may want to check the stuffing after two hours to make sure it's not burning on the edges.

As I've said before, making stuffing in the slow cooker is super-versatile!

How do I know when the stuffing is done?

Whether you cook your stuffing in the oven or in the slow cooker, the stuffing is finished when the middle is piping hot. Specifically this is when the middle reaches at least 160°F.

This is particularly important if you have made the stuffing with a poultry stock or have included meats or mushrooms. If you've made the stuffing with water and vegetables only, then it's not as critical, but you still want to serve it hot and fully cooked!

And if you want crispy edges, you'll definitely want to leave it in the slow cooker for at least 4-5 hours. Just peek in on it every 30 minutes or so after the initial 3 hour cook time to decide when it's done to your liking.

Can I customize the stuffing recipe?

Absolutely! The recipe below is the classic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe, but you can customize it however you like. Common riffs on the classic theme use sausage, mushrooms, peppers, fresh herbs, and even corn. Cornbread stuffing is a Thanksgiving tradition for some, as well.

These directions can be used for cooking any stuffing in the slow cooker. If you already have a favorite family stuffing recipe, or need a gluten-free stuffing, or simply want to try something new – they'll all work well in the slow cooker. Just make sure your bread or cornbread is well dried before you start and pay attention to your moisture content using the tips above to keep your stuffing from getting soggy.

Note: I can't guarantee the outcome of other stuffings, particularly grain-free or gluten-free ones, simply because there are so many different ways to make breads using non-grain flours. However, the ones I have tried have worked just as well in the slow cooker as in the oven.

Can I make box stuffing or packet stuffing in the slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can make any stuffing in the slow cooker, including the packaged varieties. Just skip the recipe below and follow the package instructions for prepping the stuffing cubes.

Once everything's mixed according the package instructions, simply follow the cooking instructions below. Super simple!

What's the best bread for making stuffing?

Honestly, you can make delicious stuffing with ANY kind of bread (although I don't recommend cinnamon-raisin in this particular application – heh).

I've made delicious stuffing with at least a dozen different types of bread, each with their own textures and flavors, but all using the same techniques and the same delicious outcome. 🙂

One way I make this easy is that I've gotten in the habit of drying leftover bread. Whenever we've had bread at a meal – my husband's no-knead sourdough bread, our favorite dark rye, Sunday morning's brioche, hot dog buns, bagels, etc – I toss any crusts and leftover pieces on a baking sheet so they can dry out undisturbed. Once they're dry, they keep for months and are ready whenever we want to make stuffing, bread pudding, or strata.

All that said, the best bread for stuffing is any hearty bread that can be easily sliced, which makes it easy to cut and dry uniform cubes. For flavor, whole wheat bread or rye bread blend particularly well with the savory herbs and spices that are traditional in stuffing. Yum, yum!

If you purchase bread cubes from the store or your local bakery, be sure to purchase unseasoned ones. This is both because you want to be able to add your own herbs and spices as part of the recipe, but also because commercial seasonings tend to have the types of preservatives and additives that we eschew as eaters of real food. 🙂

(The herbs and spices are provided in this recipe, but if you want the simplicity of already-flavored bread cubes, toss them with homemade poultry seasoning or homemade chicken bouillon powder.)

How to Dry Bread for Stuffing

There are two ways to dry bread for stuffing:

Dry the bread on the counter: Tear or cut the bread into large cubes (1 – 1 1/2 inch) and leave them on the counter uncovered for 24-48 hours. Turn the cubes occasionally.
Dry the bread in the oven: Preheat oven to 300°F. Tear or cut the bread into large cubes (1 – 1 1/2 inch) and scatter them on a baking sheet, making sure they're in one single layer. Bake 25-30 minutes or until dried, stirring once. Remove from the oven before bread toasts or browns. (A little browning won't hurt, but more will change the flavor of the stuffing.)

Do I have to calculate the cook time exactly to be ready for serving time?

The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it is so incredibly flexible. The stuffing can be served right as it finishes cooking or it can sit for hours waiting for everything else to be done.

That said, here are a few tips for perfect stuffing with regard to how long it sits:

The stuffing is ready to serve after the first three hours of cooking. If it's going to sit longer than that, switch the slow cooker to the "Keep Warm" setting, if your slow cooker has it. Otherwise, keep it on the lowest temperature your slow cooker will allow to keep the edges from burning.
Stir the stuffing every 30 minutes or so to keep the edges from becoming overly crunchy, if desired. (This may be skipped if you used parchment paper to line the insert.) If the stuffing sits for several hours, you may also want to add 3-4 tablespoons of water every couple of hours.

What can I make ahead?

As long-time readers of this site know, I am a HUGE advocate for prepping ahead as a remedy and strategy for stress-free meals. (Don't believe me? I've created all of our meal plans and our entire Meal Planning Toolkit around that concept.)

In the case of feasts and large meals, prepping is even more advantageous.

So what can be made ahead for slow cooker stuffing? Here are a few options:

Up to 1 month ahead: Dry the bread cubes. Once dry, store in an airtight container in the freezer. Remove from the freezer to sit on the counter 12-24 hours before making the stuffing. Let them come to room temperature before making the stuffing.
Up to three days ahead: Dry the bread cubes. Once dry, store in a paper bag or other container that allows a bit of air flow.
Up to three days ahead: Measure and mix the spices so they're ready to dump in. Store in an airtight container.
The day before: Chop the vegetables. Cover and refrigerate.

I hope you swoon as much as I do each time I scoop lovely, savory stuffing onto my plate, giving great thanks for the deep blessings in my life, which certainly includes the opportunity to feast with those whom I love dearly!

A very happy Thanksgiving to you all!

See more delicious, time-saving Thanksgiving tips and recipes (plus some of our favorite Thanksgiving printables) on our Thanksgiving Recipes page.

Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Stuffing

A simple way to make classic Thanksgiving stuffing without eggs that's perfectly moist and frees up room in the oven.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 3 hours

Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Thanksgiving

Servings: 6

6-8 cups dried bread cubes, any variety, including grain-free varieties (from 1 pound of bread)
4 tablespoons butter
3 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried sage, or 3-4 fresh leaves finely minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme, or the leaves from 3 fresh thyme sprigs
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh or dried rosemary leaves
1 teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ – 2 ¾ cups chicken stock, turkey stock, or water

If your bread is not yet dry, chop it into cubes and dry it in a 300°F oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring once OR leave the cubes out on the counter for a day or two to dry, turning occasionally.
When ready to cook, generously butter the inside of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker insert and keep at the ready. (Alternatively, line the slow cooker with 2-3 overlapping pieces of parchment paper. It makes clean-up SO so so much easier!)
Melt butter over medium heat and reserve.
Place dry bread cubes, celery, onion, herbs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. If you're customizing the recipe, add all other ingredients at this time. (Safety note: if you're using ingredients such as sausage or bacon, be sure they are precooked before adding to the mixture.)
Pour over the melted butter and toss briefly, then drizzle over 1 1/2 cups of stock and toss again. At this point, the cubes should feel mostly firm, but slightly soft around the edges; the mixture should not appear soggy. If the cubes still seem dry, add more stock 1/4 cup at a time, tossing well after each addition.
Scrape into the prepared slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
At the end of the cook time, switch the heat to the "Keep Warm" setting, if your slow cooker has that option. Otherwise, keep it on the lowest setting your slow cooker will allow.

If you haven't used parchment paper, stir the stuffing every 30 minutes or so to keep the edges from burning or becoming overly crunchy. If it sits for several hours, you may also want to add 3-4 tablespoons of water every couple of hours.
When ready to serve, scoop stuffing into a serving bowl and top with additional herbs or fresh parsley, if desired.
As another cooking option

if you have a large slow cooker, find a heatproof bowl that fits inside your slow cooker. Butter that bowl and pour the stuffing mix into it. Place the bowl in the slow cooker and add just enough water to the slow cooker around the bowl (NOT inside the bowl!) to come halfway up the sides of the bowl. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4-5 hours. This method will make sure the entire mixture stays soft and there are no crunchy edges.