Crockpot Stuffing: Great for When Your Oven Space Is Limited!

Crockpot stuffing is an excellent solution when oven space is limited, particularly during large gatherings like Thanksgiving. It allows for the preparation of a moist and flavorful side dish without the need for oven space, making it a practical and efficient cooking method.

Are you planning a big get-together? Thanksgiving?

Christmas? Or another occasion?

Cooking space can be challenging when doing so. Oven space is limited with turkey, ham, and other goodies.

So why not make crockpot stuffing? Sounds strange, I know.

But it is really good. I prefer crockpot stuffing over stuffing made in the oven.

As long as you don’t leave the keep warm setting on for too long it will stay moist.

In my opinion, a side of this stuffing goes well with sauerkraut and sausage rolls, too!

What Is the Best Bread for Stuffing

You can use just about any kind of bread for stuffing. Many use cornbread, bagels, or buns.

But bread with a neutral flavor with a tendency to be a little on the sweet side such as white bread, challah, or brioche are very good choices. Bread needs to be stale when making stuffing.

If you use fresh bread you will end up with bread soup. Not very appetizing if you ask me.

Why does bread need to be stale or dry, you ask? That dry bread will better absorb all that flavorful stock or broth and seasonings.

Stuffing should be moist, not wet with a soggy texture. I know, many like drier stuffing with a crunchy top. 

Not me. I like my stuffing moist and fluffy. 

I want to scoop my stuffing and not be able to cut it into squares. But that’s me. 

Is There a Difference Between Dry and Stale Bread?

Stale bread may feel hard like dry bread but the stale bread still contains some moisture. Watch the video below for an explanation.

What Is the Best Way to Dry Out Bread for Stuffing?

If you are going with stale bread, leave your bread out overnight in a warm place and cover it loosely. If you are going with dry bread, cut it into 1-inch cubes and place them on a large baking sheet. 

Into a 225-degree oven for 30-40 minutes. Don’t let them brown.  

3 slices of bread equal approximately 1 cup of bread cubes. I have many times dried out extra bread and buns from a cookout, in the oven. 

Then I let them cool and placed them into bags and the freezer until I needed them for making stuffing. I have also used leftover homemade bread.

There are only 2 of us in my household so when I make homemade bread, there are always some that don’t get eaten.

Eggs in Stuffing? Yes or No?

The egg is used as a binder in the stuffing. So adding an egg or not?

There is no wrong answer to this question. That is up to personal preference. 

I have been known to add an egg but there have been times that I have not. But when adding an egg, just the one.

I honestly don’t notice any difference. 

When adding the broth, let the stuffing sit for a few minutes to absorb it before adding more. Be careful when adding salt.

The chicken broth has lots of salt in it so you want to make sure you are not adding too much. Nothing tastes worse than salty stuffing.

Start with 1/2 teaspoon sage and taste the stuffing before adding the egg, you may need to add more depending on how much of a flavor you want. I want a hint of sage.

Some like a stronger sage taste. My daughter made crockpot stuffing for our annual Thanksgiving dinner.

It was really good. My only complaint: she cut the onion and celery too fine.

I want to know if there is celery and onion and want to bite into them. Why did she cut the celery and onion so fine?

For her family. They do not want to know it is in there!

My Final Thoughts

• Crockpot stuffing is a practical solution when oven space is limited, similar to how one might use a slow cooker for side dishes during a large holiday meal when the oven is occupied with the main course.
• Using a crockpot allows the stuffing to cook slowly, resulting in moist and evenly cooked dressing, akin to the way slow cooking can enhance the flavors and textures of stews and casseroles.
• The recipe involves traditional stuffing ingredients like bread cubes, celery, onions, and seasonings, which are similar to those used in classic oven-baked stuffing.
• The convenience of the crockpot means that once the ingredients are combined and set to cook, it requires minimal attention, much like setting a rice cooker and leaving it to complete the cooking process.
• This method not only frees up oven space but also keeps the stuffing warm until serving, which is comparable to how dishes can be kept warm in a buffet server during gatherings.

Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, crockpot stuffing is the way to go. Not only does it free up oven space for all the other yummy things you are cooking or baking, but you can also put it on to cook and forget it for a while.

Leaving you time to concentrate on other things. Whether you decide to use stale, dry, or pre-packaged bread cubes is a personal preference, as well as whether to use eggs or not.

No matter what you use regarding eggs or type of bread cubes it will be yummy. And so easy. 

The only thing to remember when making stuffing is that you need to use stale or dry bread, not fresh.  After all, you don’t want bread soup!

Have you made crockpot stuffing? Please leave me a comment below with your thoughts.  

And as always, have a wonderful day!

FAQ: Crockpot Stuffing

1. What are the benefits of making stuffing in a crockpot?

• Space Efficiency: Using a crockpot for stuffing is an excellent solution when oven space is at a premium, especially during large family gatherings or holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
• Moisture Control: Crockpot stuffing tends to be moister compared to oven-baked versions, which can be beneficial for achieving the desired texture without drying out the dish.

2. How do you prepare crockpot stuffing?

• Basic Preparation: Begin by sautéing onions and celery in butter until soft, then mix them with bread cubes, seasoning, and a liquid component like broth to achieve the desired moistness.
• Cooking Method: The stuffing is then cooked in the crockpot, allowing the flavors to meld together slowly, which enhances the overall taste and texture of the dish.

3. Can you add different ingredients to crockpot stuffing?

• Versatility: You can customize your crockpot stuffing by adding various ingredients such as sausage, nuts, cranberries, or different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences or to complement the main dish.
• Adjustments: Depending on the added ingredients, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly or the amount of broth to ensure the stuffing doesn’t become too dry or soggy.