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Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing

This Slow Cooker Sausage Herb Stuffing Recipe brings together everything you love about classic holiday flavors — savory Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and perfectly soft-yet-crispy bread cubes — all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. No oven space needed! With golden edges, rich buttery flavor, and a satisfying blend of rosemary, thyme, and sage, this is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish or any-day comfort food that tastes like it’s been baked with love.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf French bread cut into 1-inch cubes and left to dry overnight
  • ½ cup unsalted butter diced into small cubes
  • 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage mild or spicy
  • 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary finely minced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh sage finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Prepare the bread: Dice the loaf of French bread into cubes and let it sit uncovered overnight to dry.
  • Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  • Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter and add diced onion and celery. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.
  • Add the herbs: Stir in rosemary, sage, and thyme. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to release their flavor.
  • Combine everything: In a large bowl, add the dried bread cubes, cooked sausage, and sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and toss gently until evenly moistened.
  • Season: Add salt, pepper, and parsley, mixing to combine. Adjust moisture if needed with a bit more broth.
  • Transfer to slow cooker: Lightly grease the slow cooker insert and pour in the stuffing mixture, pressing down lightly.
  • Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or until heated through and the top is slightly crisp.
  • Crisp up (optional): For extra crunch, uncover during the last 30 minutes or transfer to a baking dish and broil for a few minutes before serving.
  • Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm alongside your favorite main dish.

Notes

  • Use day-old bread for best texture — it absorbs liquid without becoming mushy.
  • Add more chicken broth for a softer stuffing or less for a firmer texture.
  • Don’t skip the herbs — fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme add classic stuffing flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best results.