Hey fellow nutrition-seekers! Dinnertime at my house is usually a nourishing chaos. Between school, soccer, and everything else, it’s hard to find time to make a healthy meal. That’s why I’m so excited to share my family’s favorite Crockpot Stuffing recipe with you all!
This Crockpot Stuffing is a game-changer for busy weeknights or holidays. It is packed with nutrition and is so easy to throw together. I first started making Crockpot Stuffing years ago when my oldest was a toddler, and I needed something simple I could set and forget.
It’s been a dinnertime nutrition win ever since. Plus, the slow cooker makes the house smell amazing! Join me in discovering how to bring simple nutrition to your table, even on the busiest days.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s the ingredient list for this sanity-saving nutrition recipe. Trust me, it’s simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!
- 1 loaf of your favorite bread, cubed: I usually use whole wheat or sourdough for extra fiber. No worries if you don’t have this, I use gluten-free bread for extra nutrients in my Crockpot Stuffing.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted: You can use olive oil for a healthier alternative!
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds flavor and important nutrients to the dish.
- 2 stalks celery, chopped: Adds great texture!
- 1 teaspoon dried sage: Sage is great for digestion and provides important nutrition.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Another great herb for supporting your family’s wellness.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds the perfect finishing touch to the Crockpot Stuffing.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) chicken broth: Use low-sodium for less salt.
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds fresh flavor and important vitamins.
- Optional: 1/2 cup dried cranberries: For a touch of sweetness and antioxidants. My family gets extra nutrition when I add dried cranberries.
- Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts: Adds a bit of healthy fats and protein!
You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. This Crockpot Stuffing proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive, just smart choices! Also, you can prep the veggies the night before for a quick throw-together meal.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Here’s how to make this easy Crockpot Stuffing. It’s so simple, even on a busy day you can have this prepared!
- Prepare the bread: Cut the bread into cubes and let it sit out to dry for a bit. This helps prevent the Crockpot Stuffing from becoming soggy.
- Sauté veggies: Melt the butter (or use olive oil!) in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened. This is where I used to struggle with my Crockpot Stuffing – learn from my experience!
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, pepper, parsley, cranberries (if using), and walnuts (if using).
- Add broth: Pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture and toss gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the Crockpot Stuffing gummy.
- Transfer to slow cooker: Grease your slow cooker and transfer the Crockpot Stuffing mixture to it. Spread it out evenly.
- Cook: Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the Crockpot Stuffing is heated through and the bread is tender. Your Crockpot Stuffing should smell nourishing by now!
- Rest: Let the Crockpot Stuffing sit for a few minutes before serving. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Crockpot Stuffing usually takes me about 15 minutes to prep. Then, the slow cooker does all the work! While your Crockpot Stuffing is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family!
How We Love to Eat This!
My family loves this Crockpot Stuffing in so many ways. It’s so versatile, it really can be paired with anything!
The kids devour this nutritious Crockpot Stuffing when I serve it with roasted chicken and a side of steamed broccoli. The broccoli adds great vitamins that promote wellness. This **Crockpot Stuffing** is also perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast!
I also love to make it for potlucks, and it’s always a hit. For a festive touch, I garnish it with extra fresh parsley and a few cranberries. I love to add some turkey to make it a complete meal, similar to my turkey crockpot stuffing recipe.
Got leftovers? They’re fantastic in breakfast casseroles or as a topping for salads. This nutritious **Crockpot Stuffing** reminds me of another family-healthy favorite. If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for bacon cornbread stuffing.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are some common questions I get asked about this simple Crockpot Stuffing. Don’t worry, I’m here to help!
Is this Crockpot Stuffing really nutritious enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! With whole-wheat bread, veggies, and herbs, it’s a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. I always sneak in extra veggies when I can!
What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Crockpot Stuffing?
Try adding a little bit of their favorite cheese or a sprinkle of bacon bits. Sometimes, a familiar flavor can encourage them to try new things!
Can I meal prep this Crockpot Stuffing for busy weeks ahead?
Yes, you can! Prep all the ingredients the night before, and store them in the fridge. Then, just throw everything into the slow cooker in the morning.
Can I make this Crockpot Stuffing gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use gluten-free bread and double-check that your broth is gluten-free as well.
How do I keep my Crockpot Stuffing from getting too soggy?
Make sure to dry out the bread cubes beforehand. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the broth to help thicken it up.
Can I add meat to this Crockpot Stuffing?
Absolutely! Cooked sausage or ground turkey would be great additions.
How long does this Crockpot Stuffing last?
It will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts:
This **Crockpot Stuffing** is a lifesaver in our house. It’s a simple way to get a nutritious meal on the table, even when life is chaotic. It reminds me of the slow cooker stuffing with mushrooms. Plus, the kids love it!
My Crockpot Stuffing Nutrition Hacks:
- Add extra veggies: I love to sneak in chopped carrots, zucchini, or spinach.
- Use whole wheat bread: For added fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce the sodium: Use low-sodium broth and go easy on the salt.
Here are a few family-tested healthy Crockpot Stuffing variations:
- Cranberry Walnut: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts for a festive flavor.
- Sausage Apple: Add 1 cup of cooked sausage and 1 diced apple for a savory-sweet twist.
- Mushroom Herb: Add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms and extra fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.
My son loves the Sausage Apple version, while my daughter prefers the classic Cranberry Walnut. Encourage your family to make it their own healthy way. You can even make this ahead using this make ahead mash and crockpot dressing advice.
I hope this **Crockpot Stuffing** brings some dinnertime nutrition wins to your family. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. And for more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out this easy Crockpot Stuffing recipe. Happy cooking! You got this! 💕
Crockpot Stuffing
This easy Crockpot Stuffing recipe is a holiday game-changer! It frees up oven space and delivers perfectly moist and flavorful stuffing every time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) package herb-seasoned stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Grease a 6-quart slow cooker.
- In a large bowl, combine stuffing mix, melted butter, onion, celery, poultry seasoning, sage, and pepper.
- Stir in chicken broth until the stuffing mix is moistened.
- Pour the stuffing mixture into the prepared slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until heated through and the vegetables are tender.
Notes
For a richer flavor, sauté the onion and celery in the butter before adding to the stuffing mix. Serve warm as a side dish.