Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

Cooked low and slow, this Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing is the ultimate comfort food that elevates any holiday gathering. With a harmonious blend of herbs, sausage, and bread, it offers a rich flavor profile that makes it one of the best side dishes you’ll ever serve. Perfect for Thanksgiving or family dinners, this stuffing recipe is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker takes care of most of the work, allowing you to focus on other dishes.
• Flavorful Ingredients: A delicious mix of herbs and sausage ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
• Versatile Side Dish: Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or casual family meals; it complements a wide range of main courses.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it uniquely yours.
• Feeds a Crowd: This recipe serves up to 12 people, making it perfect for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing, you will need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This appliance allows for hands-off cooking, infusing flavors over several hours while you attend to other tasks.
• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing the sausage and veggies quickly before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Mixing bowl: Used for whisking eggs and stock together, ensuring even distribution in the stuffing.

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Ingredients

To prepare this delicious Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing, gather the following ingredients:

For the Stuffing Base

• 12 cups dried bread cubes
• 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)

For Seasoning

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

For Moisture and Binding

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

Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

Step 1: Prepare Bread Cubes

If making your own bread cubes, dice a loaf of French bread into ½ inch cubes. Lay the cubes out on a sheet tray and let them sit out overnight. The bread will shrink while it dries out. You will need about 14 cups of fresh cubed bread to make 12 cups of dried bread cubes.

Step 2: Cook Sausage Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat:
1. Melt the butter.
2. Add the sausage, onion, celery, and garlic.
3. Break up the sausage with a spatula.
4. Stir occasionally until the sausage is no longer pink and veggies are soft, approximately 10 minutes.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Add the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the skillet:
1. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.

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 into the slow cooker.
3. Pour the cooked sausage mixture on top.

Step 5: Whisk Eggs and Stock

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: Mix Together

Stir everything in the slow cooker well until combined:
1. If it looks dry, gradually add more stock until just moistened—up to an additional cup may be needed.

Step 7: Cover & Cook

Place a clean kitchen towel over the slow cooker before putting on the lid:
1. Cook on low for 4 hours.
2. Stir every 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 8: Final Touches

If after 4 hours it seems too wet:
1. Remove lid and cook for an additional 30 minutes without it.
2. Once done cooking, garnish with optional parsley before serving.

This Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing is sure to be a hit at your next gathering! Enjoy its rich flavors and comforting texture as part of your festive spread!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

Serving Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing can elevate any meal, especially during festive gatherings. This dish pairs well with various main courses and can be presented in delightful ways to impress your guests.

With Roasted Chicken

• A succulent roasted chicken complements the savory flavors of the stuffing beautifully, creating a comforting meal.

As a Side for Beef Wellington

• The rich and flaky beef Wellington is perfectly balanced by the herbaceous notes from the sausage stuffing, making it an elegant pairing.

Accompanied by Green Bean Casserole

• The creamy texture of green bean casserole contrasts nicely with the texture of sausage stuffing, adding variety to your plate.

Served with Cranberry Sauce

• A spoonful of sweet cranberry sauce on top of the stuffing adds a burst of flavor that enhances each bite.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Top your serving with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

Achieving the perfect Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing requires attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your stuffing is flavorful and well-textured.

• Use stale bread cubes: Stale bread absorbs moisture better, leading to the ideal texture in your stuffing.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper after mixing in all ingredients for balanced flavors.
• Avoid overcooking: Keep an eye on cooking time; check for doneness around the 3.5-hour mark to prevent sogginess.
• Incorporate different herbs: Experiment with additional herbs like sage or oregano for varied flavor profiles tailored to your taste.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the stuffing to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking helps set its structure for easier serving.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

To create a well-rounded holiday meal, consider these delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a rich contrast in texture and flavor.

2. Honey-Glazed Carrots
   Sweet and tender carrots add a touch of sweetness that balances out savory dishes perfectly.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Crispy Brussels sprouts offer a delightful crunch alongside soft stuffing, enhancing your meal’s overall dynamic.

4. Stuffed Acorn Squash
   Nutritious squash filled with quinoa and veggies makes for a unique and healthy side option that complements the stuffing beautifully.

5. Cornbread Muffins
   Slightly sweet cornbread muffins provide a charming contrast to savory sausage stuffing while adding extra comfort to your table.

6. Creamed Spinach
   Rich and creamy spinach is a classic side that pairs well, offering both flavor and nutrition alongside your main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Skipping the bread drying process. Fresh bread can make your stuffing too soggy. Always dry out your bread cubes overnight for the best texture.
• Overloading the slow cooker. If you pack too much stuffing in, it might not cook evenly. Ensure there’s enough space for the heat to circulate.
• Neglecting to stir. Failing to stir every 30 minutes can result in uneven cooking and potential burning at the edges. Make sure to give it a good mix!
• Ignoring moisture levels. A dry stuffing is less appealing. If your mixture looks dry, don’t hesitate to add more stock gradually until it’s just moistened.
• Not using enough seasoning. Under-seasoning can lead to bland stuffing. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning to enhance flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the stuffing to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and bake until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken stock, stirring until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing.

Can I use different types of sausage in Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with spicy or turkey sausage for varied flavors.

How do I make this stuffing vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

Can I prepare Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients a day ahead and store them separately until ready to cook.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing?

It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, poultry, or even as part of a hearty vegetarian feast.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing is not only delicious but also versatile for any gathering or holiday meal. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the comforting taste that everyone will love!