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 will be stated for Crockpot Mashed Potatoes), there’s a robust argument that it truly tastes higher.
Crock pot stuffing stays extra moist within the middle and has extra floor space for the delightfully crispy, golden edges.
Plus, outsourcing the stuffing to the gradual cooker means your coveted oven area shall 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 need to squeeze the turkey within the oven too.
5 Star Assessment
“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!
Every time somebody tells me that they don’t look after Thanksgiving stuffing, a unfavourable pronouncement I’ve heard with shocking frequency contemplating that the recipe’s major ingredient can be one of many world’s hottest meals (bread), it makes me somewhat bit unhappy inside.
It additionally makes me need 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 occasions out of 10, anybody I’ve met who doesn’t like stuffing has solely skilled the boxed stuff.
I’ve nothing towards a top 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 are doused in hen inventory, blended with a bland spice packet, and emerge from the oven in considered one of two states: bone dry or unappetizingly soggy (and you’ll’t repair soggy stuffing).
No, thanks. My restricted Thanksgiving abdomen actual property is best allotted elsewhere.
Do-it-yourself bread stuffing, nevertheless? Now THAT is a totally completely different story!
Stuffing vs. Dressing
Technically, Thanksgiving stuffing is baked contained in the turkey (therefore the identify “stuffing”), whereas dressing is baked in a separate pan.
- Baking stuffing contained in the chicken is usually not advisable, 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 is just not going to be almost sufficient to feed the group.
- So, if you need to be technical, this recipe ought to be referred to as “crock pot dressing” not “crock pot stuffing”. The 2 phrases are used fairly interchangeably, nevertheless. I grew up saying “stuffing,” and the behavior caught.
The right way to Make Crock Pot Stuffing
The fantastic thing about selfmade stuffing is all the 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 as we speak’s crock pot stuffing is the mixture of elements I return to repeatedly.
The Components
- Bread. Excessive-quality artisan bread could make all of the distinction in a selfmade stuffing recipe. Entire grain rustic bread or sourdough bread is one of the best bread for stuffing.
- Pecans. I like including pecans to this stuffing recipe. They add an exquisite nutty taste and crunch.
- Celery. Crisp and recent.
- Herbs. Recent sage and thyme add a comfortable, refined earthiness that tastes like pure fall goodness.
- Apple. For the best texture, select a crisp apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Woman.
- Dried Cranberries. I like the contact of chewy sweetness that dried cranberries add to the stuffing.
Recipe Upgrades
In case you’d prefer to take this crock pot stuffing with apples to the following degree, you possibly can flip this right into a crockpot stuffing with sausage (I exploit turkey or hen sausage) or sautéed mushrooms.
Simply you should definitely watch the capability of your crock pot. You could 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 ought to be cooked lined). Prepare dinner on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. Prime with recent parsley and ENJOY!
Tip!
I don’t suggest cooking this recipe on HIGH, as it could not prepare dinner all over earlier than the perimeters start to burn.
Storage Suggestions
- 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 may as well 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 Suggestions
You’ll be able to individually prep all of the stuffing parts (bread and nuts, greens, egg-and-broth combination), then retailer them individually, conserving the bread and nuts at room temperature and the remainder 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 be a scrumptious mixture. Or serve this stuffing with a hearty vegetarian major.
- Sluggish Cooker. Vital in each kitchen!
- Baking Sheets. Getting the bread cubes good and toasty first is crucial, and these baking sheets are excellent for the job.
- Non-stick Skillet. No extra stuck-on bits of meals with this skillet.
Finest 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 recent sage leaves
- 6 sprigs thyme leaves stripped off (discard the powerful stems)
- 1 crisp apple resembling Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Woman (I left the peels on, however you possibly can peel if you happen to choose), medium diced
- 1 cup reduced-sugar dried cranberries
- 2 massive eggs calmly crushed
- 3 cups reduced-sodium turkey broth or hen broth
- Recent parsley optionally available for serving
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Flippantly 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 extra minutes. Watch the nuts very fastidiously in direction of the top 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 extra minutes.
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Stir within the sage and thyme and let prepare dinner 1 extra 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 nicely 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. This may assist take in moisture. Cowl, letting the paper towel poke out the edges of the lid, and prepare dinner on low for 3 to 4 hours, till calmly crisp across the edges and set within the middle. If desired, sprinkle with recent parsley. Serve heat.
- TO MAKE AHEAD: You’ll be able to individually prep all of the stuffing parts (bread and nuts, greens, egg-and-broth combination), then retailer them individually, conserving the bread/nuts at room temperature and the remainder 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 may as well 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 could not prepare dinner all over earlier than the perimeters 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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