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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
