Imagine a stuffing so incredibly delicious and effortless that it becomes the star of your holiday meal without keeping you chained to the kitchen. This no-mushroom crock pot stuffing is your secret weapon to creating a mouthwatering side dish that's packed with flavor, requires minimal effort, and will have your guests begging for the recipe. Whether you're a busy home cook or a holiday hosting pro, this foolproof stuffing will revolutionize your traditional cooking approach and save you precious time and stress.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the bread by cutting it into 1-inch cubes and letting them sit out for several hours or overnight to become slightly stale, which helps absorb the flavors better.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper to the sautéed vegetables, stirring to distribute the herbs evenly.
- Transfer the bread cubes to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture over the bread cubes.
- Gradually add vegetable broth to the bread mixture, stirring gently to ensure even moisture distribution without crushing the bread cubes.
- Grease the inside of the crock pot with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared crock pot, spreading it evenly.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn't dry out. If needed, add a little extra broth.
- The stuffing is done when it's heated through and the edges are slightly crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Let the stuffing rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.
Tips
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture and absorption of flavors. If your bread is fresh, cube it and let it sit out for several hours.
- Don't skip sautéing your vegetables! This step develops a deeper, richer flavor profile for your stuffing.
- Be careful not to over-moisten the bread. Add vegetable broth gradually and gently mix to prevent a soggy result.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary or parsley, or mix in some cooked and crumbled sausage.
- Always check the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.
- Let the stuffing rest after cooking to allow flavors to meld and achieve the perfect consistency.
- If the edges seem too dry during cooking, add a little extra broth to maintain moisture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
