Slow-Cooker Turkey Stuffing

In my family we all love turkey stuffing and there is usually never enough. This recipe and method solves that very dilemma. I make a big recipe of stuffing, stuff the turkey and then put the remaining stuffing into a crock-pot or slow-cooker to cook. When the turkey is finished cooking I simply add the turkey stuffing into the crock-pot stuffing. The turkey stuffing is usually very moist and has extra flavour from the turkey so it is nice to do a combination. You do not have to stuff the turkey at all. You can simply add all the stuffing to the slow-cooker. Either way this makes a very tasty dressing. I like to use a variety of breads to add more flavour and texture. Remember that this recipe is just a guide and the desired texture is completely up to you. Add more seasonings, or less, more liquid or less. Sometimes I add grated carrots to the onions and celery.

Ingredients

½ cup butter
2 cups chopped onion
2 cups chopped celery
12 cups bread cubed (choose a variety such as brown, rye, bagels, white etc.)
1-2 tsp poultry seasoning
½ tsp marjoram
1 tsp Kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
2-3 cups chicken broth (might not need all of it) or you may need a little more.

Instructions

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Saute onion & celery, stirring frequently. Cook until onions and celery are soft.

Spoon cooked vegetables over bread cubes in a very large mixing bowl. Season with poultry seasoning, marjoram and salt and pepper. Pour in enough broth to moisten,(might not need all the chicken broth). Or you may need more it just depends on your taste. Remember not to add all at once as you do not want a mushy stuffing!! Feel free to add more seasonings, this recipe is just a guide. Seasoning is all about personal taste.

I often stuff the turkey with some of the stuffing and put the remainder in the slow cooker. When the turkey is finished cooking I add the stuffing from the bird into the slow cooker stuffing and it adds even more moisture and extra flavour. This is not necessary but a choice. You can simply add all the stuffing mixture to the slow cooker.

Cook in slow cooker on low for about 4-5 hours. Check the stuffing to make sure it is not drying out. If it is add a little more chicken broth to the stuffing and stir.

Feel free to add any other seasonings of your choice such as thyme or sage etc

** Note, for most slow cooker recipes it’s not advised to lift the cover, it is recommended for this one to stir occasionally to alleviate sticking.

Slow-Cooker Turkey Stuffing

Break bread into small bite size pieces. I do it with my hands but feel free to chop bread with a knife. 

Melt butter in a skillet pan. Add onions and celery. Cook until soft.

Add onions and celery to bread. Stir to combine. Add seasonings. Taste to ensure it is seasoned well.

Add a couple cups of chicken broth. Test for moisture. Not too wet and not too dry. 

Add caption

Stuff  some of the dressing into the turkey if you want. Remember to not stuff to tightly!!

Secure dressing in the cavity. I am using a turkey pin here.

If there is room in the neck of the turkey I usually stuff a little in there to.

Place bird in a cooking pan. Butter and season with salt and pepper.

Add caption

Place the rest of the stuffing into a large crock-pot.Cook on low for about 4-5 hours. Stirring occasionally and adding more chicken broth if required. 

When the turkey is ready, add the turkey dressing to the crock-pot and combine.