Crockpot Stove Top Stuffing: A Flavorful Feast For The Holidays

Get Ready to Elevate Your Holiday Table with This Easy, Delicious Stuffed Recipe

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you know what that means – it’s time to gather the family, feast on delicious food, and enjoy some warm fuzzy memories. But while we all love the idea of a traditional Thanksgiving meal, sometimes the thought of standing over a hot stove for hours can feel a bit daunting.

The good news is, there’s a quicker, even more flavorful way to achieve stuffing perfection—a crockpot recipe that requires minimal effort and maximum flavor. This stove-top version takes the stress out of cooking while staying true to classic stuffing tradition.

Today, we’re diving into the heart of this delightful dish with our step-by-step guide on how to whip up a Crockpot Stove Top Stuffing that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Let’s begin!

Why Choose This Recipe?

This recipe offers a delightful balance of savory, comforting flavors, and it can be customized to your preferences, making it perfect for even the most discerning eaters. The key lies in using high-quality ingredients – fresh herbs, flavorful sausage, and a touch of sweetness from apples or dried cranberries.

The crockpot acts as the ultimate magic wand, allowing the stuffing to simmer low and slow, resulting in perfectly cooked kernels, tender sausage, and a rich aromatic sauce.

This is not just any kind of stuffing; it’s an experience, a ritual, a testament to family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

So, why wait? Let’s get cooking!

Step-by-Step Guide:

**Ingredients:**

• 1 pound of Italian Sausage (sweet or hot, your preference)
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or chopped apples (optional)
• 8 cups of bread cubes (your choice; sourdough, white bread, wheat)

**Equipment:**

• Large pot
• Crockpot
• Spatulas
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Wooden Spoon (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Brown the sausage:** In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain off excess grease.
2. **Caramelize the onions and celery:** Add in the chopped onion and celery to the skillet with the browned sausage. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. **Make the roux:** Sprinkle in the butter to the skillet and melt it. Add the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute. This will help create a smooth base for the stuffing.
4. **Add liquids and flavorings:** Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth), stir to combine, then add the dried sage, thyme, and pepper.
5. **Incorporate the sausage & vegetables:** Gently fold the cooked sausage mixture into the sauce. Then gently stir in the diced celery and carrots.
6. **Add bread cubes:** Combine the bread cubes with the stuffing mixture. You can mix them in by hand or use a spoon to combine, as needed.

**Crockpot Magic Time**:
Pour the entire stuffing into your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours.

**Tips:**

To elevate the texture and flavor of your stuffing, you can toast the bread cubes in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes before mixing them into the mixture.

For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle some dried cranberries or chopped apples into the stuffing.

Adding a few tablespoons of heavy cream to the final step will make your stuffing incredibly moist and rich.

**Serving:**

Once cooked, let the stuffing sit for 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to fully meld and develop its flavors. Serve hot alongside roasted turkey or ham and enjoy!

Why Not Just Use a Stovetop?

For those who love their hands-on experience of cooking, stove top stuffing can be just as delicious and comforting. The key is in the browning process; the caramelized onions and the savory sausage aroma will create a symphony of flavors that will have everyone wanting more.

The stovetop method allows for precise control over heat levels, ensuring your stuffing isn’t overcooked or dry.

It offers a unique opportunity to play with textures and ingredients while creating a personalized flavor profile.

If using a stove top method, remember to keep an eye on the cooking process to avoid burning the bread cubes, ensuring they retain their essential texture.