Herbed Slow Cooker Stuffing: A Flavor-Rich Side Dish for Effortless Holiday Cooking
Holiday meals often feel like a beautiful whirlwind—laughter bubbling through the kitchen, timers beeping, ovens working overtime, and dishes lining every available surface. Amid all the delicious chaos, home cooks crave at least one dependable recipe that’s comforting, low-stress, and guaranteed to please every guest at the table. Herbed slow cooker stuffing fits that role perfectly. Fresh aromatics, savory broth, and soft-yet-toasty bread cubes come together in a cozy, warm blend that tastes like tradition but cooks with modern convenience.
Instead of juggling oven space or worrying about burning the edges, the slow cooker handles the work with consistent moisture and heat, producing a stuffing that’s plush, fragrant, and deeply seasoned. It’s the kind of effortless recipe that allows you to focus on the turkey, connect with family, or simply take a few quiet moments while the flavors simmer to perfection. Whether preparing a holiday feast or creating comfort food on a chilly weekend, this herbed slow cooker stuffing makes every meal feel a little more special.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a helpful table listing each ingredient along with an approximate calorie count per serving. (Calorie values are estimates.)
| Ingredient | Amount | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Cubed dry bread (white or sourdough) | 12 cups | 960 kcal |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (1 stick) | 810 kcal |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 large | 60 kcal |
| Celery, sliced | 3 stalks | 30 kcal |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | ¼ cup | 5 kcal |
| Fresh sage, chopped | 2 tbsp | 10 kcal |
| Fresh thyme, chopped | 1 tbsp | 3 kcal |
| Fresh rosemary, chopped | 1 tbsp | 3 kcal |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | 13 kcal |
| Chicken or vegetable broth | 3–4 cups | ~40 kcal per cup |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Negligible |
| Eggs (optional, for richer texture) | 2 large | 140 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread
Use dry bread for the best texture. If the bread is fresh, spread the cubes on baking sheets and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15–20 minutes until lightly crisped.
2. Sauté the Vegetables and Herbs
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant. Stir in parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary to release the herbs’ natural oils.
3. Combine in a Large Mixing Bowl
Add the sautéed vegetables and herbs to the dried bread cubes. Mix gently to distribute the flavors.
4. Moisten the Stuffing
Pour in the broth gradually, tossing as you go. Add just enough broth for the bread to soften while still holding its shape. If using eggs, whisk them into the broth before adding.
5. Transfer to the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the slow cooker insert. Spoon the stuffing mixture inside and press it down gently without compacting it too tightly.
6. Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
For a slightly crisp top layer, uncover during the last 20–30 minutes to allow steam to escape.
7. Taste and Adjust
Stir once before serving and add a pinch of salt or pepper if needed.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Add proteins:
Crumble in cooked sausage, bacon, turkey, or mushrooms for added richness.
Boost the herbs:
For stronger herbal notes, add an extra teaspoon of dried poultry seasoning or a few more sprigs of fresh herbs.
Make it vegetarian or vegan:
Use vegetable broth and swap butter for a plant-based alternative.
Add sweetness:
A handful of dried cranberries, chopped apples, or golden raisins adds a festive pop of flavor.
Want more texture?
Stir in toasted pecans or walnuts right before serving.
Prefer crisp stuffing?
After slow cooking, spread the stuffing onto a sheet pan and broil for 3–5 minutes.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~220–250 |
| Carbohydrates | 28–32g |
| Protein | 4–6g |
| Fat | 10–12g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 2–3g |
| Sodium | Varies by broth |
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with roasted turkey, chicken, pork loin, or prime rib.
- Serve alongside mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and green beans for a classic holiday plate.
- Spoon leftovers into a baking dish, top with shredded turkey and gravy, and bake for an easy post-holiday casserole.
- Add a fried egg on top for a surprisingly delicious breakfast.
Herbed Slow Cooker Stuffing: A Flavor-Rich Side Dish for Effortless Holiday Cooking
Course: Recipes8–10
servings20
minutes3
hours220-250
kcalIngredients
12 cups cubed dry bread (white, sourdough, or French)
½ cup unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
3–4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 large eggs (optional, for richer texture)
Directions
- Dry the Bread
- Spread fresh bread cubes on a baking sheet and dry in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, or leave out overnight.
- Sauté Vegetables and Herbs
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened. Stir in parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary.
- Combine Ingredients
- Add the dried bread cubes to a large bowl. Pour the sautéed mixture over the bread and toss gently.
- Add Broth
- Gradually add broth until the bread is moistened but not soggy. If using eggs, whisk them into the broth before pouring.
- Slow Cook
- Grease the slow cooker. Spoon the mixture in and cover.
- Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, or
- Cook on HIGH for 2 hours.
- Finish and Serve
- For a crispier top, uncover for the last 20–30 minutes. Stir, taste, and adjust seasoning before serving.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For the best texture, use day-old or lightly toasted bread, as overly fresh bread becomes mushy in the slow cooker. Add the broth slowly—different types of bread absorb liquid differently—so stop once the mixture feels soft but not wet.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh bread instead of dried bread cubes?
Fresh bread tends to get mushy in the slow cooker, so it’s best to dry it out first. You can leave it out overnight or bake it at a low temperature for 15–20 minutes.
2. How long can slow cooker stuffing stay on “warm”?
After it finishes cooking, you can safely keep the stuffing on the slow cooker’s warm setting for up to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent it from drying out.
3. Can I prepare the stuffing the day before?
Absolutely! Prep all ingredients and store them separately in the refrigerator. On the day of cooking, simply combine, add broth, and transfer to the slow cooker.
4. How do I keep the stuffing from getting too soggy?
Add broth gradually and stop once the bread is moist but still slightly firm. Different breads absorb liquid differently, so pour slowly and mix gently.
5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Use vegetable broth and swap butter for a vegan-friendly option. The flavor stays rich and aromatic.
Conclusion
Herbed slow cooker stuffing delivers all the warm, nostalgic flavors of traditional stuffing without the stress of oven timing or constant stirring. Each bite is infused with aromatic herbs, buttery vegetables, and perfectly tender bread—making it a standout side dish for holidays, weekend gatherings, or cozy family dinners. With easy preparation and endless customization options, this recipe proves that comfort food can be both effortless and unforgettable.
