Picture this: The leaves outside your window are changing colors, and the crisp autumn air is seeping in through the cracks of your home. Your family is gathered together in the kitchen, making delicious aromas fill the air. You’re preparing for Thanksgiving, and you want everything to turn out perfectly.

That’s why I’m here to share my Super Easy Crock-Pot Sausage Dressing Recipe with you. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it also saves you time and energy on one of the busiest cooking days of the year.

Say goodbye to slaving over a stove while your family enjoys other festivities. This recipe allows you to spend more time with your loved ones and less time cooking. Trust me, your family will thank you for it.

But don’t just take my word for it – give this recipe a try and see for yourself why it’s bound to become a new favorite at all of your holiday gatherings. So let’s grab our crock-pots and get ready to make some mouth-watering sausage stuffing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Imagine walking into your kitchen and being embraced by the warm, aromatic fragrance of sausage stuffing slowly cooking in a crock pot. Is there anything better than savoring the scent of home-cooked goodness wafting through your home? I think not.

But wait, it gets better! This isn’t just any ordinary crock pot stuffing recipe; this is a nana bessie slow cooker sausage dressing recipe that is so super easy to make, even if you’re not an experienced chef or culinary artist.

Now, picture yourself taking the first taste of this savory treat. Each bite is bursting with russet hues and distinct flavors from the savory bulk pork sausage, tart apple, herb-seasoned stuffing cubes, finely chopped celery ribs, and onions. This slow cooker sausage stuffing recipe even has a unique twist with crispy walnuts and pecans scattered delicately throughout.

This crock pot sausage dressing recipe is versatile enough to serve on any occasion – whether it’s for a big feast on Thanksgiving, or as a comforting side dish for everyday meals. And come to think of it, why should it only be seasonal? Don’t be afraid to whip up a batch and enjoy the flavorful smells and tastes of this hearty slow cooker stuffing recipe all year round!

To sum up: if you love home-cooked goodness that tantalizes your senses with warm fragrances and delicious tastes, then this sausage stuffing recipe is perfect for you! It’s easy to make, versatile, and oh-so-tasty! So go ahead and give yourself a well-deserved treat with this slow cooker crock pot sausage stuffing recipe. You won’t regret it!

Ingredient List

The ultimate comfort food: Crock Pot Sausage Dressing

Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious crock pot sausage dressing recipe:

1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 celery ribs, thinly sliced
12 oz. of bulk pork sausage
1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans
2 cups of diced tart apple (peeled and cored)
12 cups herb-seasoned stuffing cubes
1 teaspoon of rubbed sage
1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth or turkey broth
Cooking spray

All the ingredients above can be easily found in your nearby grocery store. You can adjust some of the ingredients to suit your preference, like replacing pork sausage with turkey sausage, adding mushrooms or substituting some bread cubes with cornbread.

The Recipe How-To

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRbXUzK4RfM

Now that we have listed all the ingredients for our Crock Pot Sausage Dressing Recipe, let’s move on to the next essential part: the recipe how-to. As you will see, making this dish using a slow cooker is super easy and requires minimal effort.

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Before starting on the recipe, grease your slow cooker using a cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Cook Your Sausage

To cook your sausage, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add in your sausage (casings removed) and start cooking for about 6-8 minutes until it’s fully cooked. While doing so, make sure to crumble it down into pieces; this will prevent large chunks of sausage ending up in your dressing. Towards the end of cooking, add in the chopped celery and onions and continue cooking until they become soft.

Step 3: Prepare the Bread Cubes

While the sausage is cooking, start preparing your bread cubes by cutting them into smaller bite-sized pieces (about 1″). You can use either French bread or herb-seasoned stuffing cubes for this recipe.

Step 4: Mix Everything in a Bowl

In a large bowl, mix together your cooked sausage mixture with your bread cubes. Add in the chicken broth, rubbed sage, salt, ground black pepper, melted butter/margarine (depending on your preference), diced tart apples, egg substitute (if using), and chopped walnuts/pecans.

Step 5: Transfer to Your Slow Cooker

Once everything is well combined, transfer everything to your greased slow cooker/ crockpot. Use a spatula to make sure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 6: Cook on High Heat

Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it on high heat for about 4 hours or until it is heated through thoroughly. Be sure to stir the mixture occasionally as it cooks.

Step 7: Serve Hot!

The slow-cooker method guarantees that every bit of our sausage stuffing is perfectly moist and tender! Whether you serve this dish as a Thanksgiving side or on any other occasion, I guarantee everybody will be asking you for the recipe!

Substitutions and Variations

This dish is a winner on any dinner table!

When it comes to making stuffing, there are countless ways you can personalize the flavors to suit your taste buds. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider when making this crock pot sausage stuffing recipe.

Substitutions:

– Chicken broth: If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can substitute it with vegetable broth, turkey broth or even water. Just be aware that if you use water instead of broth, you’ll need to adjust the seasonings to ensure the stuffing is flavorful.

– Bread cubes: While herb-seasoned stuffing cubes work great in this recipe, feel free to swap them out for cornbread or even French bread cubes. You can also make your own bread cubes by cutting up stale bread into small pieces.

– Sausage: This recipe calls for bulk pork sausage, but you can substitute it with Italian sausage or even ground turkey for a lighter version.

– Onion: If you’re not a fan of onions, you can leave them out altogether. Or, try substituting them with finely chopped shallots for a milder onion flavor.

Variations:

– Mushroom and Sausage Stuffing: Add sliced mushrooms to the crock pot during the last hour of cooking for an earthy twist on classic sausage stuffing.

– Cornbread Dressing: Use cornbread stuffing mix and add diced celery and bell peppers for a Southern-inspired dressing.

– Apple Stuffing: Dice a tart apple into small pieces and add it to the stuffing mixture for a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the sausage and herbs.

– Gluten-Free Stuffing: Use gluten-free herb-seasoned stuffing cubes or make your own gluten-free bread cubes using your favorite gluten-free bread recipe.

No matter which substitutions or variations you choose to make, this crock pot sausage dressing recipe is super easy and versatile enough to accommodate any palate.

Serving and Pairing

Let the Crock Pot do the work while you enjoy time with family and friends

Once you’ve let your slow cooker work its magic, it’s time to dig in and savor the succulent flavors of this delicious sausage stuffing. This dish is a perfect choice for any holiday gathering or special occasion – it is sure to impress even the most difficult-to-please guests.

When it comes to pairing your crockpot sausage dressing, there are many options to choose from. You could pair this hearty dish with a glass of red wine or a light and refreshing beer. A crisp apple cider would also complement the flavors of the tart apple in the dish quite nicely.

This recipe pairs beautifully with all sorts of side dishes as well. You could serve it alongside cooked vegetables like green beans or carrots, or add some color with a fresh salad. For an extra-special touch, consider topping your sausage stuffing with some extra walnuts, pecans, or bread cubes for added texture and flavor.

If you have some leftovers, this sausage stuffing can be enjoyed on its own as a warming and nourishing lunch or dinner option in the days following your meal. It’s filled with enough protein and fiber to keep you feeling satisfied and energized throughout the day.

In conclusion, whether you’re serving up a holiday feast or simply looking for an indulgent meal to enjoy on a quiet night at home, this crock pot sausage dressing recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for hearty, delicious comfort food.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

The perfect blend of savory sausage and soft bread

Making this sausage stuffing ahead of time for Thanksgiving or any other holiday meal is a great idea. It saves so much time and effort on the day-of, allowing you to relax and enjoy the company of your guests. To start, just follow the instructions for making the recipe, without cooking it. Once you’ve prepared your sausage stuffing in your crock pot/slow cooker or other cooking vessel, allow it to cool down to room temperature before storing it in airtight containers.

If you plan on serving the sausage stuffing within 1-2 days, you can simply place the containers in your refrigerator, which will help cut down on prep work come game day. Otherwise, you may choose to freeze them for longer-term storage – just make sure to wrap them well with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before sticking them in the freezer. When ready to serve, simply thaw overnight in your fridge, reheat and enjoy! This stuffing reheats beautifully both in the oven (350°F for 15-20 minutes) and in a microwave.

Leftover stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3-4 days after serving. Reheating can be done in a microwave or oven (either individually or as one big dish). Just add a splash of chicken broth or water on top so that it doesn’t dry out. Remember that reheating cooked meat requires careful attention, since overcooking may lead to tough and dry results. Therefore, be sure to reheat it gently and avoid overcooking it if possible.

Overall, this sausage stuffing recipe is perfect for making ahead and enjoying for holiday get-togethers or other special occasions all year round – just remember these tips and tricks to get the most out of your dish.

Tips for Perfect Results

Say hello to your new favorite Thanksgiving side dish

When it comes to making the perfect sausage dressing in your crock pot, the key is to have all ingredients prepped and ready to cook. It’s no secret that using fresh herbs and spices will add more flavor to any dish. Therefore, my first tip would be to use freshly ground black pepper and rubbed sage for a unique flavor profile.

Butter or margarine is an essential part of this recipe, so choosing a high-quality butter or butter substitute will make a big difference in the taste and texture of your sausage dressing. I recommend using one stick (1/2 cup) of butter or a suitable margarine substitute.

Incorporating egg substitute into your mixture gives a rich texture to the stuffing, but if you don’t have egg substitute on hand, feel free to omit it. This recipe is still super easy without it.

If you like crunchy nuts in your stuffing, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans along with some diced tart apple for an extra layer of flavor and crunchiness.

The chicken broth is an essential ingredient, so use a good quality broth to achieve the perfect balance of flavor in your sausage dressing.

For the herb-seasoned stuffing cubes, I used Pepperidge Farm but feel free to use your favorite brand or even make your own bread cubes with French bread.

When cooking the celery ribs and onion in butter in a large skillet over medium heat for around 5 minutes, make sure not to overcook them. They should still be slightly crisp as they will continue cooking in the slow cooker.

To avoid soggy stuffing, avoid lifting the lid of the slow cooker during cooking time. However tempting, keep from stirring too much towards the end or it will destroy the structure of your beautifully cooked stuffing.

If you are looking for gluten-free options, consider swapping out the herb-seasoned stuffing cubes with gluten-free bread cubes or cornbread stuffing mix. Additionally, there are plenty of gluten-free sausage options available at most grocery stores.

Lastly, presentation is everything! To elevate your sausage dressing even further, consider topping with additional chopped walnuts, parsley or sage before serving.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll have yourself a delicious slow-cooker sausage dressing recipe that will undoubtedly be a hit at any gathering.

FAQ

Before we wrap up this recipe article, let’s address some frequently asked questions that you might have about this delicious crock pot sausage dressing. From ingredient substitutions to cooking times, these questions and answers will help ensure that your dish turns out perfectly every time. So, let’s dive in!

Why do you put eggs in stuffing?

To prevent your stuffing from becoming too dry or watery, try incorporating some chicken broth and lightly beaten eggs into the mix. These ingredients not only provide moisture but also help to bind the stuffing together.

How do you keep dressing warm in a crock pot?

Whether you’ve made your stuffing inside the turkey or in a separate dish, it’s important to keep it warm and safe to eat. A great solution for this is transferring the stuffing to a crockpot. By setting the slow cooker to the Warm setting, the stuffing can stay at the perfect temperature without becoming overcooked or dried out. Wondering how to reheat stuffing without sacrificing its delicious texture and flavor? Keep reading for some helpful tips.

Is it OK to make stuffing the day before?

Preparing stuffing in advance is a fantastic way to streamline your Thanksgiving dinner preparations and conserve precious oven space. This recipe allows you to make the dish up to three days ahead.

How do you keep stuffing warm and moist?

When reheating stuffing, a simple way to enhance its flavor is by adding some butter or oil, along with a tablespoon or two of broth, per serving. This can be done by mixing the butter and broth together and generously drizzling it over the stuffing before placing it into the oven. By doing so, the stuffing will come out moist and flavorful, making it a highlight of any meal.

Bottom Line

Now that you’ve read all about this delicious crock pot sausage dressing recipe, I hope you’re ready to get in the kitchen and start cooking! With its mix of savory pork sausage, tart apple, and crunchy walnuts, this stuffing recipe is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering or family dinner.

But don’t just take my word for it – try it out for yourself! With easy-to-find ingredients and a super simple preparation technique, anyone can make this recipe. And with so many variations and substitutions possible, you can truly make it your own.

So what are you waiting for? Get your slow cooker or crock pot ready and start cooking up a storm! And be sure to let me know how it turns out – I love hearing from my readers. Happy cooking!

Recommended Recipes Just For You

Mouth-Watering Smothered Sausage That's Easy To Make

Tony

Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.

Delicious and Savory Sausage Dressing Recipe