Effortless Slow Cooker Mushroom and Herb Stuffing: Your Ultimate Thanksgiving Side Dish

Free up precious oven space this holiday season and delight your guests with our incredibly flavorful and moist slow cooker stuffing. Crafted with earthy mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and perfectly cubed bread, this hands-off recipe delivers a savory, irresistible side dish that’s a true game-changer for Thanksgiving and any festive gathering.

Transform your holiday cooking experience with this must-have Slow Cooker Stuffing recipe! It’s the ingenious solution to managing a busy kitchen, allowing you to prepare a spectacular side dish hours before serving without worrying about it drying out. This savory stuffing, rich with the flavors of fall, pairs exquisitely with your centerpiece Thanksgiving turkey, alongside homemade cranberry sauce, or a refreshing winter salad with fig jam. Its tender texture and robust taste make it the ideal companion to any holiday feast.

While some families, like my husband’s side, prefer a more Southern-style cornbread dressing often accompanied by delicious southern deviled eggs, my family leans towards a more traditional, bread-based stuffing. It’s worth noting the common regional distinction: in the South, this dish is often referred to as “dressing,” especially when baked outside the bird, whereas “stuffing” typically implies it’s cooked inside the turkey. For simplicity and broad understanding in this post, we’ll use “stuffing” and “dressing” interchangeably, acknowledging the subtle differences in culinary tradition. Whatever you call it, the result is always a comforting and essential part of the holiday meal.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Slow Cooker Stuffing

This homemade mushroom and herb stuffing is a symphony of savory flavors, classic holiday herbs, and delightful textures in every bite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its balanced ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating a moist, rich, and utterly satisfying side dish. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to bring this comforting creation to life:

• Bread: The foundation of any great stuffing! You have the freedom to choose your favorite loaf for this recipe. Whether it’s hearty sourdough for a tangy depth, classic white sandwich bread for a familiar comfort, or a rustic artisan loaf for a chewier texture, the choice is yours. The key is to dry or lightly toast the bread cubes to prevent a soggy outcome and allow them to absorb all the wonderful flavors.
• Butter: Essential for sautéing the aromatics and infusing the entire dish with a rich, inviting flavor. Butter adds a golden hue and a comforting, almost nutty undertone to the vegetables, which then permeates the bread mixture for that signature toasted, savory taste.
• Aromatics: A classic combination of finely chopped celery and yellow onion. These vegetables not only provide essential texture and a slight crunch but also release their natural moisture and sweet, pungent flavors as they soften, creating a deeply aromatic base for the stuffing. They are the unsung heroes that build the flavor profile.
• Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms are included for their fantastic umami flavor and meaty texture, adding an extra layer of complexity and richness. We are enthusiastic mushroom lovers here! If mushrooms aren’t your preference, feel free to omit them entirely; this crockpot stuffing will still be wonderfully delicious and moist. Baby Bella or white button mushrooms work beautifully.
• Herbs: To keep things simple and ensure a consistently delicious flavor, we use poultry seasoning, a convenient blend of sage, thyme, rosemary, and other warming spices typically found in stuffing. You can also add a touch of ground sage for an extra layer of traditional holiday flavor. These dried spices provide that iconic, comforting aroma and taste.
• Chicken Broth: This is the liquid gold that provides much-needed moisture, ensuring your stuffing stays incredibly tender and never dry. For a vegetarian-friendly version, simply substitute with a good quality vegetable broth. Choose unsalted or low-sodium broth to better control the seasoning of your dish.
• Eggs: Crucial for binding all the ingredients together. Whisked eggs act as a cohesive agent, helping the bread and vegetables form a unified, tender mass that holds its shape beautifully once cooked, rather than crumbling apart.

Choosing and Preparing Your Bread for Stuffing

• Absolutely! One of the joys of making this slow cooker stuffing is its versatility when it comes to bread choices. You can confidently use almost any type of bread you prefer: classic white sandwich bread, wholesome whole wheat, tangy sourdough, or even a robust rustic loaf. Each will lend a slightly different character to your stuffing.
• The secret to a perfectly textured stuffing is slightly stale or toasted bread. This prevents your stuffing from becoming a soggy mush, ensuring the cubes remain tender yet retain their shape and absorb all the delicious flavors. If your bread is fresh, a quick toast in the oven is all it takes to dry it out. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and dried, not dark or crispy.
• You’ll need approximately 12 cups of bread cubes for this recipe. Typically, one standard loaf of sandwich bread will yield this amount, while a denser, rustic loaf might require two to reach the desired quantity. Ensure your cubes are roughly 1/2 inch for even cooking and optimal texture.

Making Your Stuffing Gluten-Free

Yes, absolutely! Adapting this delicious stuffing recipe for a gluten-sensitive diet is incredibly simple. The primary modification involves substituting regular bread with your favorite gluten-free bread. Additionally, always remember to check the labels on your chicken or vegetable broth to ensure it is certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain hidden gluten ingredients. The cooking time and method remain precisely the same when using gluten-free, cubed bread, allowing everyone at your table to enjoy this delightful holiday side dish.

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST SLOW COOKER STUFFING

Creating this flavorful slow cooker mushroom and herb stuffing is remarkably straightforward, far simpler than you might imagine! With minimal effort and a “set it and forget it” slow cooking method, you’ll achieve a perfectly moist, deeply flavorful stuffing without needing to occupy precious oven space. Follow these easy steps for a completely stress-free and utterly delicious side dish that’s perfect for any holiday gathering.

1. Prep the Bread: Begin by cutting your chosen bread into uniform 1/2-inch cubes. Spread these cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray or drizzle with a touch of olive oil. Bake in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the bread cubes are lightly toasted and adequately dried out. This crucial step prevents sogginess and ensures a delightful texture in the finished stuffing.
2. Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion, celery, and sliced mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become translucent, releasing their wonderful aromas. The smell alone will instantly evoke the holiday spirit in your kitchen! Once tender, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
3. Mix the Stuffing: Transfer the dried bread cubes into a generously sized mixing bowl. Add the sautéed vegetables, 2 cups of chicken or vegetable stock (broth), poultry seasoning, ground sage, salt, pepper, and the two whisked eggs. Using a large spoon or your hands, gently fold all the ingredients together until thoroughly combined. If the mixture appears too dry, gradually add more broth, a quarter cup at a time, until the bread is moist but not completely saturated or soggy. You want the bread to absorb the liquid while retaining some integrity for a delicious, slightly “toasty” interior.
4. Cook in the Slow Cooker: Lightly coat the interior of a 5–6 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully transfer the entire stuffing mixture into the prepared slow cooker, spreading it evenly. Cover with the lid and cook on the LOW setting for 3–4 hours, or until the stuffing is heated through, incredibly tender, and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The slow cooker ensures consistent, gentle cooking, resulting in a perfectly moist and flavorful stuffing every time.

Oven Baking Instructions (No Slow Cooker? No Problem!)

Absolutely! If a slow cooker isn’t available, or if you simply prefer to bake your stuffing, this recipe adapts beautifully to the oven. After preparing the stuffing mixture as instructed above, instead of transferring it to a slow cooker, spoon it into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture, then bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25-30 minutes. For a deliciously crispy top, remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking, or until the stuffing is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This method still yields a wonderfully moist and flavorful stuffing with a delightful golden crust.

Prepping Your Stuffing in Advance

Yes, holiday meal prep just got easier! You can absolutely prepare this delicious stuffing ahead of time to minimize stress on the big day. Assemble the stuffing mixture (combining the dried bread cubes, sautéed veggies, and seasonings) up to 1-2 days in advance. Store this dry mixture in an airtight container or a large zip-top bag in the refrigerator. Important: wait to add the broth and whisked eggs until just before you are ready to cook! This prevents the bread from becoming soggy. On cooking day, remove the mixture from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then add the broth and eggs, mix well, and proceed with cooking in the slow cooker or oven as directed. This ensures even cooking and perfect texture.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your delicious slow cooker stuffing even after the holiday meal. Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty:

• To Store: Any leftover stuffing should be refrigerated promptly. Transfer it to an airtight storage container and it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Ensure it cools completely before sealing the container to prevent condensation.
• To Reheat: For best results, gently rewarm leftover stuffing in a baking dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until it’s heated through and slightly crispy on top. You can also cover it with foil to retain moisture. Alternatively, for a convenient option, portions can be reheated in the microwave, though the texture might be softer. If you have a large amount, your slow cooker can also be used on the “warm” setting to keep it hot and moist for extended periods during a party.
• To Freeze: Stuffing freezes beautifully! Place cooled leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the frozen stuffing overnight in the refrigerator, then follow the oven reheating instructions mentioned above. This is an excellent way to savor the flavors of the holidays long after the festivities.

More Easy & Delicious Holiday Side Dishes

Complete your holiday spread with these other fantastic and easy-to-make side dishes:

• Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
• Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon
• Indulgent Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
• Zesty Homemade Cranberry Sauce

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