From-scratch effort may really feel at its most worthwhile on the holidays, however that doesn’t imply you possibly can’t search for simple methods to simplify your cooking. Reap the benefits of your gradual cooker and make this Crock Pot Stuffing with apples, cranberries, and pecans!
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Straightforward Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe
Not solely is stuffing made in a gradual cooker extra low upkeep than conventional stuffing cooked within the oven (the identical might be stated for Crockpot Mashed Potatoes), there’s a robust argument that it truly tastes higher.
Crock pot stuffing stays extra moist within the heart and has extra floor space for the delightfully crispy, golden edges.
Plus, outsourcing the stuffing to the gradual cooker means your coveted oven area can be free for different endeavors on Thanksgiving and past.
And by “endeavors,” I imply whiskey pecan-topped Glazed Candy Potatoes, Do-it-yourself Scalloped Potatoes, Wholesome Candy Potato Casserole, and Brussels Sprouts Casserole.
I suppose you may wish to squeeze the turkey within the oven too.
5 Star Overview
“EVERYONE raved!! I undoubtedly will convey this subsequent 12 months AND the following! It was really easy.”
— Sandy —
Crock Pot Stuffing – An Oven House Saver!
Each time somebody tells me that they don’t look after Thanksgiving stuffing, a destructive pronouncement I’ve heard with stunning frequency contemplating that the recipe’s main ingredient can also be one of many world’s hottest meals (bread), it makes me somewhat bit unhappy inside.
It additionally makes me wish to demand in a tone that conveys shock-bordering-on-horror “HOW DO YOU NOT LIKE STUFFING???”
I do have a aptitude for the dramatic.
9 instances out of 10, anybody I’ve met who doesn’t like stuffing has solely skilled the boxed stuff.
I’ve nothing towards a high quality shortcut now and again, however boxed stuffing and real-deal, from-scratch stuffing couldn’t be extra completely different.
Any of the boxed stuffing mixes I’ve tried are onerous, dry, micro bread cubes which might be doused in hen inventory, combined with a bland spice packet, and emerge from the oven in one among two states: bone dry or unappetizingly soggy (and you may’t repair soggy stuffing).
No, thanks. My restricted Thanksgiving abdomen actual property is best allotted elsewhere.
Do-it-yourself bread stuffing, nonetheless? Now THAT is a very completely different story!
Stuffing vs. Dressing
Technically, Thanksgiving stuffing is baked contained in the turkey (therefore the title “stuffing”), whereas dressing is baked in a separate pan.
- Baking stuffing contained in the hen is mostly not beneficial, because the turkey tends to dry out earlier than the stuffing reaches a secure temperature to eat…and since if your loved ones is something like mine, the tiny little bit of stuffing that matches contained in the turkey isn’t going to be almost sufficient to feed the group.
- So, if you wish to be technical, this recipe needs to be known as “crock pot dressing” not “crock pot stuffing”. The 2 phrases are used fairly interchangeably, nonetheless. I grew up saying “stuffing,” and the behavior caught.
How one can Make Crock Pot Stuffing
The fantastic thing about home made stuffing is the entire completely different, scrumptious methods you possibly can elevate its taste.
I’ve made a dozen completely different stuffing varieties over time: Chestnut Stuffing, Crockpot Wild Rice Stuffing, Stuffing Muffins, and Cornbread Stuffing. I like every, however in the present day’s crock pot stuffing is the mix of elements I return to many times.
The Components
- Bread. Excessive-quality artisan bread could make all of the distinction in a home made stuffing recipe. Complete grain rustic bread or sourdough bread is one of the best bread for stuffing.
- Pecans. I really like including pecans to this stuffing recipe. They add a beautiful nutty taste and crunch.
- Celery. Crisp and contemporary.
- Herbs. Contemporary sage and thyme add a comfy, refined earthiness that tastes like pure fall goodness.
- Apple. For the perfect texture, select a crisp apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Girl.
- Dried Cranberries. I really like the contact of chewy sweetness that dried cranberries add to the stuffing.
Recipe Upgrades
If you happen to’d wish to take this crock pot stuffing with apples to the following stage, you possibly can flip this right into a crockpot stuffing with sausage (I exploit turkey or hen sausage) or sautéed mushrooms.
Simply make sure you watch the capability of your crock pot. Chances are you’ll want to chop down on the opposite mix-ins a bit to make sure it doesn’t overflow.
The Instructions
- Toast the bread cubes within the oven at 350 levels F for 12 minutes.
- Add the nuts and proceed toasting. Switch to the gradual cooker.
- Sauté the onions and celery.
- Stir within the herbs, then pour the combination into the gradual cooker.
- Stir within the apple and cranberries. Whisk collectively the eggs and broth, then fold the combination into the gradual cooker.
- Lay a towel over the gradual cooker, then cowl with the lid (stuffing needs to be cooked coated). Prepare dinner on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. Prime with contemporary parsley and ENJOY!
Tip!
I don’t suggest cooking this recipe on HIGH, as it might not cook dinner all over earlier than the sides start to burn.
Storage Ideas
- To Retailer. Refrigerate stuffing in an hermetic storage container for as much as 4 days.
- To Reheat. Gently rewarm leftovers in a baking dish within the oven at 350 levels F. You can even maintain stuffing heat in a gradual cooker on the “heat” setting.
- To Freeze. Freeze stuffing in an hermetic freezer-safe storage container for as much as 3 months. Let thaw in a single day within the fridge earlier than reheating.
Make Forward Ideas
You may individually prep all of the stuffing elements (bread and nuts, greens, egg-and-broth combination), then retailer them individually, retaining the bread and nuts at room temperature and the remaining within the fridge. Mix simply earlier than cooking.
What to Serve with Crock Pot Stuffing
Along with turkey, crockpot stuffing and hen or pork can also be a scrumptious mixture. Or serve this stuffing with a hearty vegetarian major.
- Gradual Cooker. A must have in each kitchen!
- Baking Sheets. Getting the bread cubes good and toasty first is essential, and these baking sheets are good for the job.
- Non-stick Skillet. No extra stuck-on bits of meals with this skillet.
Greatest ever Crockpot Stuffing with apples and herbs! The gradual cooker retains the stuffing heat, frees up the oven and is nice for a crowd.
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- 1 loaf complete grain rustic bread or sourdough bread (16-18 ounce loaf), minimize into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
- 1 cup roughly chopped pecans walnuts, or almonds (pecans are my favourite for stuffing)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 medium yellow onions diced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 massive stalks celery diced
- ¼ cup finely chopped contemporary sage leaves
- 6 sprigs thyme leaves stripped off (discard the robust stems)
- 1 crisp apple resembling Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Girl (I left the peels on, however you possibly can peel in case you favor), medium diced
- 1 cup reduced-sugar dried cranberries
- 2 massive eggs flippantly overwhelmed
- 3 cups reduced-sodium turkey broth or hen broth
- Contemporary parsley elective for serving
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Evenly coat a 6- or 7-quart gradual cooker with nonstick spray. Place oven racks within the higher and decrease thirds of your oven and preheat your oven to 350 levels F. Unfold the bread cubes in a single layer on two massive, rimmed baking sheets.
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Bake for 12 minutes, then stir the bread cubes and sprinkle the nuts excessive. Proceed baking till the nuts are toasted and crisp and the bread cubes are dry, about 5 to eight further minutes. Watch the nuts very rigorously in the direction of the tip in order that they don’t burn. Take away from the oven and place instantly within the ready gradual cooker.
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In the meantime, warmth the olive oil and butter in a big nonstick skillet over medium. As soon as the oil is scorching and the butter is melted, add the onions, salt, and pepper. Prepare dinner till the onions start to melt, about 5 minutes. Add the celery and proceed cooking till the celery is smooth and the onions are golden, about 5 to eight further minutes.
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Stir within the sage and thyme and let cook dinner 1 further minute. Add to the gradual cooker with the bread cubes.
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Add the diced apple and cranberries to the gradual cooker, then with a big spoon, very gently stir to evenly distribute. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and broth till effectively mixed. Pour over the bread-cube combination, then fold gently to mix. Let the combination sit a couple of minutes, then fold once more in order that the bread is evenly moistened.
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Lay a clear kitchen towel or a double layer of paper towels excessive of the gradual cooker so that you’ve got overhang on all sides. It will assist take in moisture. Cowl, letting the paper towel poke out the perimeters of the lid, and cook dinner on low for 3 to 4 hours, till flippantly crisp across the edges and set within the heart. If desired, sprinkle with contemporary parsley. Serve heat.
- TO MAKE AHEAD: You may individually prep all of the stuffing elements (bread and nuts, greens, egg-and-broth combination), then retailer them individually, retaining the bread/nuts at room temperature and the remaining within the fridge. Mix simply earlier than cooking.
- TO STORE: Refrigerate stuffing in an hermetic storage container for as much as 4 days.
- TO REHEAT: Gently rewarm leftovers in a baking dish within the oven at 350 levels F. You can even maintain stuffing heat in a gradual cooker on the “heat” setting.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze stuffing in an hermetic freezer-safe storage container for as much as 3 months. Let thaw in a single day within the fridge earlier than reheating.
- I don’t suggest cooking this recipe on excessive, as it might not cook dinner all over earlier than the sides start to burn.
Serving: 1(of 12), about 1 heaping cupEnergy: 221kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 7gFats: 11gSaturated Fats: 2gLdl cholesterol: 34mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5g
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Extra Flavorful Thanksgiving Sides
If you happen to’re on the lookout for different vacation facet dishes, this dish is simply one of many many wholesome Thanksgiving sides on my website.