Delicious Crock Pot Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
When it comes to Thanksgiving or any celebratory meal, what’s on the table is nearly as important as who’s sitting around it. As a culinary explorer, I’m here to share with you my delicious and easy recipe for Crock Pot Cornbread Stuffing! This recipe is sure to wow your guests and satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your next holiday dinner.
As we all know, stuffing plays an integral role in Thanksgiving dinner, but that doesn’t mean it has to be complicated. My recipe is not only mouth-watering but also incredibly simple to prepare. The use of a crockpot will not only free up oven space, but also help the flavors meld together beautifully as it cooks slowly throughout the day.
The combination of crumbled cornbread, chicken broth, sausage, and herbs will create a depth of flavor that your guests won’t soon forget. This recipe is ideal for busy moms or college students cooking for their friends during Thanksgiving. Trust me; once you taste my Crock Pot Cornbread Stuffing Recipe, there will be no going back to boxed varieties! So, let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This crock pot cornbread stuffing recipe is a true masterpiece that will leave you craving for more. It has the perfect blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy all your taste buds.
What makes this recipe truly unique is its simplicity and convenience. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you can easily whip up this cornbread stuffing with minimal effort.
Not only is this recipe hassle-free, but it’s also versatile. You can easily swap out ingredients to cater to your preferences. For example, if you’re not fond of pork sausage, you can easily substitute it for ground turkey or chicken.
Whether you’re making this dish for Thanksgiving, a potluck, or just a casual family dinner, this crock pot cornbread stuffing recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up day-old bread and leftover cornbread.
Don’t miss out on making this easy yet delicious meal that will become your go-to recipe for any occasion. So give it a try today and indulge in the blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing with joy!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Crock Pot Cornbread Stuffing Recipe:
For the cornbread:
- 1 box Jiffy Cornbread Mix
- 1 egg
- â…“ cup milk
- 1/3 cup melted butter
For the stuffing:
- 5 cups day-old bread, toasted and cubed
- 4 cups crumbled cornbread
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons sage
Note: You can also use herb stuffing or sausage stuffing mix instead of the bread cubes. The amounts remain the same.
Optional additions:
- Chopped kale
- Cranberries
- Pecans
These will add extra flavor and texture to your stuffing but are not required.
The Recipe How-To
It’s time to get your hands dirty and make this mouthwatering crock pot cornbread stuffing recipe. Follow these easy steps to create the ultimate Thanksgiving dish that your friends and family will love.
Ingredients:
Before starting, make sure you have all the ingredients.
- 8 cups cubed day-old bread
- 6 cups crumbled cornbread
- 1 pound pork sausage
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.75 oz) of cream of chicken soup
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and pepper as per taste
Instructions:
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In a skillet, cook the pork sausage over medium heat until it is no longer pink, for about six to eight minutes, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
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Add in the chopped onion and celery to the skillet and sauté for five to seven minutes or until tender.
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Use a slow cooker that is at least 6 quarts large, and coat its inside with cooking spray.
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Add cubed day-old bread, crumbled cornbread, sausage mixture (from step one), chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, beaten eggs, dried sage, melted butter, salt and pepper into the slow cooker. Mix them together until everything is fully combined.
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Place the slow cooker on low heat and let it cook for four hours or until the stuffing is hot in the center and brown along the edges.
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Pro tip: While cooking for four hours isn’t ideal if you’re short on time, you can opt for cooking it on high heat for two hours instead but keep an eye on it!
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Once it’s done, fluff up the stuffing using a fork before serving!
Notes:
This crock pot cornbread stuffing recipe is perfect for holiday dinners or potlucks because it frees up valuable oven space! It can feed up to eight people but can easily be doubled or halved depending on your requirements. If cornbread dressing isn’t your thing but you still have a taste for stuffing mix, try swapping out a box of herb stuffing mix with cornbread; you won’t be disappointed!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling creative and want to put your own spin on this recipe, there are a few substitutions and variations you can make.
Firstly, you can switch up the type of bread used in the recipe. Instead of day-old bread or cornbread, try using sourdough, French bread or even croissants for a richer and more indulgent stuffing.
For the meat component, instead of pork sausage, you could use ground turkey, chicken, or even meatless crumbles for a vegetarian option. You can also add other ingredients to the mix such as diced apples, dried cranberries or nuts like pecans or walnuts for some texture and flavor.
If you are looking for a healthier option, consider replacing cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or a low-fat chicken broth. Alternatively, you can omit the canned soup altogether and use herbs and spices like thyme and savory to enhance the flavor.
Lastly, if you have any leftover stuffing from a previous meal or even homemade stuffing mix, you can incorporate it into this recipe for an extra dimension of depth and flavor.
The possibilities with this recipe are endless! So don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors until you find a combination that suits your palate.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing your crock pot cornbread stuffing, it’s important to consider the occasion and your desired level of indulgence. This stuffing pairs perfectly with roasted or baked poultry such as chicken or turkey, and also goes well with pork dishes.
For Thanksgiving, a traditional pairing would be to serve this stuffing alongside a succulent roast turkey with gravy. Or for something different, try pairing the stuffing with slow-cooked pork loin and a side of collard greens.
If you’re looking for a heartier meal, you can serve the stuffing as its own main dish by adding ground pork or sausage to the recipe. This variation makes for a delicious and filling supper on any occasion.
For a lighter meal, you can pair the stuffing with some fresh mixed greens dressed lightly in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Another savory Thanksgiving idea is to make a bowl of creamy chicken soup using cream of chicken soup and leftover turkey. Then add some of this slow cooker cornbread stuffing to the top right before serving for added flavor and depth.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this crock pot cornbread stuffing recipe is sure to enhance any dining experience with its classic southern flavors and comforting texture.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this crock pot cornbread stuffing recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later. After cooking, you can let it cool down and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to serve.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the stuffing to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you’re ready to reheat, transfer the stuffing to a slow cooker or large pot, add a little bit of chicken broth to retain moisture and cook for about 30-40 minutes on low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
To freeze, place your cooled cornbread dressing into a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. The stuffing will keep in the freezer for up to two months. To reheat, allow thawing overnight in the fridge or let it defrost on the kitchen counter until the ice has melted entirely. Transfer the stuffing back into a slow cooker, add a splash of chicken broth and reheat on low until warm through.
When reheating leftover stuffing, be sure to check its internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure it reaches at least 165°F before serving.
With these easy storing and reheating tips, you can enjoy your delicious crock pot cornbread stuffing any time of year!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients and are ready to start preparing your crock pot cornbread stuffing, keep these tips in mind for perfect results.
First of all, make sure to use day-old bread and day-old cornbread for this recipe. This allows the bread to dry out a bit and better absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.
When it comes to the cornbread, don’t skimp on quality. Use a high-quality mix or make your own using a tried-and-true recipe. A good cornbread is essential to a great stuffing.
To give your stuffing a little extra flavor, add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, in addition to the sage. Be careful not to overpower the dish with too much herb flavor though – this is meant to be a complement, not the star of the show.
You can adjust the consistency of your stuffing by adding more or less chicken broth. If you like your stuffing moist and dense, use less broth. If you prefer it lighter and fluffier, use more broth.
When adding eggs to your mixture, be sure not to overbeat them. Too much air will cause your stuffing to puff up while cooking and then deflate later, leaving it with an unappetizing texture.
Make sure that you mix everything together thoroughly before transferring it to the slow cooker. You don’t want some parts of the stuffing to be too dry or too wet.
Lastly, resist the urge to stir the stuffing once it’s in the slow cooker. You risk breaking apart the contents and ending up with a mushy mess instead of fluffy goodness. Trust the process and let it cook undisturbed.
Follow these tips for perfect results every time you make this crock pot cornbread stuffing recipe. Your family and friends will thank you!
Bottom Line
In summary, this Crock Pot Cornbread Stuffing Recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for an easy and delicious side dish that will complement your holiday main dishes perfectly. With a perfect blend of cornbread dressing, chicken broth, sage, onions and celery, it ensures that you’ll have the best homemade stuffing ever.
Whether you’re looking to spice up your Thanksgiving dinner or just seeking comfort food on a cold winter night, this recipe is guaranteed to impress you and your guests. And with various substitutions and variations available, you can customize it to your preferences to create a unique culinary experience.
So, why not give it a shot? You won’t be disappointed, I promise. Plus, with the slow-cooking method, you can walk away and let the crock pot do its magical work! Don’t forget to share it with your friends and family, they will thank you for it.
In conclusion, this Crock Pot Cornbread Stuffing Recipe is an excellent addition to any holiday feast or weeknight dinner. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and offers great flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy. So go ahead and try out this recipe today!
Crock Pot Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 loaf cornbread (8 inch square)
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 8 slices toasted bread
- 1 small chopped onion
- 2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 2 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sage
- salt
- 3 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Crumble the bread and toast into a large bowl.
- Add all ingredients except butter and toss to mix well.
- Put in crock pot and dot with butter.
- Cook on high for 2 hours or more.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.