Savory Crock Pot Sausage & Herb Stuffing
This flavorful and hearty stuffing is perfect for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. With a delightful blend of savory sausage, fresh herbs, and a variety of seasonings, this stuffing elevates your traditional recipes to a whole new level. What sets it apart is its generous quantity, ensuring there's more than enough to satisfy everyone at the table. Easily serve it directly from the crock pot, adding convenience to your meal prep. Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite additions like sautéed mushrooms or caramelized apples, taking the flavor to new heights.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bread
1 loaf (broken into pieces and dried overnight)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Poultry Seasoning
to taste
Garlic Powder
to taste
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Celery
2 ribs (chopped, including leafy part)
Fresh Parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Butter
1/2 cup (unsalted)
Bulk Sausage
1 lb (removed from casings, if necessary)
Chicken Broth
1 1/2 cups
Instructions
1
Begin by breaking the loaf of bread into small, bite-sized pieces and allowing it to dry out overnight for the best texture.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread pieces with salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and garlic powder, mixing evenly.
3
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion, chopped celery, and chopped parsley. Sauté until they are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
4
In a separate pan, cook the bulk sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon until it is browned and fully cooked.
5
Combine the sautéed vegetable mixture and the browned sausage in the bowl with the seasoned bread crumbs, mixing gently to distribute evenly.
6
Gradually pour in the chicken broth, moisten the mixture, and stir until all ingredients are well combined. Adjust the amount of broth to achieve your desired level of moisture.
7
Transfer the stuffing mixture to the crock pot, spreading it out evenly. Cover with a lid and cook on low for about 3 hours. Stir occasionally and check for moisture, adding more broth if necessary to prevent it from drying out around the edges.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Crock Pot Sausage & Herb Stuffing?
It is a flavorful and hearty side dish made with a blend of savory sausage, fresh herbs, and dried bread pieces, all cooked slowly in a crock pot.
How many people does this stuffing recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 8 servings.
What type of bread should I use for this stuffing?
The recipe calls for one loaf of bread broken into small, bite-sized pieces.
How should I prepare the bread for the best texture?
You should break the bread into pieces and allow it to dry out overnight before mixing it with other ingredients.
Can I use store-bought stuffing cubes?
While the recipe suggests drying a fresh loaf overnight, store-bought dried bread cubes can be used as a convenient substitute.
What kind of sausage is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 lb of bulk sausage. If you only have link sausage, you can remove the casings before cooking.
Do I need to cook the sausage before putting it in the crock pot?
Yes, the sausage should be browned and fully cooked in a pan over medium-high heat before being combined with the bread.
Which vegetables are included in this herb stuffing?
This recipe includes one medium chopped onion, two ribs of chopped celery (including the leafy parts), and fresh chopped parsley.
Why should I sauté the vegetables first?
Sautéing the onion, celery, and parsley in butter makes them softened and fragrant, which enhances the overall flavor of the stuffing.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The stuffing is seasoned with salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and garlic powder to taste.
What can I use as a substitute for poultry seasoning?
If you do not have poultry seasoning, you can use a blend of dried sage, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.
How much chicken broth should I add?
The recipe suggests starting with 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth, adding it gradually to achieve your desired moisture level.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth can be used as a direct substitute for chicken broth if you prefer.
What is the recommended cooking time in the crock pot?
The stuffing should be cooked on the low setting for approximately 3 hours.
Should I stir the stuffing while it is in the crock pot?
Yes, you should stir occasionally and check for moisture to ensure it cooks evenly.
How do I prevent the stuffing from drying out at the edges?
Check the crock pot periodically and add more chicken broth if you notice the edges are becoming too dry.
Can I add mushrooms to this stuffing?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms are a recommended optional addition to take the flavor to new heights.
Is it possible to add fruit to this recipe?
Caramelized apples are a great addition if you want a sweet and savory flavor profile.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
For maximum convenience, you can serve the stuffing directly from the crock pot.
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and dry the bread in advance, then combine and cook when ready.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can this stuffing be frozen?
Yes, cooked stuffing can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for later use.
How do I reheat the stuffing?
You can reheat it in the microwave or oven, adding a small amount of broth if it needs extra moisture.
What makes this stuffing good for holidays?
Its generous quantity and classic herb-sausage profile make it an ideal side dish for large family gatherings.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe because the crock pot does most of the work.
What is the preparation time for the bread?
The bread requires being broken into pieces and sitting out overnight to dry.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the amount of additional salt you add to the bread mixture.
Should I use fresh or dried parsley?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of fresh parsley for the best flavor.
Is this stuffing moist or crunchy?
Because it is cooked in a crock pot with chicken broth, it is primarily moist and tender, though the edges may get slightly crisp.