Imagine a stuffing so incredibly delicious that it steals the spotlight from the main course! This Slow Cooker Mushroom Stuffing is about to revolutionize your holiday cooking, transforming a traditional side dish into a mouth-watering masterpiece that will have your guests begging for seconds. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe proves that sometimes the simplest dishes are the most memorable.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the bread by cutting it into 1-inch cubes and letting them air dry for several hours or overnight to ensure proper texture.
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions and celery until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add the chopped mushrooms to the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and become lightly browned.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Gently toss the ingredients to distribute evenly.
- Slowly pour the vegetable broth over the bread mixture, stirring carefully to moisten the bread without making it soggy. The bread should be damp but not saturated.
- Grease the interior of the slow cooker with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture into the slow cooker, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the stuffing doesn't dry out. Add a little more broth if needed.
- Once the stuffing is heated through and has a slightly crispy top, turn off the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Fluff the stuffing with a fork before serving and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Bread Preparation is Key: Allow your bread cubes to air dry thoroughly. This helps them absorb the flavors without becoming mushy.
- Don't Rush the Sautéing: Take your time caramelizing the onions, celery, and mushrooms. This builds a deep, rich flavor base for your stuffing.
- Moisture Management: Add vegetable broth gradually. The goal is to dampen the bread, not create a soggy mess. You want a texture that's moist but not wet.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Use the slow cooker on low heat to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Final Touch: Let the stuffing rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding some crispy bacon bits or toasted nuts to your stuffing for added texture and depth!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
