Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

Cooked low and slow, this Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing is a delightful blend of herbs, sausage, and bread that elevates any holiday meal. Perfect for family gatherings or festive dinners, this dish stands out with its rich flavors and comforting texture. The best part? It’s easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones while it cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: The slow cooker does all the work while you attend to other dishes or enjoy your guests.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of herbs and sausage infuses every bite with delicious taste.
• Versatile Side Dish: Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any occasion where comfort food is required.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap ingredients based on personal taste or dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Serves a large group, making it perfect for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing, you’ll need a few essential tools that simplify the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Whisk
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for even cooking over several hours, making the stuffing tender and flavorful.
• Large skillet: Ideal for sautéing ingredients like sausage and vegetables before combining them with bread.
• Whisk: Ensures eggs are well incorporated into the mixture for a fluffy texture.

Ingredients

Cooked low and slow this Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing is combined with herbs, sausage, bread and more to create one of the best Holiday side dishes ever!

For the Base

• 12 cups dried bread cubes
• ½ cup unsalted butter

For Flavor

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (sage flavored or original)
• 1 small onion (small diced)
• 4 stalks celery (small diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (fine chopped)
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary (fine chopped)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Moisture & Binding

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

Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh chopped parsley

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 it sit out overnight. The bread will shrink overnight while it dries out; make sure you have 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 as it cooks.
4. Stir occasionally until the sausage is no longer pink and the veggies are soft, about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Add Herbs and Seasonings

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

Step 4: Combine in Slow Cooker

Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray:
1. Measure out 12 cups of the dried bread cubes and add them to the slow cooker.
2. Layer the sausage mixture on top.
3. Whisk 2 cups of chicken stock with the beaten eggs and pour it into the slow cooker.

Step 5: Mix Ingredients Thoroughly

Mix all ingredients well until combined:
1. If the mixture looks dry, add more stock gradually until moistened—up to an additional cup.
2. Ensure it’s not too wet; just moistened.

Step 6: Cook Your Stuffing

Place a clean kitchen towel over the cooker before putting on the lid:
1. Cook on low for 4 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent sticking.
2. If after 4 hours it seems wet, remove the lid and cook for an additional 30 minutes.

Garnish with optional parsley before serving for an extra pop of color! Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing alongside your favorite holiday entrees!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing is a versatile dish that can complement many meals. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual dinner, here are some ideas for serving this delicious stuffing.

As a Side for Roasted Chicken

• Pair your stuffing with juicy roasted chicken for a classic combination. The flavors of the sausage and herbs enhance the savory notes of the chicken.

Accompaniment to Grilled Vegetables

• Serve alongside grilled vegetables to add a hearty element to your meal. The freshness of the veggies contrasts beautifully with the rich stuffing.

With Turkey for Thanksgiving

• This stuffing is perfect for Thanksgiving. It pairs wonderfully with turkey, making it an ideal addition to your holiday spread.

On a Bed of Greens

• For a lighter option, serve the stuffing on a bed of arugula or spinach. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for added flavor.

As Part of a Charcuterie Board

• Include small portions of the stuffing on your charcuterie board. It adds variety and makes for an interesting appetizer at gatherings.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Top the stuffing with fresh chopped parsley or chives before serving. This not only adds color but also enhances the dish’s freshness.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

Achieving the ideal Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing is all about technique and ingredient choices. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use stale bread cubes: Stale bread absorbs moisture better, resulting in perfectly textured stuffing.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your mixture before cooking, and adjust salt and pepper as needed to suit your palate.
• Incorporate different herbs: Experiment with herbs like sage, thyme, or oregano for varied flavors.
• Customize protein options: Substitute sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version while keeping it flavorful.
• Monitor moisture levels: Ensure the mixture isn’t too wet; add stock gradually until just moistened.
• Stir regularly during cooking: Stir every 30 minutes to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

When planning your meal, consider these fantastic side dishes that pair well with Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing. They will round out your dining experience beautifully.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes provide a comforting contrast to the stuffing’s texture.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These caramelized sprouts add earthy flavors and crunch, enhancing your plate’s appeal.
3. Cranberry Sauce: A sweet-tart cranberry sauce brightens up the meal and balances out the savory notes of sausage stuffing.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole: The natural sweetness complements the stuffing, creating a delightful flavor harmony.
5. Green Bean Almondine: Crisp-tender green beans topped with toasted almonds offer freshness and crunch beside hearty stuffing.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Serve these warm muffins as they soak up flavors beautifully and add an extra layer of comfort to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing, small mistakes can lead to big differences in flavor and texture. Here are common pitfalls to watch for:

• Using stale bread: Fresh bread provides the best texture. If using dried bread cubes, make sure they are adequately dried out overnight.
• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing the sausage and vegetables enhances flavors significantly. Don’t rush this step; it takes only about 10 minutes.
• Overloading the slow cooker: Ensure you don’t pack the stuffing too tightly. This can lead to uneven cooking. Leave some space for heat circulation.
• Not checking moisture levels: The stuffing should be moist but not soggy. If it looks dry before cooking, add a little more stock.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking on low for the recommended 4 hours is essential for proper flavor development. Adjust if your slow cooker runs hot or cool.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

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: Heat in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing?

Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing is a flavorful side dish made with dried bread cubes, sausage, herbs, and vegetables cooked slowly to enhance flavors.

Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes! Feel free to use turkey sausage or any other preferred flavor that suits your taste.

How do I make my stuffing vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version of Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing, substitute sausage with plant-based options and vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook.

What dishes pair well with Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing?

This stuffing complements roasted meats, poultry dishes, or even serves as a hearty side for holiday meals.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing is not just a delicious addition to any meal; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite herbs or substituting ingredients based on what you have on hand. Enjoy experimenting with this comforting dish!