Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

Cooked low and slow, this Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing is a delightful blend of herbs, sausage, and bread that makes for one of the best holiday side dishes ever! Perfect for family gatherings or festive occasions, this recipe captures the essence of comfort food. Its unique flavors and textures will surely impress your guests while being easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Simply add ingredients to your slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of herbs and sausage creates a savory stuffing bursting with flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a casual dinner, this dish fits right in.
• Versatile Ingredients: Swap out the sausage for turkey or chicken to customize it to your taste.
• Great Leftovers: This stuffing tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-free cooking, ensuring perfect texture without constant monitoring.
• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing the sausage and vegetables evenly before combining them with bread.
• Mixing bowl: A great space to whisk together liquids before adding them to the slow cooker.

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Ingredients

For this tasty Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Bread Base

• 12 cups dried bread cubes

Flavorful Mix

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 pound breakfast sausage (sage flavored or original)
• 1 small onion (small diced)
• 4 stalks celery (small diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Herbs and Seasonings

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (fine chopped)
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary (fine chopped)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Binding Ingredients

• 2-3 cups chicken stock
• 2 large eggs (beaten)

Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread Cubes

If making your own bread cubes:
1. Dice a loaf of French bread into ½ inch cubes.
2. Lay the cubes out on a sheet tray and let them sit overnight.
3. Ensure you have about 14 cups of fresh cubed bread to make 12 cups of dried cubes.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage Mixture

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add the sausage, onion, celery, and garlic.
3. Break up the sausage with a spatula while stirring occasionally until it’s no longer pink and veggies are soft (about 10 minutes).

Step 3: Combine Seasonings

1. Add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the sausage mixture.
2. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Assemble in Slow Cooker

1. Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray.
2. Measure out 12 cups of dried bread cubes and add them to the slow cooker.
3. Top with the cooked sausage mixture.

Step 5: Mix Liquid Ingredients

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of chicken stock with beaten eggs.
2. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker over the bread and sausage.

Step 6: Adjust Moisture Levels

1. Mix everything well until combined.
2. If it looks dry, add more stock gradually until moistened but not soggy.

Step 7: Cook It Low and Slow

1. Place a clean kitchen towel over the cooker before placing the lid on top; this helps prevent excess moisture from getting in.
2. Cook on low for 4 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to avoid sticking or burning.

Step 8: Final Touches

1. After cooking, if stuffing seems wet, remove the lid and cook an additional 30 minutes without stirring.
2. Garnish with optional parsley before serving.

Enjoy this delicious Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing at your next gathering!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

Serving Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing can elevate any meal, especially during the holiday season. This flavorful dish pairs well with a variety of foods, making it a versatile choice for gatherings or family dinners.

Pair with Roasted Turkey

• The stuffing complements the savory flavors of roasted turkey, adding moisture and taste to each bite.

Accompany with Gravy

• Drizzling a rich gravy over your stuffing enhances its flavors and adds an extra layer of deliciousness.

Serve alongside Cranberry Sauce

• The tartness of cranberry sauce provides a nice contrast to the savory stuffing, making each bite balanced and refreshing.

Include Seasonal Vegetables

• Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans are great sides that add color and nutrients to your meal while harmonizing well with the stuffing’s flavors.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkling fresh parsley on top not only adds a pop of color but also freshens the overall flavor profile of your dish.

Pair with Salad

• A light mixed greens salad with a balsamic vinaigrette can balance the richness of the stuffing, creating a well-rounded meal.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these simple tips for an exceptional result.

• Use day-old bread: Stale bread absorbs moisture better than fresh bread, which helps achieve the perfect texture.
• Don’t skip sautéing: Cooking your sausage and vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their flavors and ensures even cooking.
• Adjust liquid carefully: Add stock gradually until moistened; too much liquid can lead to a soggy texture.
• Cover with a towel: Placing a kitchen towel under the lid helps catch excess moisture, preventing sogginess.
• Stir occasionally: Mixing every 30 minutes keeps everything evenly cooked and prevents sticking at the bottom.
• Taste before serving: Always check for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

Complement your Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing with these delightful side dishes that will enhance your meal experience.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting side that pairs perfectly with stuffing.

2. Maple Glazed Carrots
   Sweet carrots glazed in maple syrup bring sweetness that balances the savory stuffing beautifully.

3. Creamy Spinach Casserole
   This rich casserole adds creaminess and a pop of color, making it a great partner for sausage stuffing.

4. Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   The natural sweetness of honey-roasted sweet potatoes complements the stuffing’s savory notes wonderfully.

5. Cornbread Muffins
   Light and fluffy cornbread muffins provide an excellent texture contrast alongside your stuffing dish.

6. Buttered Peas
   Simple buttered peas bring freshness and bright color to your plate while enhancing overall flavor harmony.

7. Baked Squash Slices
   Roasted squash slices add warmth and sweetness, pairing beautifully with the hearty flavors of sausage stuffing.

8. Herbed Rice Pilaf
   A fragrant rice pilaf blended with herbs offers another layer of flavor that marries well with sausage stuffing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the bread drying process: Not drying your bread cubes can lead to mushy stuffing. Make sure to let them sit out overnight to achieve the right texture.
• Overcooking the sausage mixture: Cooking the sausage and veggies too long can cause them to become dry. Aim for about 10 minutes until they are just cooked through and soft.
• Not seasoning enough: Insufficient seasoning can result in bland stuffing. Always taste your mixture before adding it to the slow cooker and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Ignoring the moisture level: If your stuffing is too dry, it will not have the desired texture. Add broth gradually until moistened but not soggy.
• Not stirring during cooking: Failing to stir every 30 minutes can cause uneven cooking or burnt edges. Make sure to stir well, especially around the corners.
• Lifting the lid too often: Opening the slow cooker frequently lets heat escape, which can affect cooking time. Try to limit how often you check on it.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow it to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Divide into portions for easier thawing.

Reheating Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing.

Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, you can use various sausages like turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option while still achieving great flavor.

How do I make Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing vegetarian?

Replace sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

Can I prepare Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all ingredients and store them separately until you’re ready to cook.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing?

This stuffing pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, chicken, or as part of a festive holiday spread.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing is not only easy to prepare but also delivers rich flavors that elevate any meal. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or dried fruits for extra texture! Give this recipe a try at your next gathering; it’s sure to impress!