Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

There’s something undeniably comforting about serving up a big bowl of Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing during the holidays. I remember the first time I made this dish for a family gathering; the aroma filled the house, welcoming everyone home. Each bite of this stuffing reminded us of all the warm memories shared around the dining table, laughter echoing with every story retold. It’s a dish that doesn’t just fill your stomach but also warms your heart. The combination of savory flavors brings everyone together, making it the perfect centerpiece for any festive meal. As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, I can’t help but look forward to the moment everyone dives into this delectable stuffing, creating new memories and traditions.

What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for creating a wonderful Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing. Each ingredient plays a vital role in providing flavor and texture. The combination of fresh herbs, hearty bread, and savory sausage is what makes this stuffing stand out. Let’s take a look at the key players!

• 1 pound loaf French bread, diced into 1-inch cubes and allowed to dry out for about 12 hours
• ½ cup unsalted butter, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 extra-large sweet Vidalia or yellow onion, diced small (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup celery, diced small
• 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, sticks discarded, finely minced
• 3 tablespoons fresh sage, stems discarded, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, sticks discarded, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 1 ½ cups slow-sodium chicken broth
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage, raw and not precooked
• ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley, or to taste

Recipe Directions for Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

Making Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing is a joyful experience that fills your kitchen with delicious smells. Follow these simple steps to create a comforting dish that your family will love. Let’s dive into the details!

1. Start by placing the bread inside a 6-quart slow cooker that’s been lined with a slow cooker liner or sprayed with cooking spray. This ensures nothing sticks and makes for easy cleanup later. Let the bread dry out and become stale for about 12 hours, preferably overnight. This step is crucial as it helps the stuffing mixture absorb all the flavors beautifully.
2. The next day, it’s time to add flavor! Begin by melting the butter in a pan over medium heat. Once melted, add the onion and celery, sautéing until they become tender and fragrant. This usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes. The aroma of these vegetables will start to fill your kitchen.
3. After that, add the sautéed mixture to the slow cooker with the bread. Then, sprinkle in the chopped rosemary, sage, and thyme. These fresh herbs are the stars of the dish, infusing it with their aromatic flavors. Don’t forget to add the salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Next, pour in the chicken broth, which will help moisten the mixture. Stir everything together gently, ensuring the bread cubes are well-coated with the broth and spices. It’s important not to overmix, as we want the bread cubes to hold their shape.
5. Now comes the fun part: crumbling the raw Italian sausage over the mixture. Make sure to break it into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Mix gently, folding the sausage into the stuffing mixture.
6. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low, cooking for about 4 to 5 hours. During this time, the vegetables will become tender, and the sausage will cook through. Each slow cooker varies, so keep an eye on it and adjust the time as necessary.
7. Once the cooking time is up, carefully stir the mixture again, tasting to check for seasoning. You can always add a bit more salt, pepper, or additional herbs if you desire. This is your chance to make it perfect for your palate!
8. Before serving, add the chopped parsley and stir to incorporate. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes. This final touch brings a pop of color and freshness to your stuffing.
9. Once you’ve completed these steps, it’s time to serve your Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing! Enjoy it warm and watch as it becomes a favorite side dish at your holiday table.

Make It Your Own

There’s always room for creativity when it comes to making Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing. Here are some tips to personalize your dish:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
• Pairing: Serve it alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian main dish for a delightful meal.
• Herb variations: Try using different herbs or adding dried fruits for sweetness if you prefer.
• Texture improvements: Mix in some diced apples or cranberries for a hint of sweetness and texture contrast.

What to Serve Alongside Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

Your Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Here are some great options:

• Roasted Turkey: The classic pairing during Thanksgiving. The flavors of the stuffing complement the turkey beautifully.
• Grilled Vegetables: A medley of grilled seasonal vegetables adds color and nutrition to your plate.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes create a comforting combination with your stuffing.
• Green Salad: A fresh salad balances the richness of the stuffing and adds a crunchy element.
• Soups: Serve a light soup as a starter to round out your meal.
• Seasonal Fruit: Fresh fruit can be a refreshing contrast to the savory stuffing, especially during the fall.
• Leftover Creativity: Use leftovers in sandwiches or as a savory filling in omelets for a delightful breakfast!

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings people together. Its rich textures and comforting tastes make it a holiday favorite that everyone will love. I encourage you to try making it for your next gathering; I promise it won’t disappoint. You’ll find that it’s easy to prepare and will quickly become a beloved tradition in your household.

Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

The ultimate comfort food, Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing combines savory sausage with fresh herbs and hearty bread for a rich, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any holiday gathering. This easy weeknight dinner will have your family asking for seconds, so don't miss out on the chance to make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 loaf French bread diced into 1-inch cubes and allowed to dry out for about 12 hours
• ½ cup unsalted butter diced into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 extra-large Vidalia or yellow onion diced small (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup celery diced small
• 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary sticks discarded, finely minced
• 3 tablespoons fresh sage stems discarded, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme sticks discarded, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
• 1 ½ cups slow-sodium chicken broth
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage raw and not precooked
• ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley or to taste

Equipment

• 16-quart slow cooker
• 17-quart slow cooker

Method

 

1. Start by placing the bread inside a 6-quart slow cooker that’s been lined with a slow cooker liner or sprayed with cooking spray. This ensures nothing sticks and makes for easy cleanup later. Let the bread dry out and become stale for about 12 hours, preferably overnight. This step is crucial as it helps the stuffing mixture absorb all the flavors beautifully.
2. The next day, it’s time to add flavor! Begin by melting the butter in a pan over medium heat. Once melted, add the onion and celery, sautéing until they become tender and fragrant. This usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes. The aroma of these vegetables will start to fill your kitchen.
3. After that, add the sautéed mixture to the slow cooker with the bread. Then, sprinkle in the chopped rosemary, sage, and thyme. These fresh herbs are the stars of the dish, infusing it with their aromatic flavors. Don’t forget to add the salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Next, pour in the chicken broth, which will help moisten the mixture. Stir everything together gently, ensuring the bread cubes are well-coated with the broth and spices. It’s important not to overmix, as we want the bread cubes to hold their shape.
5. Now comes the fun part: crumbling the raw Italian sausage over the mixture. Make sure to break it into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Mix gently, folding the sausage into the stuffing mixture.
6. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low, cooking for about 4 to 5 hours. During this time, the vegetables will become tender, and the sausage will cook through. Each slow cooker varies, so keep an eye on it and adjust the time as necessary.
7. Once the cooking time is up, carefully stir the mixture again, tasting to check for seasoning. You can always add a bit more salt, pepper, or additional herbs if you desire. This is your chance to make it perfect for your palate!
8. Before serving, add the chopped parsley and stir to incorporate. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes. This final touch brings a pop of color and freshness to your stuffing.
9. Once you’ve completed these steps, it’s time to serve your Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing! Enjoy it warm and watch as it becomes a favorite side dish at your holiday table.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Tip 2: You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
• Tip 3: Serve it alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian main dish for a delightful meal.
• Tip 4: Try using different herbs or adding dried fruits for sweetness if you prefer.
• Tip 5: Mix in some diced apples or cranberries for a hint of sweetness and texture contrast.

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Meet Isla Banks

We eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make every dish look as bountiful as it tastes. I work on every stage of the process, from sourcing the freshest ingredients to styling the final shot. I tested this recipe repeatedly to provide you with the visual inspiration and reliability you need to cook with confidence.